Policies

Below are the policies that govern students, faculty, and staff in university-related travel abroad.

expand all

For all graduate student travel, please click here.

It is a goal of the 91ÖÆƬ³§ (91ÖÆƬ³§) strategic plan to ensure that students will have maximum exposure to international experiences. To minimize health hazards and safety risks, 91ÖÆƬ³§ established the  to evaluate 91ÖÆƬ³§-sponsored education abroad activities when a significant health or safety concern is raised and to decide whether to suspend that activity.

91ÖÆƬ³§ policy prohibits student travel and activities, undergraduate and graduate, in countries and areas that the as Level 3: Reconsider Travel or Level 4: Do Not Travel. There may be instances when an individual 91ÖÆƬ³§ student or a 91ÖÆƬ³§-sponsored group considers that there is a compelling educational interest to conducting an activity in a Level 3 or Level 4 country or area and that it is possible to mitigate the risks. In these cases, an individual student or unit may petition to the International Travel Risk Review Committee (ITRRC) for prior approval. 

Students must be matriculated and meet the basic Study Away Eligibility requirements.  Eligibility will be determined by the student's Dean's Office. This process will take place the semester prior to studying abroad. The eligibility check certifies that a student meets the basic 91ÖÆƬ³§ Study Away Eligibility policy criteria. It does not determine eligibility to any specific program. Programs have varying application requirements. Individual programs may have higher GPA or additional eligibility requirements - students should check the requirements of the program they are interested in before applying.
 

91ÖÆƬ³§/PSU Education Abroad Eligibility criteria 

  • Have a clear conduct record at the time of application, departure and throughout the study abroad program.

    Students who are on University Disciplinary Probation or who have a demonstrated track record of prior misconduct may be deemed ineligible for education abroad. They have an opportunity to petition. The petition process involves working with the Dean's office, who will send the petition to the Academic Standards and Advising committee for review (PSU students petition through the Frost House Care Team). 

  • Have the required minimum GPA and credits:
    • Faculty-led programs:
      • Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average at the time of application and at the time of departure. Students with a cumulative GPA between 2.0 -2.5 may be considered on a case-by-case basis, after faculty review.
      • Earned at least 12 credit hours at 91ÖÆƬ³§ at the baccalaureate level at the time of application.
      • Will have earned at least 32 credit hours at the time of departure.
    • Partner programs:
      • Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average at the time of application and at the time of departure.
      • Earned at least 12 credit hours at 91ÖÆƬ³§/PSU at the baccalaureate level at the time of application.
      • Will have earned at least 32 credit hours at the time of departure.
    • Exchange programs:
      • Have a minimum 3.3 cumulative grade point average at the time of application and at the time of departure.
      • Earned at least 12 credit hours at 91ÖÆƬ³§/PSU at the baccalaureate level at the time of application.
      • Will have earned at least 32 credit hours at the time of departure.

Students who want to study abroad in their first year will need to successfully petition with the Academic Standards and Advising Committee. ASAC approval does not guarantee acceptance into an individual program, as the program may have higher or additional eligibility requirements. 
 

Eligibility for Thompson School of Applied Science:

Students enrolled in the degree programs of the Thompson School of Applied Science (a division of COLSA) may participate in approved study abroad programs appropriate for two-year degree candidates. TSAS students must meet the following eligibility criteria at the time of application and throughout their time abroad:

  • 32 credits earned at the time of departure. At least 12 of these credits must have been earned at 91ÖÆƬ³§ at the associate degree level.

  • A minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average at the time of application and at the time of departure. Study abroad programs provided by 91ÖÆƬ³§ or other approved institutions may have higher minimum GPA requirements.

  • Have a clear conduct record.

TSAS transfer students into 91ÖÆƬ³§ must meet the transfer students’ eligibility criteria:

  • Transfer students are not eligible to study abroad during the first semester of their baccalaureate program at 91ÖÆƬ³§.

  • Have a clear conduct record.

  • Have a minimum of 2.5 cumulative grade point average at the time of application to and at the time of departure for the study abroad program. Study abroad programs provided by 91ÖÆƬ³§ or other approved institutions may have higher minimum GPA requirements.

  • Have earned at least 32 credit hours at the time of departure, at least 12 of which must have been earned at the 91ÖÆƬ³§ fulfilling baccalaureate degree requirements at the time of application.

For example, TSAS students transferring to 91ÖÆƬ³§ starting in the fall, who want to study abroad the following spring semester, would need to have earned 12 credits at the 400 number or greater by the fall semester to meet this eligibility requirement. Students can take 400-level classes over the summer to fulfill this requirement.
 

91ÖÆƬ³§ Student Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities

The 91ÖÆƬ³§ Student Rights, Rules and Responsibilities applies to students while studying abroad. By electing to participate in a 91ÖÆƬ³§-Partner 91ÖÆƬ³§ Exchange or 91ÖÆƬ³§ Faculty-led program, students are obliged to uphold the expectations outlined in the 91ÖÆƬ³§ Student Rights, Rules and Responsibilities and to abide by the host institution rules and the laws governing the host country. More information is available in the Student Conduct & Study Abroad Programs: FAQs.
 

Study Abroad Eligibility Following or During a Leave of Absence

Students who take a leave of absence are prohibited from participating in a study away program during that time. In addition, they cannot study away during their first semester following said leave. Exceptions to this policy will be granted only for unusual circumstances by the Academic Standards and Advising Committee (91ÖÆƬ³§) or the Frost House (PSU), upon consultation with 91ÖÆƬ³§ Global, Health Services, and the Associate Dean of your 91ÖÆƬ³§'s college/equivalent at PSU. For more information contact the Associate Dean of your college or your Global Education Advisor.

