Program FAQs

frequently asked questions

Why study abroad?
Learning in another culture provides students unique opportunities and challenges to grow and broaden intellectually, personally, and professionally. College is an ideal time to experience different cultures, gain language skills, and explore one’s own interests and abilities.

How are academic credits handled?
Academic credit for Vanderbilt approved programs is "direct credit". That is, courses and grades are entered directly on the student’s transcript and factor into the student's GPA. All financial aid awards apply to the costs of the semester and year-long programs. Only if Vanderbilt students study abroad through another University on a non-Vanderbilt program does the issue of "transfer credit" arise.

When do most students study abroad?
Although many students still study abroad during their junior year, students may go abroad anytime after completing their freshman year.

What is the language proficiency pre-requisite for participation?
In programs in which a foreign language is a pre-requisite, the requirement is usually four semesters or more (the Vanderbilt in Germany program requires a minimum of three semesters) of college language study or the equivalent fluency in that language since all course work, including lectures, papers, and exams, is conducted in the language of the host country.

Are there any other requirements a student needs to meet in order to study abroad besides languages?
All participating students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.7. However, many programs require at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students who study abroad must also have academic, financial and disciplinary clearance.

How do the students travel to their study abroad program?
All transportation to and from the study site is arranged by the individual student and is not included in the published cost of the program.

Where do participants live while studying abroad?
Living arrangements vary depending on the program. In Spain, for example, students live with families. In other programs, students live in dorms, private homes or in apartments.  Please note that by policy Vanderbilt University does not allow participants to arrange their own housing on any direct credit study abroad program.

What support systems are set up for the student while studying abroad?
All programs feature on-site Resident Directors. Vanderbilt in France, Germany, and Spain (Madrid and Bilbao) have Resident Directors who are Vanderbilt faculty. Resident Directors help the students in all areas from academic counseling to dealing with culture shock and are available 24 hours a day for students abroad.

What are the costs of the programs?
For all Vanderbilt direct credit approved programs, students pay Vanderbilt tuition, the costs of room and board, and in some cases, an administrative fee which varies depending on the program. For further information, please download the Semester or Summer Program Costs documents (pdf), or contact the Global Education Office.