Frequently Asked Questions about Education Abroad

Yes, you will need a valid passport for any program that requires you to leave the United States. Read more about obtaining a US passport on the Department of State website.

• Current student at IUP or another PASSHE university
• Be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (some programs require a 3.0 GPA)
• GPA requirements for faculty-led programs are more flexible.
• Full-time student status
• Open to all majors
• Sophomore, junior, or senior year
• No incomplete (I) grades
• No current or pending judicial probation
• No outstanding financial obligations to IUP 

You should start planning at least two semesters before you want to study abroad. Some programs will have different deadline dates. Start preparing now by visiting our Go Abroad page.

Visit our Go Abroad page to start learning about studying abroad with IUP.

Check out the programs listed on our website.

Programs come in different sizes. Traditional semester programs run close to IUP's semester dates, while faculty-led and summer programs vary, usually from one to eight weeks. Students may also choose a year-long program in one or more locations as part of their experience.

Start by following our P.L.A.N. on the Go Abroad page of our website. After you have discussed studying abroad with our peer advisors, your academic advisor, and the Financial Aid Office and attended one of our workshops, you can schedule a meeting with our director by emailing the Education Abroad director at study-away@iup.edu. Once you are verbally approved, you can apply through the student portal on StudioAbroad.

Yes, you can. IUP has a graduation residency requirement that requires students to complete their last 30 credits on campus. However, education abroad is one exception to this requirement.

If you plan to study abroad in your final year at IUP, it is best to go abroad in the fall to allow time for your transcripts to arrive at IUP and for the credits to be added to your degree program here. If you study abroad during your last semester at IUP, your paperwork will likely not be completed until the following commencement.

Scholarship opportunities for Education Abroad can be found on our scholarships page. We encourage students to apply early for scholarships because deadlines are often 12–18 months before departure. Many students work through our office, but students are encouraged to apply for any and all scholarships they are eligible for.

Yes, it is possible. The safety of IUP students is a priority. IUP reserves the right to make decisions about study abroad/study away in the best interest of our students. Decisions to cancel programs, delay program start dates, or modify programs are based on a balance of many areas, including international health news, health and safety advisories, restrictions, and input from our program providers and host universities, among others.

The visa is a stamp or sticker or electronic clearance from the host country to permit you to enter, travel through or stay for a specific amount of time. Not all programs will require students to seek this clearance. If you will need it, you must first be accepted to a program, then you will receive instructions to apply for such permits.

Do not purchase your flight until your program confirms that you should proceed with this purchase. When you are ready to purchase your ticket, the OIE recommends that you purchase refundable/flexible tickets that allow you to cancel and/or change the itinerary. Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.

Sure! While we have a lot of programs for you to choose from, we know there might be one that works best for you that we just don't offer.  You'll still work with us and we'll help you along the way. See our section for independently arranged programming.

Yes, international internships are usually acceptable from the OIE; however, if it is an internship for an academic department at IUP, you must get permission to register for such a program. Unfortunately, at this time the IUP OIE cannot assist in searching for and/or securing international internships. You will still be required to fill out the appropriate paperwork for the OIE and participate in the pre-departure activities.

Yes, there is a limit on the number of credits you can transfer back to IUP to graduate as an IUP student. Each department will determine this differently, and this should be discussed with the student's individual academic department before study abroad takes place.

You can email study-away@iup.edu to make an appointment or ask some general questions—no problem!

The IUP OIE policy for cancellation is:

Spring Semester Abroad

• If you cancel after October 1, you will forfeit the Education Abroad application fee ($100–$600).
• If you cancel after November 1, you will forfeit 50 percent of your program costs.
• If you cancel after December 1, you will forfeit 100 percent of your program costs.

Fall Semester Abroad

• If you cancel after March 15, you will forfeit the Education Abroad application fee ($100–$600).
• If you cancel after June 1, you will forfeit 50 percent of your program costs.
• If you cancel after July 1, you will forfeit 100 percent of your program costs.

Summer Semester Abroad

• If you cancel after April 1, you will forfeit the Education Abroad application fee ($100–$600).
• If you cancel 45 days prior to the official start date of your program, you will forfeit 50 percent of your program costs.
• If you cancel 30 days prior to the official start date of your program, you will forfeit 100 percent of your program costs.

Each provider may also have its own policies. In the event of illness or another unexpected catastrophic event that may lead a student to forego the program or to terminate that study prematurely, IUP will not be required to provide a refund or any of the monies paid for the program. However, it may do so if IUP determines that the circumstances merit a refund.

Although many programs offer the chance to learn a foreign language as part of the program, doing so is not required for all programs. Many programs also have classes in English in a non-English speaking country! Our programs list gives the language of instruction for each program. Many programs do require that you take a course in the local language, even if the rest of the program is taught in English.

Depending on the program and country, there are a variety of options, some of which are outlined below. Others can be discussed with your Education Abroad advisor.

