ÃÛÌÒ½´

Students enrolled on ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad programs are considered full-time students during the duration of their abroad study. Grades earned abroad will be posted to the ÃÛÌÒ½´transcript and will be calculated into the student’s cumulative and ÃÛÌÒ½´GPA. Academic credit earned abroad counts as credit earned in residence.

Students earn 3 hours of credit on January and May Programs, and 6, 7, or 8 hours of credit on Summer Programs. All courses on faculty-led or hybrid programs have ÃÛÌÒ½´specific course numbers and directly post to the ÃÛÌÒ½´transcript.

Please discuss any interest in obtaining UC/CC credit abroad with your Academic Advisor.

ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad courses may qualify forCommon Curriculum (CC) Foundations/Breadth requirements or University Curriculum (UC) Foundation/Breadth/Depth requirements.

If students are on the Common Curriculum (matriculated to ÃÛÌÒ½´beginning Fall 2020 and later) the following applies:
If a course has been approved for CC requirements it will be indicated on the ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad course listing.
If a course has not been approved for CC requirements, and is taught by non-ÃÛÌÒ½´faculty, students may petition the course to meet a CC Foundation/Breadth. Visit the CC website for more information or email thecc@smu.edu.

If students are on the University Curriculum (matriculated to ÃÛÌÒ½´between Fall 2016-Spring 2020) the following applies:
If a course has been approved for UC requirements it will be indicated on the ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad course listing.
If a course has not been approved for UC requirements, and is taught by non-ÃÛÌÒ½´faculty, students may petition the course to meet a UC Breadth/Depth. Visit the UC website for more information or email theuc@smu.edu.

Students enrolled on ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad semester programs are considered full-time students during the duration of their abroad study. Grades earned abroad will be posted to the ÃÛÌÒ½´transcript and will be calculated into the student’s cumulative and ÃÛÌÒ½´GPA. Academic credit earned abroad counts as credit earned in residence.

Courses on semester programs must be petitioned during the ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad application process. These courses may appear on the ÃÛÌÒ½´transcript as courses with ÃÛÌÒ½´specific course numbers or as Free Elective Study Abroad (FESA) credit. Petitioned courses are reviewed by a designated ÃÛÌÒ½´faculty member credentialed in the discipline in which each course is offered. This faculty review determines how petitioned courses appear on the ÃÛÌÒ½´transcript. Specific information about procedures and policies for earning credit is provided on the Courses page.

Please discuss any interest in obtaining UC/CC credit abroad with your Academic Advisor.

Students considering study abroad are urged to meet early and often with both their academic advisor and the ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad advising team. This advising input is essential in integrating study abroad coursework into a student’s four-year plan of study.

Students enrolled on ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad programs are considered full-time students during the duration of their abroad study. Grades earned abroad will be posted to the ÃÛÌÒ½´transcript and will be calculated into the student's cumulative and ÃÛÌÒ½´GPA. Academic credit earned abroad counts as credit earned in residence.

All courses on virtual abroad programs have ÃÛÌÒ½´specific course numbers and directly post to the ÃÛÌÒ½´transcript. Course offerings can be found on each program web page and in the application itself. Students enroll in 3 credit hours for a virtual abroad program.

Please discuss any interest in obtaining UC/CC credit abroad with your Academic Advisor.

Courses taken on ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad January, May, and Summer programs may not be taken for a grade of NC (No Credit), but students may petition for one of these courses to be graded on a pass/fail basis. Students must petition approval for the pass/fail option from the program director and the faculty member teaching the course. The deadline to complete the Undergraduate Pass/Fail Option Declaration form to petition for a course taken on an ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad summer program is the payment deadline for the program; for Jan Term classes, the deadline is no later than the second day of classes for Jan Term. Forms are available in the schools’ records offices.

Courses taken on ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad Fall and Spring term programs may not be taken on a no-credit or pass/fail basis. The only exception to this policy is for courses designated by SMU’s academic departments with no credit or pass/fail as their only grading basis option.

Courses taken on ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad Virtual Abroad programs may not be taken for a grade of NC (No Credit). The ÃÛÌÒ½´course catalog states that ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad courses may be counted as pass/fail when they are designated by SMU's academic departments with pass/fail as their only grading basis options. Since all courses on Virtual Abroad Programs are approved with internship course numbers, grades will be counted as pass/fail.