  • Only a course with a grade of C- (or its equivalent) or better will be accepted for transfer credit from another institution. No credit will be awarded for pass/fail courses.
  • Credit will not be awarded for courses that review or repeat those taken at 91ÖÆƬ³§/PSU or another institution per the University’s Repeated Course Rule.
  • You may transfer credit from another institution that has a 91ÖÆƬ³§-approved study abroad program. The grade received in transferred course work will appear on your official transcript, but will not affect the 91ÖÆƬ³§ or PSU grade point average.
  • Credit will not be awarded for language study which is part of a study abroad orientation.
  • A course taken for 3 semester hours at another institution will be worth 3 credits in transfer to 91ÖÆƬ³§ or PSU. Courses measured in quarter hours, term hours, or course units will be converted to semester hours to determine the 91ÖÆƬ³§/PSU credit award. The conversion process may affect whether a course will meet 91ÖÆƬ³§/PSU standards for General Education or major requirements. A course must be valued at least 3 semester hours to be used to satisfy general education, major, or minor credit and 2.5 semester credit hours to satisfy Discovery requirements.
  • Any 91ÖÆƬ³§ or PSU student who is ineligible for participation in a 91ÖÆƬ³§ Faculty-led/91ÖÆƬ³§ Exchange/91ÖÆƬ³§ Partner study away program and who enrolls in a non-91ÖÆƬ³§ study away program may not transfer credits earned in that program to his or her 91ÖÆƬ³§ or PSU degree.
  • For 91ÖÆƬ³§ students: if a student studies abroad for eight weeks or longer, the World Cultures Discovery requirement will be waived.

There is an administrative fee charged to all students who are registered for a 91ÖÆƬ³§/PSU education abroad course. This fee maintains a student’s status as full time at 91ÖÆƬ³§/PSU while taking courses abroad, ensures transfer of credits that can be applied towards 91ÖÆƬ³§/PSU degree requirements, and if eligible allows for application of some financial aid. It also contributes to a broad range of services available to students before, during and after their program abroad. 

91ÖÆƬ³§/PSU TECHNOLOGY FEE (2025-2026): 

91ÖÆƬ³§: $117.00 per semester (approx. $54 in summer)

PSU: $251.50 per semester (approx. $200 in summer)

91ÖÆƬ³§/PSU EDUCATION ABROAD ADMINISTRATION FEE* (2025-2026):

Summer/J-term/Spring break/Maymester:  $100
Semester 91ÖÆƬ³§ Faculty-Led and Exchange Programs:  $200
Semester Partner Programs: $300

*Students who are continuing on the same study abroad program in the same location for a consecutive term will not be charged the Study Abroad Administrative Fee the second time.

**Students studying abroad during J-term/summer are charged a 91ÖÆƬ³§ $ 20 administrative fee.

91ÖÆƬ³§/PSU ELIGIBLE TRAVELERS' MEDICAL & SECURITY INSURANCE FEE (Applies only to students participating in 91ÖÆƬ³§ Faculty-led Programs, 91ÖÆƬ³§ Exchange Programs, and Other International Experiences (OIE)):

Less than 2 weeks:  $35
Between 2 - 10 weeks: $70
Semester programs:  $150
*Spain Semester programs: $220


FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

  • Research-related activities (not for credit): No fees
  • Credit-bearing 91ÖÆƬ³§/PSU coursework: International Travel Assistance and Insurance Fee applies.
  • 91ÖÆƬ³§ Faculty-led or 91ÖÆƬ³§ Exchange Programs: 91ÖÆƬ³§ Eligible Travelers' Medical and Security Insurance and Study Abroad Administration fees apply.

If a student withdraws from a study abroad program, the 91ÖÆƬ³§ Education Abroad Administration fee will be reduced according to the 91ÖÆƬ³§ withdrawal schedule of tuition and mandatory fees found online at the 91ÖÆƬ³§ Business Services site. The 91ÖÆƬ³§ Eligible Travelers' Medical and Security Insurance Fee will not be refunded once the student has departed from the United States.

While abroad, students are only permitted to choose among the housing options offered through their program. Note: independent housing is not allowed, even if listed as an option by a partner. If the program only offers one housing option, then students may only select that one housing option.

Students living in on-campus housing prior to their semester abroad must petition to be released from their housing contract. In addition, if students plan to return to on-campus 91ÖÆƬ³§ Housing after their semester abroad they must fill out the appropriate paperwork. 

A student withdrawing from a 91ÖÆƬ³§/PSU global education program for any reason (prior to or during their time abroad) must inform the 91ÖÆƬ³§ Education Abroad/Away Office in writing immediately. 91ÖÆƬ³§/USNH policies will govern cancellation and refund of tuition and fees.

  • Students on a 91ÖÆƬ³§ Partner program must work with their program provider/host institution on any program-related refunds. Their policies may be more restrictive than 91ÖÆƬ³§. 91ÖÆƬ³§/USNH policies will govern refunding mandatory fees.
  • Students on a 91ÖÆƬ³§ Exchange program must work with their host institution and local vendors on refunding any program fees. Their policies may be more restrictive than 91ÖÆƬ³§. 91ÖÆƬ³§/USNH policies will govern refunding tuition and mandatory fees.
  • Students on a 91ÖÆƬ³§ Faculty-led program are responsible for all program expenses incurred on their behalf. There will be no refund of program expenses already incurred, or amounts paid to 91ÖÆƬ³§/USNH. Furthermore, students are bound by the cancellation and refund policies of the host institution/ organization (if applicable), which may be more restrictive than 91ÖÆƬ³§.
  • If a student/traveler withdraws from an Education Abroad program, including an Other International Experience (OIE), the 91ÖÆƬ³§ International Travel Assistance & Insurance fee will not be refunded once they have departed from their home country/country of residence for their international trip.