Study Abroad Basics
Exploring Options
Where can I study abroad?
Many places. TCU offers over 350 study abroad programs across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
What's the most popular location?
London, England
When is the best time to go abroad?
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.
Do I have to know the language?
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.
Can I apply to a program outside of TCU's study abroad offerings?
No, students cannot receive study abroad credit for work on a non-approved program. In rare exceptions, students can petition to participate in highly prestigious programs like the London School of Economics.
Credits & Classes
In addition to the general information here, see your program’s “Course Info” tab for more specific information.
What kind of credit will I get?
The credit earned and how it works in your degree plan depends on which type of program you choose:
- 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.
- 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.
My major is pretty strict. Can I still study abroad?
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!
My major is ____. Where can I study abroad?
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.
Are the classes hard?
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.
Will I get grades for my courses?
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.
Can I audit or take courses pass/no credit?
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 end of the 10th week of classes abroad.
You will still receive a grade from the international university , but it will not be recorded in the TCU GPA.
TCU regulations state that students may take up to two courses (eight hours maximum) on a P/NC basis. No course applied to the student’s major, minor or associated requirements may be taken on the P/NC basis. You must verify your eligibility and adhere to these regulations.
Courses taken on a P/NC basis are graded "P" (pass) and "NC" (no credit). These P/NC courses are not counted in computing the student's GPA. A "P" course, however, will carry credit hours and be used toward a student's total hours required for graduation. A "P" indicates achievement equivalent to a “C-” or better. Achievement equivalent to a "D+" or below results in the grade of "NC." Students earn no credit hours in courses in which the grade of "NC" is received.
Costs & Scholarships
Isn't study abroad expensive?
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.
What kinds of scholarships and financial aid are available for study abroad?
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.
Do I have to be FAFSA-eligible in order to receive a scholarship?
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 a scholarship.
Getting Started & Applying
Are there eligibility requirements for study abroad?
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.
How do I meet with a study abroad advisor?
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.
How early do I need to apply?
The application process typically starts the semester before you go abroad, but summer students should plan to apply as early as October or November.
Travel Questions
What is On Call International?
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
How do I apply for a passport?
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 take 4-6 weeks for routine applications and 2-3 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.
What is a visa? Do I need one?
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.
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.
Do I have health insurance coverage while abroad?
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.
What if I become sick while abroad?
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.