Types of Study Abroad Programs
Exchange programs are a program type in which two universities have a partnership that allows students from each university to attend the other. Students from UofSC Aiken who participate in an exchange program will pay tuition and fees to UofSC Aiken but pay housing and meals to the partner university abroad. These costs vary from program to program and are offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Students may also use financial aid and scholarships toward semester long exchange programs that are at least 12 credits and summer exchange programs that are at least 6 credits. Credits that students earn at these partner universities return as UofSC Aiken credits and count toward one’s UofSC Aiken GPA.
Exchange Programs:
This university is located in France and has a population size of about 5,000 students. This program is specific for business majors and allows students to study for a semester, year, or even a summer abroad in either Paris or Lille.
Saxion University of Applied Sciences
With a population of about 26,000 students, exchange students can study at two of Saxion’s three campuses located in Enschede and Deventer, Netherlands. The program offers courses that appeal to all majors and allows exchange students to attend for either a semester or a year abroad.
This university is located in Yokohama, Japan and has a student population size of about 5,000. This university offers a variety of courses and allows students to study abroad for either a semester or one year.
These two program types allow students to study in different locations and universities that perhaps their home university does not necessarily have a partnership with.
Program providers are companies that create study abroad packages for students of all shapes and sizes. These programs are offered all throughout the year and vary in duration, location, classes, cost, and much more. A student who pursues study abroad through a program provider will typically pay a set price to the provider. In return the program provider will offer many services. For example, they might arrange your housing, help you schedule courses, offer excursions or activities, and much more. Financial aid may also be used toward semester programs that earn at least 12 credits and summer programs that earn at least 6 credits. The credits earned through these programs will return to UofSC Aiken as transfer credits.
Recommended Program Providers:
Direct Enrollment in a university abroad, unlike going through a third-party program provider or an exchange program with your home university, allows you to enroll directly in a foreign university as an international student. Students who choose to pursue direct enrollment programs will apply and pay all fees, like tuition, room, board, etc., directly to the foreign university. Financial aid can also be applied to semester programs that are at least 12 credits and summer programs that are at least 6 credits. Credits earned abroad will return back to UofSC Aiken as transfer credits.
Recommended Direct Enroll Programs:
UofSC Aiken faculty-led programs are shorter in duration and are typically 2-4 weeks in length. These programs are offered by a faculty member of the student’s home university and allows for students to travel with other students from UofSC Aiken. These programs have 1-6 credits attached to them. Typically students will take a course during the fall or spring semester and then travel during fall break, winter break, spring break, or the summer terms. In some cases, a summer faculty-led program might require you to take a course over the summer term which would also require students to pay summer tuition. The cost of these programs are typically between $2,000-$5,000 excluding possible tuition fees.
In some cases, faculty-led programs may also be offered by other institutions and allow for students from universities all over to join and travel with them. These programs are also typically 2-4 weeks in length and are offered in fall break, winter break, spring break, or the summer terms. The cost of these programs vary by program but also typically have credits attached to them.
Non-UofSC Aiken Faculty-Led Programs:
- WorldStrides: The Global Perspective Series in France, Thailand, Peru, Uganda, Ireland, and South Africa.
Internships are offered all throughout the year and are available through both exchange partnerships and program providers. Internships abroad allow for students to get work experience in their field of interest while also emerging themselves in a foreign culture abroad. While most programs last for a duration of 3 to 12 weeks during the summer break, some programs offer internships that last up to 24 weeks. These programs also vary in location and cost. If earning academic credit, these programs are typically eligible for financial aid and study abroad scholarships.
Recommended Program Providers for Internships:
NOTE: If students find other program providers, it is recommended that they consult with the Office of International Programs to verify provider credentials.