Q: When can I study abroad?
A: Students who have completed three semesters of college-level study are eligible to apply. For El Salvador, students must be juniors or seniors at the time of study abroad.
Q: What does my G.P.A have to be to apply for study abroad?
A: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for the following programs:
- Galway, Ireland
- London, England
- Queensland, Australia
- Tokyo, Japan
A cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is required for the following programs:
- Antwerp, Belgium
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Berlin, Germany
- Uppsala, Sweden
- Oviedo, Spain
- Dortmund, Germany
*Beijing, China; Florence, Italy; Rome, Italy and Lille, France require a 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.
*San Salvador, El Salvador requires a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
Q: Do any of the study abroad programs have a language requirement?
A: Yes, the programs in Spain, Germany, France, El Salvador, and the Atlantis Grant program do require some prior knowledge of the language. The level required can vary greatly from program to program- Please see our Office for more details on the specific program you are interested in.
Q: How can I find out more about a study abroad program that interests me?
A: Early each semester the International Student Programs Office holds information sessions for each study abroad program. Students can get information, ask questions, and hear from students who have returned from studying abroad. Students can also find information on each of our programs online, or stop by the International Student Programs Office at any time to ask questions and get information.
Q: How do I apply for study abroad?
A: Applications for our study abroad programs are available in the International Student Programs Office in the lower level of Frisch Hall. Applications require an official academic transcript, two faculty references, and a study abroad essay.
Q: When are the applications due?
A: Applications for the Spring Semester are due by: October 1.
Applications for the Fall Semester are due by: March 1.
Q: Who accepts or denies the applicant?
A: A selection committee, made up of associate deans, administrators and faculty members, reviews all applications. Students are typically notified of acceptance or denial within two weeks after the application deadline.
Q: What will the classes be like?
A: Students should expect a difference in the way classes are structured, taught and how assignments are graded. It will be important for students to speak with their professors if they feel unsure about the assignment or how it will be graded. Students can prepare themselves for this transition by speaking with returned study abroad students about their experiences.
Q: Will my credits transfer?
A: Every student planning on studying abroad will meet with their associate dean and department chair before they select the classes they will be taking. This will give both the student and his/her dean an opportunity to discuss how each course will be applied to their requirements when they return to Canisius.
Q: What types of housing options will I have when I study abroad?
A: Each program offers different types of housing options. Typically the arrangements can include home stay, dormitory living, or an apartment style complex. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about housing options upon acceptance into their specific program.
Q: How much money am I going to spend abroad?
A: How much money you spend will vary greatly depending on the country where you are studying abroad, currency fluctuation, and the amount of traveling and shopping you plan on doing. On average, students budget approximately between $4,000 and $7,000 for their personal expenses.
Q: Do I book my own flight?
A: The International Student Programs office works closely with a local travel agency to arrange for students participating in the same study abroad program to fly together. You do have the ability to book your own flight; however, we strongly advise the use of the travel agent to provide support and minimize hardships throughout your journey.
Q: Will I have the opportunity to travel while I am studying abroad?
A: Traveling while studying abroad is completely up to the individual student. Many international offices offer student trips and excursions at a discounted rate. Former study abroad students advise to plan early and make arrangements for travel early in the semester.
Q: Will I be safe while I am studying abroad?
A: We advise students to use the same safety precautions that they would in any city in the United States. We also encourage students to check the United States State Department website at http://travel.state.gov/ for the most up-to-date travel advice and advisories. General safety precautions are also outlined for students at the Pre-Departure Orientation sessions for each individual program.
Q: Will I need health insurance while I am abroad?
A: If you are participating in the Australia or El Salvador programs, study abroad insurance is included in your program costs. Students participating in all other programs are required to purchase HTH Worldwide study abroad insurance through the International Student Programs Office. This insurance is study abroad-specific and provides the best possible coverage for any illness or injury situation that may arise when you are abroad. The cost of this insurance is approximately $35 per month.
Q: Will I need a visa for studying abroad?
A: Currently, visas are required for study in Australia, Belgium, France, Japan, Italy, China, Spain (Spring semester only) and England (only if you are doing an internship). The visa application process varies depending upon country but often can be lengthy and time-consuming with additional fees and requirements. The International Student Programs Office will guide students through the process of obtaining a visa which begins immediately after acceptance into the program.
Q: Are there scholarship opportunities for studying abroad?
A: Some programs have unique scholarship opportunities. Please inquire with our office during the application process for scholarship applications and information. You can also find information here (link)
Q: How will I prepare myself for studying abroad?
A: Each semester, the International Student Programs Office holds a mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation for each study abroad program. Open to parents as well as students, the session is designed to prepare study abroad participants for life overseas. Practical tips such as safety, currency conversion, and culture shock are discussed, as well as academic expectations and program-specific guidelines and details. Students who have previously studied abroad are also on hand to share their experiences, offer advice and answer questions.
Q: How will I adjust after I return from being overseas?