All Programs:

All study abroad students will be charged ÃÛÌÒ½´tuition and fees for their abroad term and will receive ÃÛÌÒ½´grades and credit for courses completed abroad.  Students will not receive transfer credit.

Depending on the student’s choice of program, in addition to regular ÃÛÌÒ½´tuition and fees, they will also incur additional costs such as educational supplies, and meal and housing options determined by the program type, program provider, and/or host institution.

Students will be responsible for additional expenses not listed above including, but not limited to, round-trip airfare, passport and/or visa fees, required immunizations (if applicable), meals, textbooks, daily living expenses, and independent travel.  The Student Budget Estimate sheet is a tool for calculating the total cost for the student’s participation in a study abroad program.  The Student Budget Estimate sheet should be completed by all students and shared with parents/guardians and the student’s financial aid adviser (if applicable). 

ÃÛÌÒ½´tuition is charged according to the number of credit hours for all January, May, and Summer programs. There is a nonrefundable Initial Commitment fee of $1000 and a Remainder of Commitment that varies based on the type of program a student is doing. Please note all pre-departure expenses must be paid by the student. No financial aid should be expected for program deposits, early purchase of airline tickets, passport application fees, etc.

In some cases, for hybrid programs such as SMU-in-London: LSE, the cost of housing and meals is charged by a partner provider.

Students attending ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad programs during the summer are eligible for a pro-rated amount of their merit scholarship and ÃÛÌÒ½´Opportunity Grant. Federal loans not utilized during the fall/spring of that academic year may also be used. For information on how your need and merit based financial aid will apply to the January programs, please speak with your financial aid advisor.

Refer to the Cost & Aid page for specific tuition amounts. 

Semester study abroad students will receive two kinds of invoices:

 Invoice #1: Program Provider/Host Institution Charges

The student will be billed directly by their chosen study abroad program provider or host institution for the following:

non-refundable deposit* to secure the student's place on the program and non-tuition program fees (e.g., housing, orientation, and etc.).

*PLEASE NOTE: payment, cancellation, and refund policies vary depending on the provider.  Read any provider or housing contract carefully before signing as you will be individually responsible for those contracts.  Students cancelling their abroad program will also be responsible for any additional financial commitments made by ÃÛÌÒ½´on behalf of the student.

Invoice #2: ÃÛÌÒ½´Tuition and Fees

 

Students studying abroad will receive their regular semester invoice from Student Financial Services for tuition and fees plus any outstanding charges.

 

Mandatory Student Health Insurance*

*All students studying abroad are required to enroll in or waive the ÃÛÌÒ½´Student Health Insurance Plan as for any other semester.  If waiving ÃÛÌÒ½´insurance, students must provide proof that their alternate health insurance provides international coverage. All non-U.S. students engaged in abroad programs are required to enroll in the ÃÛÌÒ½´Student Health Insurance Plan. 

Students should expect to pay all pre-departure expenses. No financial aid should be expected for program deposits, early purchase of airline tickets, passport application fees, and etc.

Students attending ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad semester programs may receive the same financial aid and scholarships that they are eligible for during a fall/spring here at SMU. Additional aid may be available if you will incur expenses beyond what you typically pay on-campus. Please discuss this with your financial aid advisor. Students are also eligible for scholarships through their program provider. If you are studying abroad directly with a foreign university, inquire with the contact there as many have small awards for US students.

Refer to the Cost & Aid page for specific tuition amounts. 

Matriculated ÃÛÌÒ½´students may apply their institutional and federal financial aid to their abroad program. Students should consult with ÃÛÌÒ½´Financial Aid for details.

ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad offers a limited number of need-based study abroad scholarships. Students apply separately for these scholarships during the ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad application process. In addition, many departments and other academic units on campus also offer scholarship support for study abroad. External scholarships are also available.

Students with any level of financial aid considering study abroad should meet with ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad several months prior to studying abroad and should ask for detailed information about possible funding sources.

Refer to the Scholarships and Fellowships webpages for details. 

All study abroad students are required to enroll in or waive the Student Health Insurance Plan even though you will not be physically on the Dallas campus. A waiver requires the student to demonstrate existing coverage by a comparable plan. If waiving, student's personal health insurance must have international coverage. All International Students engaged in abroad programs are required to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan.

