Need to Know

“My child is considering a study abroad experience.
What do I need to know?”

Academics.  

The UO sponsors only academically sound overseas study programs, and all sponsored programs result in UO academic credits recorded directly on the UO transcript. These are not transfer credits; all credits earned on UO-sponsored programs count as credits taken in residence at the UO, and that means even seniors (who need to take 45 of their last 60 credits at the UO) can study abroad without worrying about missing the residency requirement.

The exact courses and credits offered through the various sponsored programs vary greatly by the type and location of the program:

• Island programs are highly structured programs in which a group of students from the UO and, in some cases, other American universities, take courses together, usually taught by an American professor or by both Americans and host nationals. These programs allow for the richness of the cultural setting within the relative familiarity of American-style courses.
• In direct-exchange programs, students are fully admitted as temporary, non-degree students in a foreign university and may select from the full range of courses for which they have the appropriate prerequisites and language abilities.
• In a field program, students split their time between classroom-based learning and fieldwork that allows them to experience personalized, hands-on learning in the host nation—really putting the site to work for their education!
• In a language-immersion program, students study primarily a foreign language, often in a far more intensive and fast-paced arrangement than the usual pattern of on-campus language courses. Rapid progress may be possible.
• And in an overseas internship, students work full-time for a company, agency, organization, NGO or government office in the host nation, gaining professional experience, international experience, and academic credit—all at the same time!

Finances.

The first and most important thing to know is that your student will not be facing their normal, on-campus tuition and fees on top of the costs of the overseas program; instead, the overseas program costs replace the normal fees and costs of studying and living in Eugene. The actual costs vary widely by program, ranging upward from close to the same costs as Oregon residents pay on campus. There is a comprehensive cost sheet for each program, available from the program summaries. (Find your program by searching for the correct country under "Regions" above.) Each cost sheet reflects our best overall estimate of costs students will face on the particular program, including travel and living expenses, insurance, and other indirect costs. Please remember that inflation, changes in the exchange rate and other unforeseen factors sometimes alter the budget picture unexpectedly.

The second important thing to know is that, because all students on UO-sponsored programs are registered for their courses on campus, they remain eligible for UO-based financial aid. Most forms of aid can apply directly to the costs of overseas study programs: as a rule, loans, grants and veterans’ benefits are all applicable. Most scholarships also apply, including Dean’s, Presidential and Diversity Building Scholarships. In addition, there are some special scholarship programs available to qualifying students on a competitive basis. Students with questions about financial aid should consult their overseas program coordinator or ask for an appointment with the scholarships adviser in the Office of International Programs.

Accommodations at the Overseas Site.

Again, there are a variety of options that vary widely by program. Common options include: home-stay with a host national family; shared apartment with roommates from the host country, the U.S. and/or other countries; and residence hall rooms. Some programs offer more than one option or, because they involve travel, require that students stay in different kinds of accommodations at different points in the program. Likewise, meals are included in some programs or housing options, but not in others. As a rule, students are expected to use the housing options provided and are not allowed to arrange their own accommodation. In all cases, accommodations are guaranteed for students accepted into the program and are arranged by either the UO or a partner agency or university. Review the specific program brochure for further information. Find your program under "Regions" above.