Study Abroad Basics

Many places. TCU offers over 350 study abroad programs across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

London, England

The most popular term to go abroad is junior year, but every degree plan is different! Talk to your academic advisor to see when the best time to go abroad is for you.

Not necessarily. Even within the same city, there are often multiple programs: some for students with intermediate or advanced language skills, and some for students with beginner skills or no language background. Just check the eligibility requirements to find the program that's right for you.

TCU does not support programs outside of the approved offerings. Students who apply to such programs will not receive TCU residency credit for the program, nor maintain their TCU status during the program. Students may elect to leave TCU for a term and request transfer credit upon return.

Yes! Many international students study abroad. Please work with International Student Services to ensure your eligibility to leave and return to the U.S. It is your responsibility to research the entry requirements for traveling to your study abroad country(ies). If you need a visa, you will need to gather the requisite materials and submit the visa application yourself. Upon request, the Centerfor International Studies can provide a letter on behalf of TCU documenting the following:

• Your acceptance into the program
• Your dates abroad
• Your health insurance coverage
• Information related to financial obligation and coverage (typically a statement that all fees for tuition and lodging have been pre-paid to TCU)

The credit earned and how it works in your degree plan depends on which type of program you choose:

1. Programs / courses taught by TCU faculty (TCU Summer / Short-Term Programs): you will enroll in a TCU course and get direct credit. All major, minor, and core attribute will be identified by the course catalog.
2. Programs / courses taught at another university / institution for which TCU gives you credit (TCU-In Programs and Approved Programs): You will work with your academic advisors and dean to have the courses approved for your degree plan. Because of our partnerships, the coursework can be eligible to count for major, minor, core, or upper level elective credits if your academic units approves. All of this will be documented on your individual Credit Approval Form.

All coursework, regardless of program type, counts for grades count towards the TCU GPA.

Yes! Plan early and talk to your academic advisor to see if a semester fits with your degree plan. If it doesn't, you can still go abroad during the summer!

Most of our programs are general not major-specific, and they offer a wide range of courses. Summer programs can be more specific since students only take 1 or 2 classes, but most summer programs are open to all majors too.

You should expect the classes to be different. The pace, the grading, the approach of professors, and the structure will all be different. Students who take the academics seriously, attend class diligently, and ask for help tend to do very well. But be aware that absences, negative attitudes, comparisons to U.S. academics, and a "vacation" mindset will make it much harder to be successful.

Yes, all coursework from will be recorded as TCU residency credit (not transfer credit), meaning it may be used towards TCU academic requirements, upper level requirements, and for grades. Your program will provide a grade translation indicating how the grades from abroad will be translated to the TCU scale.

Audits are not allowed for Study Abroad classes.

You may elect a Pass/No-Credit (P/NC) grading option by contacting the Center for International Studies (studyabroad@tcu.edu) before the P/NC deadline communicated on the program calendar (semester programs) or by selecting it in your my.tcu.edu portal (summer courses).

For semester programs, you will still receive a grade from the international university, but it will not be recorded in the TCU GPA.

Please carefully read TCU's P/NC policy to verify course eligibility for P/NC.

Study abroad is affordable. TCU students pay the same TCU tuition rate and program fees are similar to the cost of TCU housing. TCU financial aid also applies, and there are additional scholarships for study abroad students.

During the academic year, most TCU financial aid applies to study abroad, and students can apply for additional scholarships. For summer students, TCU offers merit and need-based scholarships. Visit our Scholarship & Aid page.

No, study abroad scholarships and financial aid look at a host of factors, including but not limited to need. ANY student concerned about cost should apply for scholarships.

Yes, applicants must be currently-enrolled, degree-seeking students in good standing at TCU. All semester programs require a minimum 2.8 GPA and two prior semesters at TCU. Some programs have additional prerequisites, so check the program page to confirm your eligibility.

To begin advising, students should attend Study Abroad 101, prior to any individual appointment. They can also meet with a Peer Advisor during walk-in hours (Mon - Thurs, 2 - 4 pm in Reed 214). Students can email studyabroad@tcu.edu for questions.

The application process typically starts the semester before you go abroad, but summer students should plan to apply as early as October or November.

On Call International is Global Assistance Service, including accident, illness and travel insurance, which TCU provides to all students, faculty and staff traveling abroad on TCU programs or business. TCU individuals traveling on TCU programs or business are automatically enrolled in the services at no cost to the individual. On Call can assist with critical medical or safety emergencies, as well as non-critical travel problems (i.e., lost luggage). For more information, review the On Call Brochure.

How to Contact On Call

• Phone: +1 603-952-2062 from anywhere in the world, or +1 888-637-0447 from the U.S. & Canada
• Email: mail@oncallinternational.com
• Text: +1 603-945-0103

 

U.S. citizens will need to review the Department of State website to apply for or renew passport. First time applicants will need to apply in person.

Passports are currently taking 12 weeks or longer for routine applications and 4 - 6 weeks for expedited applications.

If you already have a passport, check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for six months beyond your return date.

A visa is official documentation from the host country allowing you to enter and stay in that country for a specific purpose and specific period of time. Some countries require study abroad students to obtain a visa prior to travel. There may be different processes and requirements depending on your citizenship and the length of stay. Check with the embassy of your host country for more information.

For Consulates that ask TCU to apply for student visas as a group, we will apply on your behalf. But you must provide all the necessary paperwork, exactly as requested.

A visa is stamped in your current passport; therefore, your passport will be submitted with your visa application. Do not make plans to travel internationally for the duration of this process.

YES

• All TCU students, faculty and staff traveling abroad on TCU programs or business are automatically covered under the university’s accident and illness insurance plan through On Call at no cost to the individual.
• You are covered by On Call International’s insurance for the program dates only.
• You should also maintain your own U.S. (or home country) health insurance while abroad. Consider the On Call insurance as a supplement to your own personal policy.
• For more information, review the On Call Brochure.

Contact On Call at +1 603-952-2062 and also contact your local on-site staff. On Call provides emergency services, medical referrals, and insurance while abroad.

If you need minor medical care, be prepared to pay up front. After receiving care, you can submit a claim to On Call for reimbursement. If you prefer and have time to wait, you can contact On Call to schedule an appointment and prepay for your medical services.

If you have a CRITICAL emergency

Dial your country’s 911 equivalent, proceed to the closest ER, and contact On Call +1 603-952-2062 as soon as possible, so they can pre-certify your medical expenses.