Yes. Any major can be studied overseas, although not every major is available at every study site. You can search programs by field of study.
What are the GPA requirements to study abroad?
For most NC State semester and year programs, a 2.75 GPA is normally the minimum requirement for applicants, but a few programs (primarily the UK and Australia) require a 3.0. For details, search programs by country for the programs you are interested in. In some cases exceptions are possible, if you are in this situation, you should contact the Study Abroad Office to discuss your specific circumstances. For most NC State summer programs, the only requirement is that you be in good academic standing.
Will the credit transfer?
Yes. All credit taken overseas is transferable, with approval by your department. Courses taken through NC State summer programs and the NC State Semester-in-Spain program are offered as NC State courses and will show up on your transcript with both NC State grades and credit hours. As part of the application for any other semester or year program, you will work with your advisor to complete the Request For Approval form. This form will determine how the courses you plan to take abroad will transfer back to NC State.
Can I use my financial aid or scholarships?
In general, financial aid and scholarships will be the same as if you stayed at State. Financial Aid is available to help NC State students who need assistance meeting the expenses of study abroad programs. Students must meet financial aid office guidelines and deadlines -- see Financial Aid, or Scholarships for details. Students planning to participate in a summer study abroad program should be aware that financial aid resources for summer school are normally very limited.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes. The Study Abroad Office administers over $150,000 in scholarships annually. The scholarship deadlines are in September and February each year. In addition, there are other scholarships outside of NC State available to students planning to study abroad. See Scholarships for details on NC State study abroad scholarships and other sources of funding.
What's the difference between an NC State and a non-NC State program?
NC State programs are sponsored by the NC State Study Abroad Office. Students who want to go on an NC State program apply directly to the Study Abroad Office. Students participating in these exchange programs usually pay NC State tuition. Non-NC State programs include any program not administered by the NC State Study Abroad Office. Students on Non-NC State programs do not pay tuition to NC State for their semester or year abroad. To remain enrolled as NC State students while attending non-NC State programs, students must complete the
appropriate application for a Non-NC State Program.
What's the difference between an exchange program and a non-exchange program?
Exchange programs involve the exchange of students between NC State and an overseas university; you go to an institution overseas for a semester or year, and a student from abroad comes to study in the U.S. for a semester or a year. Each student pays normal tuition and trades places. Non-exchange programs do not involve international students coming to the U.S. -- you simply go abroad and pay the cost of that program to either the program sponsor or the international university. Non-exchange programs typically cost more than exchange programs. All Non-NC State programs are non-exchange programs.
What are ISEP and UNCEP?
Both ISEP and UNCEP are types of NC State exchange programs. For both, students pay normal NC State tuition. ISEP is an organization of over 100 institutions which have agreed to participate in student exchanges. NC State's participation in ISEP allows you to attend universities in 39 countries worldwide. UNCEP is a cooperative program among the 16 University of North Carolina institutions. Currently, UNCEP programs are available in several countries. See our listing of UNCEP Programs and ISEP Programs to explore your options. Also, for an interactive map of your options, please visit our Program Locations site.
Do I have to be a junior to study abroad?
No. Students may be considered for short-term (less than a semester) programs during their freshman year and can apply for a wide variety of semester and year-long programs during their sophomore year. Some programs require junior standing to participate. Transfer students may study abroad at any time after their first semester at NC State. To see the program requirements for the program you are interested in, see the program listings. Please note: Exceptions may be considered.
Do I need to be a NCSU student to apply to a program?
No. You do not need to be a student to apply for the NC State Programs. Check the programs page to find the program you wish to attend. Click "Apply." When applying for an account, select your home institution from the list offered.
Do I need to speak a foreign language?
No. Although programs are available in many foreign languages for students who have studied those languages, there are English language programs in Western and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific. If you do wish to spend a semester or year abroad on a non-English program, the requirement is usually that you have taken 202 or the equivalent of that language.
Will I get any help preparing to go?
Yes. In addition to the mandatory orientation program each semester, our office will help you by putting you in contact with former participants or international students from the country in which you will be studying. We will work to make sure YOU feel prepared.
When I get back how do I talk about my study abroad experience in my resume or in interviews?