A: Upon return to the United States and to Canisius, the International Student Programs Office hosts a mandatory Re-Entry Session where students have the opportunity to give feedback about the program and their experiences, adjust to reverse culture shock and life back home, and learn how to keep their study abroad experience alive through involvement in programs run by the International Student Programs Office. Examples of this include: volunteering at study abroad information or pre-departure sessions, becoming a peer mentor or host family to an international student at Canisius, becoming involved in Global Horizons (a group comprised of half American, half international students dedicated to cultural understanding and group activities) or living in Campion Hall, Canisius’ intercultural living center.
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A: Yes, the programs in Spain, Germany, France, El Salvador, and the Atlantis Grant program do require some prior knowledge of the language. The level required can vary greatly from program to program- Please see our Office for more details on the specific program you are interested in.
Q: How can I find out more about a study abroad program that interests me?
A: Early each semester the International Student Programs Office holds information sessions for each study abroad program. Students can get information, ask questions, and hear from students who have returned from studying abroad. Students can also find information on each of our programs online, or stop by the International Student Programs Office at any time to ask questions and get information.
Q: How do I apply for study abroad?
A: Applications for our study abroad programs are available in the International Student Programs Office in the lower level of Frisch Hall. Applications require an official academic transcript, two faculty references, and a study abroad essay.
Q: When are the applications due?
A: Applications for the Spring Semester are due by: October 1.
Applications for the Fall Semester are due by: March 1.
Q: Who accepts or denies the applicant?
A: A selection committee, made up of associate deans, administrators and faculty members, reviews all applications. Students are typically notified of acceptance or denial within two weeks after the application deadline.
Q: What will the classes be like?
A: Students should expect a difference in the way classes are structured, taught and how assignments are graded. It will be important for students to speak with their professors if they feel unsure about the assignment or how it will be graded. Students can prepare themselves for this transition by speaking with returned study abroad students about their experiences.
Q: Will my credits transfer?
A: Every student planning on studying abroad will meet with their associate dean and department chair before they select the classes they will be taking. This will give both the student and his/her dean an opportunity to discuss how each course will be applied to their requirements when they return to Canisius.
Q: What types of housing options will I have when I study abroad?
A: Each program offers different types of housing options. Typically the arrangements can include home stay, dormitory living, or an apartment style complex. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about housing options upon acceptance into their specific program.
Q: How much money am I going to spend abroad?
A: How much money you spend will vary greatly depending on the country where you are studying abroad, currency fluctuation, and the amount of traveling and shopping you plan on doing. On average, students budget approximately between $4,000 and $7,000 for their personal expenses.
Q: Do I book my own flight?
A: The International Student Programs office works closely with a local travel agency to arrange for students participating in the same study abroad program to fly together. You do have the ability to book your own flight; however, we strongly advise the use of the travel agent to provide support and minimize hardships throughout your journey.
Q: Will I have the opportunity to travel while I am studying abroad?
A: Traveling while studying abroad is completely up to the individual student. Many international offices offer student trips and excursions at a discounted rate. Former study abroad students advise to plan early and make arrangements for travel early in the semester.
Q: Will I be safe while I am studying abroad?
A: We advise students to use the same safety precautions that they would in any city in the United States. We also encourage students to check the United States State Department website at http://travel.state.gov/ for the most up-to-date travel advice and advisories. General safety precautions are also outlined for students at the Pre-Departure Orientation sessions for each individual program.
Q: Will I need health insurance while I am abroad?
A: If you are participating in the Australia or El Salvador programs, study abroad insurance is included in your program costs. Students participating in all other programs are required to purchase HTH Worldwide study abroad insurance through the International Student Programs Office. This insurance is study abroad-specific and provides the best possible coverage for any illness or injury situation that may arise when you are abroad. The cost of this insurance is approximately $35 per month.
Q: Will I need a visa for studying abroad?
A: Currently, visas are required for study in Australia, Belgium, France, Japan, Italy, China, Spain (Spring semester only) and England (only if you are doing an internship). The visa application process varies depending upon country but often can be lengthy and time-consuming with additional fees and requirements. The International Student Programs Office will guide students through the process of obtaining a visa which begins immediately after acceptance into the program.
Q: Are there scholarship opportunities for studying abroad?
A: Some programs have unique scholarship opportunities. Please inquire with our office during the application process for scholarship applications and information. You can also find information here (link)
Q: How will I prepare myself for studying abroad?
A: Each semester, the International Student Programs Office holds a mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation for each study abroad program. Open to parents as well as students, the session is designed to prepare study abroad participants for life overseas. Practical tips such as safety, currency conversion, and culture shock are discussed, as well as academic expectations and program-specific guidelines and details. Students who have previously studied abroad are also on hand to share their experiences, offer advice and answer questions.
Q: How will I adjust after I return from being overseas?
A: Upon return to the United States and to Canisius, the International Student Programs Office hosts a mandatory Re-Entry Session where students have the opportunity to give feedback about the program and their experiences, adjust to reverse culture shock and life back home, and learn how to keep their study abroad experience alive through involvement in programs run by the International Student Programs Office. Examples of this include: volunteering at study abroad information or pre-departure sessions, becoming a peer mentor or host family to an international student at Canisius, becoming involved in Global Horizons (a group comprised of half American, half international students dedicated to cultural understanding and group activities) or living in Campion Hall, Canisius’ intercultural living center.
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