Policies and Guidelines for Study Abroad Experiences during Fall and Spring Semesters
These policies apply only to full-time off-campus experiences for Fall and Spring semesters.
- Approved Programs
Approved programs include the following Washington College programs:
- Study Abroad Joint Programs with the University of Delaware and Rhodes University
- Study Abroad Exchange Programs that are governed by bilateral agreements under which Washington College and the partner institution agree to exchange students
- Study Abroad/Cooperative programs that are governed by agreements that do not contemplate exchanges of students
- Other Programs
Students participating in study abroad program other than those listed above (A.1-A.3) are required to withdraw from Washington College for the duration of the program. No financial aid will be processed or available for use toward program expenses. Eligibility for financial aid will be reassessed upon return to Washington College.
- Student Eligibility
Any student who has attained at least second semester sophomore status is eligible to participate in a semester long off-campus experience. Thus students in the second semester of their sophomore year, junior and seniors year are eligible, provided they meet the academic requirements for the program. All students must have been full-time matriculating students at Washington College for at least one semester to become eligible for participation.
- Frequency and Length of Participation
An eligible student may participate in one two-semester experience or two one-semester experiences.
International Studies (IS) and Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (FLLC) majors may study up to three semesters off-campus with the written approval of the chair of the department and the Provost and Dean of the College.
- Application
A student wishing to participate in an eligible program shall apply to the Office of International Programs in accordance with procedures established by that office.
- Approval
An eligible student's selection of an approved international program must be approved by the student's faculty advisor and the Director of International Programs.
Study abroad slots are limited. When the number of students applying is greater than available slots for any location, the following factors will be considered in the selection of applicants:
- IS, FLLC, or BUS majors with a special nexus to the site
- Students with a demonstrated academic reason for the experience
- Other IS, FLLC, or BUS majors
- Seniors (then juniors) who have not had a required Study Abroad experience
- Strength of application, e.g. academic record, professor recommendations, personal interview, discipline record, etc.
- Date of application
- Tuition and Fees
- All students participating in eligible semester-long off-campus programs will be charged the current Washington College tuition, except students attending a Cooperative program described in Subsection A-3. These students will be charged the greater of the Washington College tuition or the fee charge by the partner institution.
- In addition to tuition, a student participating in a Joint Program described in Subsection A-1 will pay the Program Fee associated with the specific program.
- In addition to tuition, a student participating in an Exchange Program described in Subsection A-2 will pay a standard room fee if the program is a tuition and room exchange; a standard room fee, a 19-meal plan fee, and the student activity fee, if the program is a full exchange.
- In addition to the above charges, all students participating in an eligible program will be charged the Off-Campus Study Fee.
- After signing the "Confirmation of Participation Agreement," a student will be liable for all expenses incurred on his/her behalf, including, but not limited to the forfeiture of the $200 application fee, any deposits, and in the case of a Joint Program, the entire Program Fee.
- Financial Aid
Financial aid for approved study abroad programs will be based on a student's financial aid eligibility for the current academic year.
Students may receive federal, state, and non-Washington College private source aid, provided that the grantor's rules deem such experiences as eligible for aid.
Students may also receive Washington College unrestricted aid but not Washington College restricted aid (e.g. a room grant or book grant).
All degree-seeking international (F-1 visa) students must be studying in a major that requires an International experience to be eligible to keep their financial aid grants while studying abroad.