Getting Started | International & Study Abroad Programs

GENERAL STUDY ABROAD GUIDELINES:
GETTING STARTED & BEYOND

One of the most rewarding educational experiences one can have is studying abroad. Living in another culture, meeting people with diverse backgrounds from all over the world, experiencing different academic settings and traditions, and possibly learning a new language stretches your mind in ways that no other experience can.

As a Fordham student you have access to short-term as well as full-term academic programs around the world and resources that make studying and living abroad an integral and rewarding part of your undergraduate education. Full-term (semester or academic year) study abroad is normally done during junior year and it requires extensive preparation and research, particularly during freshman and sophomore years, as competition for admission to most programs is very keen and preference is given to the most qualified applicants.

To keep you on track as you plan for your studies abroad, Fordham’s Office of International and Study Abroad Programs (ISAP) has created a list of things to consider early on (please click here) and, in chronological order below, specific steps you should be taking as you prepare:

For Freshmen and Sophomores:
• Research your interest
• Visit the Study Abroad home page (you are there!)
• Visit the Study Abroad resource rooms on Rose Hill (Walsh Library, 039) and
Lincoln Center (33 West 60th Street, Suite 309) campuses

For Sophomores and First Semester Juniors:

• Declare your major
• Discuss your international study plans with your dean, major advisor,
    academic references, and family
• Become familiar with Study Abroad Guidelines, Requirements and the
    Application Process
• Select a Study Abroad program
• Meet with a Study Abroad Advisor and your Major Advisor
• Choose the courses you will take abroad and get necessary approvals for
    courses that might count toward major or minor requirements
• Complete both the Fordham University Study Abroad Application and your
     Study Abroad Program Application (pay close attention to guidelines and
    make sure ISAP has copies of both applications)

Everyone, please read the following carefully:

Semester & Academic Year Study Abroad Guidelines
Application Process & Dates (for semester/academic year)

Summer Study Abroad Guidelines

Have questions about programs, how to apply to admission, and what Fordham expects of study abroad participants? Please stop by our offices—the ISAP staff very much looks forward to working with you and to offering the advising and pre-departure services you’ll need to get the most out of your experience abroad.

OTHER OPTIONS

Valuable international experience can be obtained in ways other than formal study, e.g. volunteer and service work, summer research, overseas jobs, internships, and GLOBAL OUTREACH. We encourage students to consider whether options such as these that do not earn academic credit appeal to their individual personality, talents and interests, as well as budget and time constraints, and to realize that it is quite possible to combine formal study with oneof these alternatives at different stages during four years of undergraduate studies. You may also want to seriously consider some of the short-term Fordham faculty-led study tours we sponsor every year (please click here for more information).