Frequently Asked Questions About Study Abroad

Why study abroad?

BSC students say that study abroad was one of the highlights of their BSC careers. Studying and traveling abroad will enhance your academic experience by challenging you to obtain skills for your personal and professional life. In addition, it will offer you the chance to discover a new place and to develop fluency in a culture and a language unlike your own. You will experience and learn to adapt to a new culture; be exposed to different ideas, customs, and opinions; gain a new perspective on your own country and culture; and make new friends from many nations.

Who can go?

Sophomores, juniors, and some seniors (though senior year is not recommended) with a GPA of at least 2.5 are eligible. There are some international Interim study travel trips that allow freshmen to participate. You do not have to be able to speak a foreign language to study abroad. Students in any major can study abroad for up to an academic year for BSC credit toward their degrees.

When can I go?

Study abroad and international internship opportunities exist for summer, semester, academic year, and Interim terms.

Can I earn academic credit?

Yes, you can earn BSC credits toward your major, minor or general education and elective credits. This means you can study abroad for up to an academic year and graduate from BSC in four years.

Can I afford it?

The costs of studying abroad are comparable to studying and living on campus. In some cases they are less.

What about financial aid?

The Office of International Programs offers a number of exchange programs that allow students to keep their financial aid and scholarships. For information about these special programs, check out the OIP Web site under study abroad. Otherwise, all Federal Need-Based Aid can be applied to any approved study abroad program. The Office of International Programs also has funds available for those with a level of financial need, in addition to information about other non-BSC scholarship options.

Where can I go?

There are study abroad opportunities in over 60 countries available to you through the Office of International Programs. Come visit us to learn what options would be suit your interests.

How do I begin?

You can begin by visiting the Office of International Programs and the International Programs Web site both of which provide a wealth of information regarding study, work, and travel abroad opportunities. Once you have identified a program in which you would like to study, make an appointment with the Office of International Programs in the Norton Campus Center, Suite 280.

When do I apply?

The earlier you start completing the application process, the better. Note the application deadlines on this page.

How do I prepare to go abroad?

Birmingham-Southern College assists students with preparation for study abroad through a required course IS 101A entitled “Pre-Departure Topics for Study Abroad.” (Summer study abroad students attend a shorter-term orientation seminar.) In addition, the Office of International Programs and students recently returned from study abroad provide helpful, up-to-date information about logistical information. For information about the course, look on the Web site under pre-departure for information about the syllabus and course content.

If I study abroad for a year, do I have to complete an Interim project?

Yes. All students who study abroad complete an Interim course while they are abroad through a contract. In some cases, students are able to come home for the Interim term and return to their host country for the spring semester.

How many cultural events credits do I receive during each semester I am abroad?

For each semester abroad, students automatically receive five cultural events credits.

Where do students live while abroad?

There are many housing options available through our study abroad programs. The options include dorm rooms on campus, apartment living and home-stay experiences.

What happens if there is an emergency or if I get sick?

In cases of emergency or any other concerns, all students abroad and their parents have access to a 24-hr emergency contact both at BSC and in their host country. If a student is sick or requires hospitalization, the mandatory BSC study abroad insurance will cover them for the time they are abroad and also provides a worldwide assistance network that advises them about English-speaking hospitals and doctor’s around the world. Other insurance options are also available as well through the Office of International Programs.