The benefits of studying abroad are tremendous. In addition to cultural, personal, social and academic growth, students who study abroad are more marketable upon graduation. In today’s world, employers and graduate schools increasingly value an overseas experience. Many employers – in banking, engineering, marketing, the computer industry, and many other areas – are looking specifically for overseas experience when evaluating applicants.

Each program offered has its own page on the Study Abroad Office website. The program pages contain a description of the location and/or university and information on eligibility requirements, costs, accommodations, and more. Parents and family can find the information page for any program by searching our website.

You can support your student by encouraging them to be in regular communication with our office and to complete all pre-departure requirements. Additionally, our office is happy to provide you with program-specific information and resources upon request.

The Study Abroad Office is available to help, answer questions, and support students every step of the way. Students participating in semester and full-year programs are required to attend Study Abroad 101 and meet with a study abroad advisor prior to applying to any program. In addition, the Study Abroad Office requires all students to participate in a mandatory pre-departure conference program, during which they are informed about topics such as passports, visas, immunizations, housing, and health and safety.

Students can obtain contact information from former participants or international students in the country where they will be studying to ensure your student feels fully confident about their upcoming experience.

Costs for studying abroad vary depending on the length and type of program. However, most of the semester- and year-long study abroad programs offered by NC State are exchanges, in which international students come here in exchange for NC State students going abroad. This means that students pay their regular tuition and usually pay for room and board upon arrival abroad.

The cost of participating on an NC State summer program varies based on the location, length, and program inclusions. A shorter experience is sometimes more accessible for students based on curricular, personal, and financial needs.

Extra program costs typically include passport fees, airline tickets,  meals, personal expenses, and any travel the student undertakes while abroad. Personal spending will vary, and we discuss budgets and travel in the pre-departure orientation.

Students can apply financial aid (including loans, grants, and scholarships) toward the cost of any credit-bearing study abroad program, whether or not it is sponsored by NC State. Financial aid eligibility is determined based on the total cost of studying abroad, using official program budgets provided by the Study Abroad Office or the sponsoring institution (if the program is not an NC State program). Students who receive financial aid and plan to study abroad should contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

The Study Abroad Office coordinates a competitive scholarship process each application cycle. Typical award amounts are $500–$ 1,500. All eligible students are encouraged to apply for these scholarship opportunities. Additional outside scholarships and personal fundraising resources are also available.

Student safety is our highest priority. General safety issues, as well as any country-specific precautions, are discussed during the mandatory pre-departure orientation and included in the materials provided to students by the Study Abroad Office.

In addition to pre-departure orientations, NC State offers a Travel Clinic through Student Health Services, which pre-departure study abroad students are encouraged to utilize, if needed. The Travel Clinic provides comprehensive and personalized recommendations, medications, and vaccinations based on students’ destinations and their itineraries.

All NC State students studying or traveling abroad as part of a university-sponsored activity are enrolled in an UNC-System international health insurance policy (often included in the program cost).

In the event of an emergency abroad, the Study Abroad Office is accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to assist students. The smartphone app, which all students are required to download prior to departure, AlertTraveler, can also connect students to local emergency services and the Study Abroad Office if needed.