Study Abroad FAQs

Typically, students in their junior year study abroad. However, meeting with our study abroad team you can find out your options and what will be best to complete your degree. If you are a transfer student, you must have at least one semester of grades from Canisius in order to apply to study abroad.

All programs require a minimum of a 2.75 GPA except for the following:

GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for the following programs: Galway, Ireland London, England Queensland, Australia Tokyo, Japan Seoul, South Korea Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Porto Alegre, Brazil

Yes, the programs in Spain, Germany, France, Peru, and El Salvador 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.

Early each semester the Center for International Education holds information sessions. 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 by going to Grifflink and searching for Study Abroad and International Partnerships, or stopping by between 9:00am-4:30pm to ask questions and get information. Our office is located in Frisch Hall 008, 716-888-2400. For general information email stabroad@canisius.edu. The best way to ensure that we can work with you and your availability is to set up a meeting via email. 

According to the Institute of International Education annual Open Doors Report, between 1-2% of all U.S. students in higher education studied abroad in 2015. Canisius sends a similar proportion (2-3%) of students overseas depending on the year. The number of students studying overseas has risen steadily each year. More students from Canisius are choosing to study abroad each year to develop their language skills, gain an edge on their resume, and explore the world. For more information on national study abroad statistics visit http://www.iie.org/Research-and-Publications/Open-Doors/Data/US-Study-A…

Applications for our study abroad programs are available on our GriffConnect Study Abroad page. It's an accessible form that will ask for your biographical information, information on your study abroad location, and to upload an initial course plan.

Applications for the Summer and Fall semesters are due November 1st. Applications for the Spring semester are April 1st.

Make sure to schedule a meeting with our team to help you through the process at stabroad@canisius.edu.

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.

The selection committee takes into account your grades, academic standing, and level of involvement on campus. Faculty references are also a key component in the decision making process. If you have specific personal concerns, please stop by the Study Abroad Office to discuss these with an advisor.

Once you are accepted it is important to check your Canisius email frequently. You should be regularly communicating with the Center for International Education. We will help you get started on applying to the university you are going to and applying for the appropriate visa. If you do not have a passport, you should apply now.

If you were not accepted for a particular program you may choose to apply to a different program, or wait a semester and reapply. If you have specific concerns which may effect your eligibility, please make an appointment with Kera Bush-Turner at bushturk@canisius.edu. 

Students should expect a difference in the way classes are structured, taught and how assignments are graded. You are likely to experience larger classes than what we have at Canisius. 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.

If you are planning on studying abroad in the future, it can be beneficial to wait to take certain classes. Save free electives, since they are typically easy to complete while abroad. Core classes for breadth of knowledge and course disciplinary knowledge and skills may also be fulfilled abroad, depending on the program. Meet with the Department Chair for your major to plan for your study abroad experience. Please refer to your specific program to ensure which classes are offered during your semester. Your GriffAudit will be an extremely good resource. 

Every student planning on studying abroad will meet with his/her 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 upon their return to Canisius.

Each program offers different types of housing options. Typically the arrangements can include home stay, residence hall living, or an apartment style complex. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about housing options at information sessions and once they have been accepted into their program.

Students are expected to bring their personal laptops to use while abroad. Access to computer labs, internet cafes, and libraries will vary by program. You are free to set up international calling on your cell phone before you leave the country, if you wish. Remember not all cell phones can be used internationally. Contact your cell phone provider to determine the cost and regulations for calling from abroad. Pay as you go plans (SIM cards) are typically available overseas and easily accessible in most cities. International calling cards are also available for purchase abroad, or can be purchased before you leave. This information will also be covered during the pre-departure session for each program.

Tuition is the same as a regular semester at Canisius. In the majority of case, any financial aid awards you receive will also apply to study abroad (scholarships, loans, TAP, PELL grants, etc.) with the exception of your resident scholarship. In addition, housing costs are less expensive than Canisius Housing at most study abroad locations. Additional costs vary by location. Please visit the GriffConnect section for your program for more specific costs. The cost of your travel visa, books, airfare, and personal spending also vary by location. It is highly recommended that you consult with Financial Aid before applying to study abroad to determine how your financial aid package will transfer to your chosen study abroad program.

The study abroad fee is a flat $500 charge for most international locations ($1,000 for Italy and China). This fee covers the administrative costs of going abroad. This fee is also in place of the Technology Fee, College Fee, Student Tax, and Wellness Fee which undergraduates pay each semester on campus.

It is recommended you exchange around $200-300 worth in your country's currency in cash before you leave the U.S. Inform your bank that you are traveling abroad. This will ensure a security hold will not be placed on your account. Also verify your pin number will work abroad. ATMs accepting Visa and Mastercard are typically accessible in most cities overseas. ATMs are the cheapest and most accessible way to obtain cash. It is important to find out if international or currency conversion fees apply through your bank.

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 $2,500 and $7,000 for their personal expenses.

The Study Abroad Office works closely with a local travel agency, the Travel Team to make travel arrangements. We highly recommend to use the Travel Team, but we do know that there are other options and choices students may want to make. 

Traveling while studying abroad is completely up to the individual student. Former study abroad students advise to plan early and make arrangements for travel early in the semester.

You must check the tourist visa requirements for your host country, which can widely vary. However, it is recommended that family not visit while school is in session. If you are in a homestay program, you should talk with your host family before inviting anyone to stay with you. Homestay families are not required to provide housing to visitors. Wherever you are residing abroad, your guests will be subject to the regulations set forth by your residence hall while visiting.

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.

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. You will receive information about this in your acceptance packet. 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. It also covers emergency evacuation and repatriation. The cost of this insurance is approximately $45.00 per month.