ExLog Global is SMU's Travel Assistance Provider. All students are provided access to this service and it is included in the total cost of the program.  ExLog Global offers a dedicated hotline for 24/7 traveler assistance. When students call the ÃÛÌÒ½´Assistance line, they will be greeted by someone who will be able to assist them with the following services: 

• Safety and security advice and on-travel guidance (pre-trip advice, lost/stolen passports or luggage, in-country advice)
• Access to medical assistance and transportation services
• Access to security assistance and evacuation services
• Access to mental health providers
• Access to subject matter experts and risk advisors
• Multi-language Capable

ExLog Global - the 24/7 assistance hotline is +1-469-806-0682

 

Students applying to ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad programs must be in good academic and disciplinary standing. ÃÛÌÒ½´requires students to have a minimum 2.500 cumulative GPA and no active conduct violations in order to participate in an abroad program. Specific programs may have higher minimum GPA requirements. Many programs have competitive admission. Look for more detailed requirements on the webpages for any program you may be interested in.

Matriculated students may apply to study abroad after completing one full semester of study (Fall or Spring term) at SMU. Students are discouraged from studying abroad during their final full semester of study at ÃÛÌÒ½´because ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad cannot guarantee that abroad credits will be processed in time for graduation in such cases. Students who matriculate as transfer students must complete one full semester of study at ÃÛÌÒ½´in order to be eligible to apply for study abroad. A transfer student’s cumulative GPA will be used as the basis for determining academic eligibility.

Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing to apply for and participate in an ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad Program. If you are placed on academic or disciplinary probation or have a pending matter with the ÃÛÌÒ½´Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards or the ÃÛÌÒ½´Office of Institutional Access and Equity that arises between your Program acceptance and the Program start date, your acceptance may be revoked. Revocation from the Program may result in the same financial consequences as a withdrawal, effective as of the date ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad is notified of any change in your academic or disciplinary standing.

 

The application process is online and completed in phases. The “advising” phase is the first step toward studying abroad, and can be opened as soon as you start exploring program options. Students need to open and complete the “advising” phase of the application at least two weeks prior to the application deadline for the term they wish to study abroad.

The “pre-decision” phase is the part of the application on which you are reviewed for program acceptance. Applicants must complete all application elements by 11:59 PM CST* on application deadline. ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad reviews all applications for completion and accuracy.

For January, May & Summer programs, once ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad approves your application, it is submitted to the program faculty director or liaison for review. At their discretion, they will be in touch to conduct an interview. If accepted, you will receive an Acceptance Letter from ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad through the application portal.

For semester programs, once ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad approves your application, it is submitted to the Semester Application Review Subcommittee immediately following the Early Decision and Regular Decision deadlines. If accepted, you will receive an acceptance letter from ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad.

Upon being accepted, your application will then enter the “post-decision” phase, where you will make your commitment fee payment(s) for January, May & Summer programs. You will also be asked to upload more information and review and sign documents.

Most ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad programs are supported by partner providers who help with logistics and on-site support for the program. In addition to the ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad application, you may be asked to submit information directly to the provider. It is your responsibility to ensure that these materials are completed by their specified due dates.

ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad staff will send important communication to ÃÛÌÒ½´email accounts only. We expect that you will check your ÃÛÌÒ½´email account at least twice a week both before and during your abroad program. You are responsible for following any directions communicated through your ÃÛÌÒ½´email.

The following documents are policies that all students sign or mark as read within the application. 

• Payment and Cancellation Information (term specific)

Students who study abroad on January, May & Summer programs enroll themselves directly into the appropriate ÃÛÌÒ½´courses in my.SMU. Detailed instructions on enrollment for these programs are sent directly to the student via email. 

Students with holds cannot enroll: this includes financial holds, Rights and Responsibilities holds, and holds due to required personal information updates. Students must check my.ÃÛÌÒ½´to see if they have any holds on their account. Failure to enroll by the specified deadline may result in a student's withdrawal from the program, and in that case, they will be responsible for any resultant cancellation fees.

Courses immediately appear on the student's ÃÛÌÒ½´transcript from the time of enrollment. 

Students who study abroad on ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad fall and spring term programs are enrolled in a ÃÛÌÒ½´placeholder course to denote full-time enrollment. This placeholder course (designated with a Z) is taken on a credit/no-credit basis. Students must submit their transcript from the study abroad program showing successful completion of credit hours to receive a grade of CR in the Z course.

