This page has been designed especially for Puget Sound students who are interested in studying abroad. Listed below are common questions that many applicants have. If you have additional questions or would like more information about the study abroad programs offered at the University of Puget Sound, please contact the Office of International Programs.
- I'm interested in studying abroad. What do I need to do in order to study abroad?
- How do I apply?
- When should I apply?
- Where can I study abroad?
- When can I study abroad?
- How much does it cost to study abroad?
- Can I use financial aid for study abroad?
- Will the classes I take studying abroad count toward my requirements at Puget Sound?
- Do I need to maintain a certain GPA in order to study abroad?
- When will I be notified if I’ve been accepted for study abroad?
- How can I get in touch with students who have already participated in the study abroad program I’m considering?
- Where can I apply for a passport?
1. I'm interested in studying abroad. What do I need to do in order to study abroad?
In order to study abroad at Puget Sound, you must do the following:
1. Complete a Puget Sound Study Abroad Application for one of Puget Sound’s approved programs by the Puget Sound Study Abroad Application Deadline in late January
2. Have your Puget Sound Study Abroad Application approved by the International Education Committee (IEC)
3. Complete an application directly with your program provider
More details on the step-by-step process can be found here.
2. How do I apply?
Click here for steps to get started. Note that the application is actually a two-step process. Students first must apply to Puget Sound to receive approval to study abroad. Then students must apply directly to their approved program to be accepted.
3. When should I apply?
We have an early study abroad application deadline at Puget Sound. You should start thinking about studying abroad the year before they want to go (i.e. if you plan to go abroad in the spring of your junior year, you need to get started on the process during the fall of your sophomore year). Puget Sound has one application deadline in late January for all study abroad (summer study abroad, fall study abroad, spring study abroad, and academic year study abroad). This is a firm deadline and applications will not be accepted after the late January deadline. For the exact date please visit the website.
4. Where can I study abroad?
The University of Puget Sound has approved a wide variety of programs in various countries. Students must choose a program from the list of Approved programs. Students may not transfer in credit from a non-approved study abroad program.
Additionally, the University will cancel or withdraw approval of a program in areas for which there are travel advisories of level three or four issued by the US State Department (DOS) or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Puget Sound reserves the right to consider any other U.S. Department of State or Centers for Disease Control Travel or Health Related Advisories to amend its policy regarding university supported/related travel. See the Travel Advisory Policy.
5. When can I study abroad?
We recommend consulting with your major or intended major department to determine the best time to go abroad. In general, students can study abroad as early as the summer after their first year. For those wishing to study abroad for a semester, the earliest time is spring of their sophomore year. More information on eligibility is available here.
6. How much does it cost to study abroad?
For a semester program, Puget Sound students are charged Puget Sound tuition, Puget Sound housing, and the government fee. If the program includes meals (all or partial board plan), the student will also be charged the Puget Sound meal rate or a portion of the meal rate. Additionally, students are billed a study abroad program fee of $300, $1200, or $2400.
Students who study abroad during summer pay program costs plus a $500 administrative fee to the university.
In most cases students do have additional costs related to study abroad, which may include books, airfare, local transportation, passport and visa fees, medical insurance, inoculations, security deposit if applicable, and any other personal expenses. Click here for more information.
7. Can I use financial aid for study abroad?
Yes! Financial aid (other than work study) and scholarships apply towards fall, spring, and academic year study abroad. If the summer study abroad program is worth 2 or more academic units, students may be eligible to borrow up to 1/3 of their federal loans for the academic year. No institutional aid is available for summer study abroad. Click here for more information.
8. Will the classes I take abroad count toward my requirements at Puget Sound?
As part of the study abroad application process, the Office of International Programs, in conjunction with the Office of the Registrar and/or relevant departments, will determine how your courses abroad will apply to your degree requirements. Students can receive elective credit and may be able to receive credit toward major, minor or other degree requirements. For more information visit the Credit for Study Abroad page.
9. Do I need to maintain a certain GPA in order to study abroad?
Yes! The university requires applicants to meet and maintain a 2.5 minimum GPA, as well as the GPA requirement for the study abroad program in which they are participating. Many providers require a minimum 3.0 GPA or higher. Click here for more information on eligibility.
10. When will I be notified if I’ve been accepted for study abroad?
Puget Sound Study Abroad Applications are reviewed after the deadline by the Office of International Programs staff and the International Education Committee. Students are usually notified via email within a few weeks after the application deadline.
11. How can I get in touch with students who have already participated in the study abroad program I’m considering?
Puget Sound students can access student evaluations and find returnee contact information here. Note, you will need to log in using your Puget Sound login credentials. Additionally, many of our program providers also have alumni contacts.
12. Where can I apply for a passport?
Information on obtaining a new passport is available on the U.S .Department of State Web site: www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html .