Studying abroad is an opportunity for students to pursue academic courses or internships in a foreign country while immersing themselves in a new culture. These programs, which can range from a few weeks to an entire year, allow students to earn credits toward their degree while gaining invaluable life experiences.

Benefits of Studying Abroad

• Personal Growth: Living in a different country challenges students to step outside their comfort zones, develop independence, and build confidence. It also fosters adaptability and problem-solving skills, preparing them for diverse life experiences.
• Academic Enrichment: Students gain access to unique courses, global perspectives, and innovative teaching styles that may not be available at their home institution. These experiences deepen their knowledge and often enhance their academic performance.
• Career Preparation: Employers value the skills students develop while studying abroad, such as cultural awareness, global communication, and the ability to thrive in diverse environments. These qualities, combined with international experience, make students more competitive in the job market.

Studying abroad is much more than an academic adventure—it’s a life-changing experience that shapes students into global citizens ready to make their mark on the world.

All students participating in a study abroad program are required to complete two applications: one with Rowan University’s Study Abroad Office and another directly with their chosen provider or exchange program.

The Rowan application ensures students meet university requirements, confirm courses to be taken overseas, and also receive support throughout the process. The provider or exchange program application secures their placement in the overseas program. Both applications are essential and must be completed before students can officially study abroad.

Rowan's SA Application is broken up into two phases. The first phase is the intial application where students must write an essay, obtain two recommendations, and electronically sign several documents. The second phase requires more electronic signatures and also a medical form that students must get completed by a physician.

While the provider/exchange program applications are completely separate from Rowan's our advisors are here to help students with those as well. Those applications will include course registration, housing applications, and more. Encourage your student to stay mindful of deadlines and seek assistance if needed—we’re here to help every step of the way!

Financing a study abroad experience is an important consideration, and we’re here to help students and families navigate this process. The use of financial aid varies depending on the specific program and the student’s individual financial aid package. Some programs allow students to apply their existing aid, while others may have different requirements or limitations.

It’s essential for students to meet with Rowan’s Financial Aid Office early in the planning process to understand how their aid can be applied and explore additional funding options such as scholarships, grants, and payment plans. With careful planning and support, studying abroad can be an attainable and rewarding investment in their future!

To give a brief overview, students can use financial aid on all of our programs. Listed below is the breakdown of how aid can be used:

Federal Aid & Loans: Provider programs only (including faculty-led programs)

Federal Aid, State Aid, Loans & Institutional Scholarships: Exchange programs only

Our office works closely with the Financial Aid Office so if you have any questions along the way, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. 

We understand that your student’s health, safety, and well-being are your top priorities—and they’re ours too. Rowan University and our study abroad partners take every precaution to ensure students are well-supported throughout their time abroad.

Before departure, students receive pre-departure guidance on health preparations, travel insurance, and local safety protocols. (Parent's are urged to attend this meeting with their student.) While abroad, they have access to resources such as 24/7 emergency assistance, on-site program staff, and/or local healthcare providers. Students are also encouraged to prioritize their well-being by maintaining healthy routines and reaching out for support when needed, whether it’s for physical health, mental health, or cultural adjustment.

While abroad, most providers include comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of the student's program. While you can still keep your U.S. health insurance, it is not necessary. You can view the international health insurance policy through the provider's website, or by reaching out the provider. Students participating on a provider program that includes medical insurance can waive their Rowan health insurance for the term they'll be abroad to save some money. 

For the programs that do not include medical insurance, Rowan offers an international medical insurance through AIG. This information is given to students in their study abroad application and includes the a copy of the policy to review. 

Rest assured that your student will have the tools and support they need to thrive while exploring the world. Together, we’re committed to making their study abroad experience safe, enriching, and unforgettable.

 

Transferring credits for study abroad is an essential step in ensuring your student stays on track academically, and we’re here to support them through the process. Here’s how it works for Rowan students:

1. Meet with an Academic Advisor: Your student must discuss their plans to study abroad with their academic advisor early in the process to ensure it aligns with their degree requirements.

2. Review Course Descriptions: Students must obtain detailed course descriptions from their provider or exchange program and share these with their academic advisor and/or academic department chair.

3. Choose Alternate Courses: We recommend selecting 2-3 backup courses in case their first choices are unavailable abroad.

4. Complete the Credit Approval Form: The academic advisor or department chair will complete the Credit Approval Form, which is found in the student’s Rowan Study Abroad Application. This ensures the chosen courses will transfer appropriately to Rowan.

5. Understand Credit Conversion: Credit transfer is the student’s responsibility. They need to verify how credits earned abroad translate to U.S. semester credits, as it’s not always a direct 1:1 exchange. Our team is here to guide students through this process and ensure everything is clear.

By following these steps, your student can enjoy their study abroad experience while staying on track to graduate. Encourage them to start this process early to avoid any delays or surprises!