Students with holds cannot be enrolled: this includes financial holds, Rights and Responsibilities holds, and holds due to required personal information updates. Students must check my.ÃÛÌÒ½´to see if they have any holds on their account and these holds must be cleared for ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad to enroll the student into the placeholder. 

It can take up to 4 months after a semester abroad for ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad to receive a transcript. After receipt, students will be notified via email by ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad. This email will include the list of courses taken abroad and any ÃÛÌÒ½´course approvals that have been shared with our office.

Abroad courses and grades will not appear on a student’s ÃÛÌÒ½´transcript until every course has been approved for ÃÛÌÒ½´credit. If all courses have been approved for ÃÛÌÒ½´credit, it may still be several weeks before the ÃÛÌÒ½´transcript is updated.

It is possible for the transcript process to be delayed by the following:

• Financial hold with the partner provider
• Unapproved courses

To cancel enrollment or to withdraw an application from a January, May, or Summer program, a student must notify ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad in writing at: abroad@smu.edu. Cancellation is subject to cost pending on the date ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad receives the student's written notification. Notifying a Program Director and/or Faculty Liaison or withdrawing an application online will not constitute a withdrawal; the ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad Office MUST be notified in WRITING.The cancellation schedules for January, May, and Summer programs are provided on the Cost & Aid page. The ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad Office will not provide refunds of any monies outside of the published cancellation schedules unless ÃÛÌÒ½´cancels the program. 

Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing to apply for and participate in an ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad Program. If you are placed on academic or disciplinary probation or have a pending matter with the ÃÛÌÒ½´Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards or the ÃÛÌÒ½´Office of Institutional Access and Equity that arises between your Program acceptance and the Program start date, your acceptance may be revoked. Revocation from the Program may result in the same financial consequences as a withdrawal, effective as of the date ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad is notified of any change in your academic or disciplinary standing.

Students interested in a medical withdrawal should consult with Health Services at SMU. Only the ÃÛÌÒ½´Health Center may authorize a Medical Withdrawal.

To cancel enrollment or to withdraw an application from a semester program, a student must notify ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad in writing at: abroad@smu.edu. Cancellation is subject to cost pending on the date ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad receives the student's written notification. Notifying a Provider or withdrawing an application online will not constitute a withdrawal; the ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad Office MUST be notified in WRITING. The cancellation schedules for Semester programs are provided on the Cost & Aid page. The ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad Office will not provide refunds of any monies outside of the published cancellation schedules unless ÃÛÌÒ½´cancels the program. 

Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing to apply for and participate in an ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad Program. If you are placed on academic or disciplinary probation or have a pending matter with the ÃÛÌÒ½´Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards or the ÃÛÌÒ½´Office of Institutional Access and Equity that arises between your Program acceptance and the Program start date, your acceptance may be revoked. Revocation from the Program may result in the same financial consequences as a withdrawal, effective as of the date ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad is notified of any change in your academic or disciplinary standing.

Students interested in a medical withdrawal should consult with Health Services at SMU. Only the ÃÛÌÒ½´Health Center may authorize a Medical Withdrawal.

To cancel enrollment or to withdraw an application from a Virtual Abroad program, a student must notify ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad in writing at abroad@smu.edu. Cancellation is subject to cost pending on the date ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad receives the student's written notification. Notifying a Program Director and/or Faculty Liaison or withdrawing an application online will not constitute a withdrawal; the ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad Office MUST be notified in WRITING. The cancellation schedules for Virtual Abroad programs are provided on the Cost & Aid page. The ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad Office will not provide refunds of any monies outside of the published cancellation schedules unless ÃÛÌÒ½´cancels the program. 

Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing to apply for and participate in an ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad Program. If you are placed on academic or disciplinary probation or have a pending matter with the ÃÛÌÒ½´Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards or the ÃÛÌÒ½´Office of Institutional Access and Equity that arises between your Program acceptance and the Program start date, your acceptance may be revoked. Revocation from the Program may result in the same financial consequences as a withdrawal, effective as of the date ÃÛÌÒ½´Abroad is notified of any change in your academic or disciplinary standing.

Students interested in a medical withdrawal should consult with Health Services at SMU. Only the ÃÛÌÒ½´Health Center may authorize a Medical Withdrawal.