Yes! The Office of Overseas Studies offers 50 semester and year-long programs all over the world; there are probably several locations that would suit your interests and allow you to graduate on time! As part of the application process, you are required meet with your academic advisor, who pre-approves the courses you plan to take. That way, you know what you will be getting credit for before you take off!
* Note: students majoring in Business or Communication must participate in a study abroad program through Marshall or Annenberg in order to receive major credit. Other pre-professional schools may not award major credit for programs offered through the College. However, these students are welcome to participate in College programs for double major, minor or elective credit.
Can only certain majors study abroad?
No. Most programs are open to students regardless of major, with the following exceptions:
King’s College – International Relations majors only
Cortona – Fine Arts majors and minors only
Queen Mary – students must take at least one course for credit towards their major or minor
Am I required to go to a location where I can get major/minor credit?
No. While there are some programs that are only open to certain majors, you can go abroad for elective credit if you choose.
Will all the courses that I take transfer back as USC credit?
Yes. All courses taken through an Office of Overseas Studies program will transfer as USC credit and will count toward the 64-unit residency requirement. However, credit toward major or minor fulfillment is dependent upon departmental approval.
Can I take General Education courses?
Students are not allowed to fulfill GE, Writing or Diversity requirements on a study abroad program.
I heard that you take classes on a Credit/No Credit basis – is that true? Will those courses still count toward my major? What about transcripts?
With the exception of USC Paris and USC Madrid, all of the courses you take abroad will appear on your USC transcript as Credit/No Credit and will not affect your GPA. As long as your courses have been approved by your academic advisor, they will count toward your major or minor.
Most students who study abroad receive a copy of their transcript, which contains letter grades. If you are planning to apply to graduate school, you may be required to submit this transcript – so getting good grades is still important!
Do I have to speak a foreign language?
No. The Office of Overseas Studies administers 17 programs with no language requirement whatsoever. In addition, many other programs have language requirements of as few as two semesters. Our website has individual program pages with information regarding specific requirements.
My program requires two semesters of a college-level language – what does this mean?
Two semesters of college-level language is equivalent to having completed the second semester course in that language. You can also meet this requirement by taking the placement test and placing out of second semester. Note that the placement test results are only valid for one year. For information, contact the Testing Bureau: http://sait.usc.edu/testing_bureau.
Is there a minimum GPA required?
Yes. Students need at least a 3.0 cumulative USC GPA to study abroad through our office. For some programs, the GPA requirement is higher due to the rigor and competitive nature of the program.
Are the study abroad programs competitive?
Some programs are more competitive than others, due to higher GPA requirements or popularity. While it is rare that students are not able to participate in the program of their choice, we do advise students applying to competitive programs to choose a backup as well.
Can I afford to study abroad?
Yes! Many students fear that studying abroad will be too expensive. But there are programs for a wide range of budgets, with some costing considerably less than a semester at USC. If you would like to find out estimated program costs, contact the Office of Overseas Studies.
Can I use my financial aid to go overseas?
Yes. All USC financial aid including loans, grants, and scholarships, are applicable to USC-sponsored overseas studies programs. Financial aid packages are reevaluated in consideration of the cost of a specific program, and aid packages are adjusted according to the modified cost of attendance.
In cases where the semester overseas is projected to be less expensive than an on-campus semester, the estimated family contribution (EFC) will be maintained and the aid package will be reduced. If a program is projected to be more than an on-campus semester, the student and family may be eligible for additional loans in the amount of the price differential. Also, scholarships are available for certain overseas programs. Detailed financial aid and scholarship information is available on the USC Office of Overseas Studies Financial Aid page. Generally, there are many more scholarships available for study abroad in non-Western or developing countries. Scholarships for study in Europe and
Can I apply to more than one program?
Yes, but only if one of the programs is competitive. If you can’t decide between several programs, study abroad advisors are happy to meet with you to help you narrow down your choice.
Can I go abroad for more than one semester?
