Frequently Asked Questions

With so many options for intercultural learning, you may need help deciding which programs are best for you. Even if you’re just beginning to think about studying away, you can access the 3 phases of studying away to help narrow the programs best for you. Below is a sample of the items noted in the 3 phases document: 

• Is a semester program or a shorter GO Term option best for you?

• Do you want to fulfill courses for your major or GE courses? 

• Do you have a minor that you can fulfill through a program? (Keep in mind, you can only take up to 50 percent of your minor requirements outside of APU!)

• What foreign language do you want to study? 

• What general studies units do you have left? 

• Are some of your major classes offered only once a year? Or certain semesters?

• Do you want to be involved in on-campus leadership? What semester would be the best for you to be away then?

• What is most important for you? All program participation should stay within your regular anticipated graduation date. 

  • Financial aid transferring

  • Going away in the summer

  • Getting to the country/program of your choice

• Are there prerequisites for any of the courses you want to take while away?

• Are you a senior by credits? Are you aware of the senior transferring units limitations? (18 of your last 24 units MUST be taken at APU.)

Asking these questions and considering the information in the Study Away Student Journey resource, can help narrow down the study away program options best for you. Meet with your academic advisor to determine the best term to study away and email the remaining questions to studyaway@apu.edu so we can send you the information you need or set up an appointment to talk further. 

Additional Frequently Asked Questions and responses can be found here. 

Many students choose to wait to study away, but that can limit your options or even eliminate the option to study away with a semester program. Each program offers different courses so you need to integrate that course information to determine which semester would be best. Some programs offer courses that count towards your general education requirements which would be better earlier on versus programs that offer courses for your major or upper-division courses, etc. 

Studying away your senior year is only allowed the first semester of your senior year and not the final semester before graduation. All Graduation Requirements are listed in the APU Academic Catalog and student takes full responsibility for accomplishing the requirements. It is strongly encouraged that ALL courses be approved prior to departure. Please note that APU semester programs meet the residency requirements, but courses transferred as a result of taking a leave of absence (LOA) will not count towards the residency requirement. Seniors cannot study away after their commencement unless the program accepts alumni participants.

The application deadlines for study away programs (semester and GO Terms) vary, but is usually several months ahead of time and can sometimes need to be done as early as possible in order to secure the spot. Check the available dates for your program now so you can take advantage of the opportunity to study away.

For the full list of APU-approved semester programs, please visit the Programs section on our website. 

APU offers a variety of study away options for students, but if you want to participate in an unapproved study away semester program outside of what we offer, the student would need to take a Leave of Absence (LOA) from the university to participate in the program. For LOA related information please visit HERE. 

Check the Financial Information page here. 

Check the Financial Information page here. 

Unfortunately, study away scholarships are currently unavailable.

In between $5000–$10000+ depending on the program cost and number of unit you are taking. See program packets for specifics.

• Tuition

• Housing

• Pre-Departure advising and preparation meetings

• On-site orientation

• Full-time program leadership- faculty and staff

• Field visits and cultural activities

• APU International Insurance

• Specific excursions (differs for each program)

• APU Undergraduate Services Fee 

Courses offered in an APU semester program (exchange programs) and faculty-led GO Terms have already been approved for APU academic credit. 

Partnered programs require you to complete a Transfer Inquiry Form to gain the appropriate approvals. 

If there is a course you would like to take that is not already approved for credit at APU, you will need to complete a Transfer Inquiry Form to gain the appropriate approvals. 

Yes, there are nursing exchange programs. Other programs do not offer nursing courses so your graduation may be delayed.

If your program is unable to currently receive applications, or if you are still deciding about studying away, you can let us know through the study away "Interest Form."

You can make an appointment by emailing studyaway@apu.edu after you have looked through the resources posted on the website.

The host organization will inform you of your status with their program. Forward all acceptance information to studyaway@apu.edu so we can help you complete all needed APU study away items to maintain your APU status and determine if any financial aid is available.