One of the most important steps in preparing for study abroad is applying for a passport and understanding the visa requirements for your student’s destination. Applying early for a passport is crucial, as processing times can vary and delays are common. A valid passport is required before students can begin the visa application process, so it’s best to get started as soon as possible.

The visa application process can sometimes feel overwhelming, as requirements vary by country, and consulate websites can be confusing to navigate. Many countries require students to apply for a visa in person, often at consulates located in cities like New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., or Newark. This may involve scheduling an appointment, traveling to the consulate, and preparing specific documents.

For students participating in provider programs, their program provider will share detailed step-by-step guidance on how to apply for a visa, which can be found in the provider’s application portal. For exchange programs, the host institution will also provide the necessary forms and instructions for the visa process.

Our office is here to support your student through this process, answer questions, and ensure they’re on track. Encourage your student to stay organized, start early, and reach out to us if they need help—we’re committed to making this process as smooth as possible!

 

ARRIVAL ABROAD:

We know how important it is to feel prepared before your student embarks on their study abroad journey, especially when it comes to housing. Please keep in mind that housing details, whether for provider or exchange programs, are typically shared about 3-4 weeks before the program start date. While this timeline may feel close to departure, rest assured that all housing arrangements will be finalized and communicated to your student in time.

Additionally, all study abroad programs include an orientation for students upon arrival. This orientation is designed to help them settle in, get familiar with their new surroundings, understand local customs, and meet program staff and fellow students. It’s an important first step in ensuring they feel comfortable and prepared for their time abroad.

Arrivals can look different from program to program. Some programs pick up students at the airport, while others require students to get themselves to the host institution/office. Depending on your program, your first day could be your first excursion and orientation. Sometimes your program starts in a different city and you enjoy a couple of days of excursion and then make your way to your program destination, while other programs have you arrive, get your housing and then the next few days are dedicated to orientations. 

Encourage your student to be patient as they await housing details and to take full advantage of the orientation once they arrive—it’s a great way to ease into this exciting new chapter!

When it comes to housing abroad, students typically have a variety of options depending on the program they choose. Through provider programs, students often have the choice between a dorm, apartment, homestay, or residencia. It's important to note that some housing options are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s a good idea for students to make their selection early to secure their preferred choice.

Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of each housing option:

• Dorm: Staying in a dormitory is a great option for students who enjoy being in a social, communal environment. Dorms often house a mix of international and local students, offering the opportunity to meet people from all over the world while fostering a sense of community. Dorms typically provide shared amenities, including kitchens, lounges, and laundry facilities.

• Homestay: A homestay allows students to live with a local family, which provides an immersive cultural experience. This option is perfect for students who want to practice the local language daily, learn about the culture firsthand, and enjoy the comfort of a "home away from home." Homestays often include meals and give students a unique opportunity to build close relationships with their host family.

• Residencia: A residencia is similar to a dorm but usually offers a more independent living experience. Residencias are often set up like apartments or small hotel-style accommodations with private or shared rooms, and may provide more autonomy compared to traditional dorms. Meals may or may not be included. Residencias are a good option for students who prefer some level of independence but still want the support and community atmosphere that comes with a structured housing option.

• Apartment: Living in an apartment offers the most independence, allowing students to manage their own space and meals. Apartments may be shared with other study abroad students or locals, offering a more private and self-sufficient living arrangement. This option is ideal for students who are comfortable with managing their own responsibilities, such as cooking, cleaning, and budgeting, and want to experience living more like a local.

Each housing option has its own set of benefits, and the right choice depends on the student’s preferences for independence, cultural immersion, and social interaction. Regardless of the option chosen, the housing arrangements are designed to support students in having a safe, comfortable, and enriching experience abroad.

Medication cannot be shipped abroad! We encourage all students to speak to their physicians prior to leaving to discuss a plan for refilling prescriptions abroad. If it is possible, the easiest way is to request a supply of medication that will last the duration of the students time abroad. We understand that isn't always permissable so the next best option is to ensure that the student has enough medication to get him/her through the first several weeks abroad. Then once they're settled, the student can make an appointment with a local doctor to get their prescription. Ensuring your ability to get the proper medication is the student's responsibility.

Rowan's policy for alcohol consumption abroad is that students must comply with the legal drinking age of the country in which they're studying. For example, in Europe, the legal age to consume alcohol is 18+ so any student under 18 should not be consuming alcohol. All students must understand that they should not drink to excess and remain responsible at all times for their conduct. 

Rowan University has a zero-tolerance policy for purchase, possession, use, or distribution of any drugs considered to be illicit, illegal, or a controlled substance. Students are further cautioned that the possession of drugs is often dealt with harshly by local, host-country law enforcement and neither Rowan University nor the U.S. Embassy can obtain release from jail. It is the responsibility of the student to understand the local laws relating to the use, purchase, distribution and/or possession of drugs considered to be illicit, illegal or a controlled substance.