Yes! Many students choose this option. Some go to the same program for a full year to really immerse themselves deeply in their host country’s culture. Others go to two different locations to have two different experiences. While we encourage students to decide whether they want to go for a semester or year when they apply, most programs allow you to apply for a semester and then extend if you want to stay.
Does the Office of Overseas Studies run summer programs abroad?
No. Several schools and academic departments at USC operate their own summer programs overseas, for which students may receive USC credit. Program requirements vary. Click here for more information.
I live in USC housing. What should I do about my contract through the housing office if I go abroad?
Students accepted to a USC Overseas Studies program will be released from their university housing contract for the semester they are away. As of now, there is no guarantee that students will be able to reenter university housing upon return from an overseas program. For students in non-university housing, it is their responsibility to make housing arrangements both before and after studying overseas.
The Office of Overseas Studies maintains a message board for students leaving for and returning from overseas. Many students post available apartment rentals on this site, and others post when they need to find a roommate. This is often an effective way to find someone to sub-lease an apartment, or find housing for when you return from overseas. You can view this message board under the “Students” link on this website.
What are the overseas living arrangements?
Living arrangements vary among programs. Depending on the program, housing options may include dormitory (either with dining halls or cooking facilities), homestay, apartments (with other Americans, native citizens, or other foreign students), group homes, or shared cabins in the case of the Field Studies programs.
When should I go?
Students must be of a minimum sophomore standing upon commencement of the program. Transfer students may study overseas upon completion of two semesters at USC. Most programs are open for both semester and year-long study, but some are only available in the spring or require attendance for a full year. A few programs require junior standing. Think about your degree plan and speak to your advisor when deciding what would be the best time for you.
How early can I start applying?
Applications are due the semester prior to studying and are available at the Office of Overseas Studies at the beginning of the semester in which they are due. For some programs, applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may be submitted prior to the deadline. In the case of all other programs, applications will not be processed until after the deadline and early submission will not affect chances of admission.
What is the “Two-Step Application Process”?
Approval for participation in one of USC’s study abroad programs is a two-step process. Most programs require both a USC application and a secondary program specific application. All applicants are reviewed by the Office of Overseas Studies and, if approved, their application is sent to the respective study abroad program. The criteria for selection differ from program to program. Being accepted by the Office of Overseas Studies does not guarantee acceptance to a program and the competitiveness of some programs may vary depending on the number of applicants from colleges outside of USC.
Where can I get passport photos taken?
Passport photos can be obtained at any of the following places:
USCard Services
Kinko’s
Quik-Pix (located in
US Post Office
Does USC arrange my travel?
No. Some programs are operated in cooperation with other universities or organizations, and group flights may be available. Many of the programs offer excursions with pre-arranged transportation during the term.
Is it possible to study abroad for a semester or year through programs not offered by the University and still receive credit?
Rarely. To do so, students must file a request for exception to residency, which is initiated with their academic advisor and must gain approval from the department chair, school Dean and Office of Degree Progress. Exceptions are not readily granted. A student must have a strong academic rationale and support from his or her major department. Personal reasons, program location, and avoidance of GPA or language requirements are not sufficient rationale for exception.
If an exception to residency is granted, the student is normally approved to transfer in 8 units of credit. USC financial aid and scholarships will not apply to programs not sponsored by USC however, and units are NOT guaranteed to be transferable. In addition, units transferred from non-USC programs are considered regular transfer units and do not count toward the 64 units required to be taken while in residency at USC.
May I talk to an alumnus of the program?
Program evaluations from previous participants are available in the Office of Overseas Studies. These evaluations detail student perceptions of academics, housing, costs and experiences. Most students who fill out an evaluation include their email address so future students can contact them.
I still have a lot of questions. What should I do next?
If you’ve narrowed down your study abroad options to a few programs, stop by our office to learn more about each program individually. Our office houses student evaluations, course catalogues, course syllabi, brochures, videos, and travel books to help get you started. You can also set up an appointment with a study abroad advisor who can help assess your individual needs and decide which program is best for you. Please call us at 213-740-3636 for more information. The advisors are:
Trista Beard:
Peter Hilton:
Liz Williams:
