Study abroad at ASU: How it works


August 12, 2020

On the surface, studying abroad is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime way for students to enhance their college experience and engage immersively in an international community. 

But when you dig a little deeper, it can be so much more. Students take on classes that reach new depths in all subjects, from the culture of food in Japan to the innovation of neuroscience in London ASU student on her study abroad to India ASU student Mollie Rubin on her study abroad in India. Photo courtesy of Mollie Rubin. Download Full Image

Sun Devils return home with skills like confidence, global awareness and problem-solving as some of their greatest souvenirs. 

Not to mention the boost on their resume and the springboard that just the right program can be for their future career. No matter what their goals may be, studying abroad helps any student stand out on future applications for graduate, medical or professional school, or jobs and internships.

With more than 250 programs spanning all seven continents in more than 65 different countries, that is easy to do. ASU students have the chance to travel the globe, all while taking classes that count as ASU course credit. 

And the best part? These experiences are open to every student at ASU. 

Student-athletes, ASU Online students, Greek Life members and nontraditional students can all be a part of journeys from Brazil to Botswana.

With study abroad programs that range from one week to a full academic year, any student can tailor their program to fit their goals and commitments they have here in Arizona and beyond. 

Requirements for study abroad will depend on the program, but for the most part, if a student has a cumulative GPA of 2.0, is in good standing with the ASU Student Code of Conduct and is enrolled as a degree-seeking student — the plane is waiting for you!

There are so many different programs available to students— the hardest part might just be choosing one. 

All programs for study abroad at ASU fall under four categories. 

The shorter-term programs are typically led by ASU faculty members. These include summer faculty-directed programs, where ASU faculty lead students on a program either internationally or domestically, and Global Intensive Experience programs, the Study Abroad Office’s shortest programs that generally take place over an academic break. 

The longer-term programs include partnership programs that occur during semesters or over the summer. For these programs, the ASU Study Abroad Office partners with an outside provider that organizes the study abroad experience for ASU students and other students from universities across the country.

A student can also choose to do an exchange program, where the ASU student enrolls in an international university, attends classes and participates in activities just as a local student at that university would. Exchanges are typically a semester or longer in duration, but a few summer programs are available as well.

Once abroad, there are several housing options for students that largely depend on their selected program. Generally these will include either dorm-style on-campus housing, apartment-living or homestays with local families. 

Sun Devils earn ASU credit and grades for courses completed on the program, allowing them to maintain progress toward their degree requirements and ensure they are staying on track for their degree. Students can even search for programs by particular class credits they are aiming to complete while abroad.

Students can choose a program centered on their major or work towards earning minor, certificate or elective credits while abroad. Students can even foster their passions abroad ranging from nutrition to soccer to volunteering. There are no limits when it comes to where you can go and what you can learn. 

All students will be enrolled at ASU for the duration of the program, enabling them to remain eligible for financial aid and scholarships through ASU. After it’s all said and done, the cost of a student’s experience could be less than or equal to being on campus!

Where will you go? Start researching your dream program today

Why every ASU student should study abroad


August 5, 2020

Students often cite studying abroad as the highlight of their academic career and a crucial moment in helping them gain a more nuanced view of the world. Study abroad programs provide an opportunity for all students to develop a valuable skill set that can truly enhance a college experience. 

For Sun Devils, the world is rife with opportunities for exploration. man wearing ASU Sun Devils jersey on a mountain with a city in the background ASU student Ryan Jana on his study abroad trip in New Zealand shows his ASU spirit. Photo courtesy of Ryan Jana. Download Full Image

The Study Abroad Office at ASU works hard to ensure any student can take advantage of the opportunity, no matter their course requirements, financial aid status or destination of interest. The office hosts more than 250 programs in over 65 countries, and students can explore program options on all seven continents. Students may study in a wide range of disciplines, from mathematics to fashion to forensic science and beyond. Time restrictions also pose no barrier to the intrepid student, as all can attend programs as short as seven days to as long as an entire academic year.

The personal benefits of study abroad are abundant — students can grow personally, academically and professionally, developing critical skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. They also increase their knowledge of their chosen field of study through the lens of different cultures, traditions and histories. 

Anyone, from a nontraditional student on the West campus to a student athlete housed in the Greek Village, can travel out of their comfort zone to network with students, faculty and community members who have similar interests and goals. Thousands of Sun Devils embark on new journeys across the world each year to accomplish all of this and more. 

Through these dynamic experiences, students also develop their leadership skills and confidence while navigating a brand new city. Planning their route on the London metro, navigating their walk to class in Lima, Peru, or figuring out the bus system in Sydney, Australia, students learn to rely on newfound abilities and trust themselves to flourish in unfamiliar settings.

Academically, studying abroad opens doors to global learning with a new perspective, where every study abroad program is credit-bearing and can count toward graduation requirements. No need to worry about receiving credits for a study abroad program. It’s simple — students can find ASU-equivalent academic credits when they travel on a study abroad program. All credits received will count toward their GPA, and by working with their academic adviser, students could be able to complete much-needed graduation requirements like a core class or an internship. Then with a diploma in hand, the global Sun Devil can easily turn their experience abroad into professional opportunities. 

Nikil Selvam, a computer science and economics major, cited how much students can learn from studying abroad: "You learn from a lot of different people and you learn a lot about the world itself in a way that just being at ASU won't teach you."

Professionally, students open themselves up to a world of opportunities to grow and better position themselves for a head start on their career goals. Many know that study abroad is an experience that can help students master a foreign language — a boon in many of today’s career paths — however, programs also aid in students’ understanding of intercultural dynamics and world issues. This is an invaluable attribute on any student’s resume and the perfect talking point to highlight in interviews. Studying the elements of modern design in Vietnam or the techniques of sustainability in Costa Rica ensure students are well-positioned for an internship or full-time job soon after.

Morgan Wendlandt, a business entrepreneurship major with minors in theater and studio art, talked about how study abroad affected her career path in her blog post "A Change in Perspective May Just Change Your Life." “I realized that I wanted to own my own art-based business as well as live in Ireland. Now I am looking for another internship and making plans to move to Dublin after I graduate,” she wrote.

Overall, study abroad is an opportunity students will treasure for a lifetime.