• ISEP options require higher levels of Spanish for Spain, French for France, and French or German for Switzerland.
• IUP's Valladolid program in Spain requires a minimum of 12 college credit hours in Spanish or equivalent (IUP students need at least SPAN 260). More details on the Valladolid program can be found by visiting IUP's Department of Foreign Languages and reaching out to that program's leadership. 
• Programs in Japan require specific levels of Japanese proficiency depending on the program.

Grades do not transfer; however, credits will transfer to IUP upon completion of your courses. Students must get the equivalent of a C- or better for credits to be accepted for transfer. The IUP Office of Transfer Services is trained in translating transcripts from foreign institutions. The Office of Transfer Services is located in Sutton Hall G-26. You can find more information about transferring credits here.

Note: IUP students who have arranged their program independently and have not filled out this application will need to do the following to be able to transfer the credits earned abroad to IUP:

• Fill out the independently arranged application.
• Complete the questionnaires and application materials required.
• Pay the $375 study abroad charge.

Note: These fees are charged to all IUP students who apply to education abroad programs to ensure that they maintain their student status and are able to transfer the credits earned abroad toward their degree program.

The OIE recommends that you discuss your disability as soon as possible with D2A2 and follow their lead on notifying us.  Not all locations will be able to accommodate all needs. Therefore, we want to be able to offer you the best location that can also provide support for your needs while abroad.

There is currently a $375 education abroad charge which covers the application fee and a number of other services and administrative support for the duration of your program. This fee is payable online before your formal interview.

Faculty-led trips currently have a $100 application charge.

Note: There is a $100 application late fee if applications are submitted after the published deadlines. Please see the deadlines and late fee section of the website for these details.

Most provider programs such as CEA-CAPA, SAI, Semester at Sea, and ISEP have a separate application fee. See each individual website for details on those fees. It is also important to remember that many provider programs also require a confirmation deposit within a certain amount of time after being accepted. This fee may range anywhere from $100 to $2,000.

Costs are determined by a host of factors: location, duration, and program type. IUP offers a range of programming. Crimson Hawk Exchanges are $7,500 per semester while room and board vary by location. This fee will be maintained for programs through spring 2024.

IUP also has affiliation agreements with several third-party providers, which typically have higher costs than those of Crimson Hawk Exchanges. Be sure to read carefully what is included in the prices. Some offer housing and meals, while others do not provide housing in the cost. Review each program's individual website for more information.

Additional costs may include travel costs (plane, train, taxi, etc.), some living expenses, passport/visa, health/travel insurance, and personal spending money.

In most cases, you can take advantage of your financial aid and scholarships associated with studying at IUP. You should discuss your financial situation with the Financial Aid Office, located in Clark Hall, or by emailing them at financial-aid@iup.edu.

Faculty-led programs are directly enrolled in IUP courses, so tuition will be billed through IUP EasyPay. Some of the program fees and deposits for faculty-led programs will be paid through IUP Marketplace.

Crimson Hawk Exchanges are also billed through IUP EasyPay. Third-party providers issue an invoice to IUP, and those charges are applied to the student's IUP EasyPay account (even if it is higher than regular tuition).

Note these differences:

• Independently arranged and Semester at Sea programs are not billed through IUP.
• Summer third-party programs are also not billed through IUP (CEA-CAPA, SAI).

Accommodations will vary from program to program. Some offer apartments, while others provide living quarters in residence halls. Home-stay options are extremely rare but can be discussed with your Education Abroad advisor.

Yes. An insurance minimum of coverage is required for the duration of the study abroad experience. These include $200,000 USD medical evacuation and $25,000 USD repatriation of remains. If currently insured in the US, students are encouraged to check with their current health insurance provider and discuss, if any, overseas coverage. Students often purchase additional coverage.

IUP partners with Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) to provide adequate insurance coverage while students are abroad, including mental health services, for a competitive weekly rate.

Cultural Insurance Services International
1 High Ridge Park
Stamford, CT 06905 USA
1-800-303-8120 (toll-free within the United States)

You may need immunizations/inoculations for certain countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Check with your program provider and Travelers' Health found on the Students Abroad website from the Department of State. You should always consult the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and your physician concerning medical advice.

Your time at IUP does not necessarily have to be extended to accommodate an education abroad experience. It is highly recommended that you meet with your academic advisor as soon as you think about applying to an education abroad program to make a plan for your academic career.

Yes, Students are allowed to order a custom stole with the official IUP brand that can include up to two country flags. Please allow plenty of time to order.

Most education abroad students do not work while overseas. However, as a student, you may have the option to work abroad, depending on the country and program in which you study. Many countries require a student visa that will allow you to work, while other countries require a work visa. It is advisable to focus on your studies while abroad rather than working for the short time abroad. Some students find part-time positions as English tutors in a local library, school, etc.