Living and learning outside of the United States. Students pursue educational opportunities and earn academic credit, which can apply towards graduation. Study Abroad puts learning into action and allows for a fully immersive experience. Study Abroad can be completed in the summer, semester or full academic year. 

CNU offers different types of Study Abroad programs to best accommodate our student’s needs.  Students can participate in a summer, semester or full academic year program.

• CNU Faculty Led—Offers students the opportunity to study and travel under the leadership of CNU faculty. These programs are typically offered during the summer from 2-4 weeks.

• CNU Exchange Programs Include

  • • China

    • France

    • Scotland

    • Poland

    • Germany

    • Austria

• External Programs —Independent organizations or universities, who facilitate programs abroad. The organization will work with the student on items like the application process, sourcing housing abroad, flights, course enrollment, visa application and on-site support.

1. Enhances global awareness                                 

2. Impresses employers

3. Global perspective regarding your field of study

4. Expand your network

5. Improve language skills

6. Gain lifelong friends

7. Personal growth and development

8. Experience a different learning style

9. Gain important life skills

10. Explore the world!

• Good disciplinary standing; cannot be on suspension or academic probation; program’s selection of a candidate may be impacted by disciplinary history, but having an infraction does not make a candidate ineligible.

• Must meet with the Study Abroad Office before applying to a Non-CNU program

Students are eligible to study abroad the Summer after their Freshman Year through Senior Fall.  Students are not able to graduate while abroad and are encouraged to study abroad prior to Senior Year.  Students should be planning for their study abroad 4-10 months prior to departure. 

1. Create an Account

2. Attend Study Abroad Events- keep an eye out on social media for our weekly events (Facebook/ Instagram)

3. Select Program - Set up a meeting with your study abroad advisor to discuss options

4. Apply to program

5. Complete Enrollment Forms

You can find our contact information here: Contact Us 

There are many different factors that go into choosing a study abroad program. Important factors to consider include: location, duration, academics, language, housing, cost, and eligibility. You will need to decide what is most important to you and where you can be flexible. This will help you narrow down which location and program will be the best fit.

Yes, most programs will offer courses in English unless you are doing a language intensive program.   

Yes, if the following conditions are met:

• All courses must be approved and listed on your Course Approval Form.

• You must receive a C grade or higher. No pass/fail classes accepted.

• CNU must receive a sealed paper transcript from the Host University.

Non-CNU programs will receive transfer credit. Please note transfer credit is listed in a different area in both CNU Live and on your transcript.

For CNU- Faculty-led programs, you will receive CNU credit and grade(s).

Summer

CNU Faculty- Led: October 31, but some may fill prior to deadline due to a rolling admission process.

Non- CNU: March 1

Spring

CNU in Florence: Sept/Oct the semester prior: Rolling Admission

Non-CNU: October 15

Spring Break Programs: October 24

Fall

CNU in Florence: TBD

Non-CNU: April 1

*Keep in mind that Non-CNU programs will have various application deadlines. 

Housing will vary by location, program, and your own comfort level. On-campus accommodations and apartments are most common. Homestays are typical in non-English speaking countries. A homestay allows you to live with a local family. This is a great way to practice your language skills and dive head first into the local culture (and try great food). 

It is likely you will be able to utilize financial aid to study abroad; however, we encourage each student to meet with the Financial Aid Office to discuss what aid is transferable.

For CNU Faculty-led programs, in-state v. out-of-state fees will impact the cost of tuition. For Non-CNU programs, in-state and out-of-state costs will not have any effect on the cost.

Keep in mind the additional costs there are associated with study abroad. Often times the prices listed through Non-CNU programs will not list items such as meals, flights, visas, transportation in country, personal travel, souvenirs, etc. Be sure to read the “fine print” and do not hesitate to ask questions if you are unsure about something.

If you utilize a 529, Virginia Pre-pay, or GI Bill please inform the Study Abroad Office as there are often restrictions associated.

Check out our page on Financial Resources for additional information.

CNU Summer Programs

December 1

Non-CNU Summer Programs

March 1

Spring Programs

Non-CNU: October 15

Fall Programs

April 1

Every student will need a passport to travel internationally. Your passport must be valid up to six months after your return date to the U.S. If you have questions about your passport, please refer to our passport information page.  Whether or not you need a visa depends on which country you are traveling to. Check with your program or faculty member. Travel.state.gov is also a great resource. 

• Passport

• Contact information for the person you are meeting at the airport

• Address for your semester or orientation (if different from your semester) accommodation

• Medications

• Location appropriate clothes

• Chargers

• Proof of funds

• Proof of return or onward flight

CNU registrar will email you to ask if you want the office to register for classes for you during your given time.  If so, you will need to send them a list of your courses and backups so they can sign you up.  This is not a guarantee that you will get your first choices.  If you do not give backups and your 1st choice is full/unavailable, they will not place you in a class and you may be short on credits.

If you are away in the Fall, CNU housing will ask you if you want to live on campus when you return and send you the housing contract to fill out. You may email housingadmin@cnu.edu to request a specific location but it is not guaranteed.

If you are away in the Spring, it is the same process as if you were here. You will fill out the form to be put into the CNU housing lottery.

Deposit

October 31

First Payment

December 1

Second Payment

January 31

Tuition Payment

Mid April

Upon acceptance to a program, your acceptance email has instructions for making the payment online and the account number to use for the program you are approved.  The amount for each payment is outlined in the Payment Information Agreement.  It can be found on the program website, in your Enrollment Forms once you submit a signed copy, linked in your acceptance email, or a paper copy can be picked up in the study abroad office.