General Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

The first step in applying for education abroad approval is to make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements set for Smith College education abroad. You must also receive advance approval from the Office for International Study. In addition, you will need to meet the admission eligibility requirements for your chosen education abroad program or host university.

For Education Abroad Approval from Smith You are Expected to Meet These Eligibility Requirements:

• Demonstrate evidence of maturity, responsibility, and preparation for studying abroad

• Have a 3.0 overall GPA and be in good academic standing at the time of application

  • Students placed on probation after receiving approval to study abroad will have their approval rescinded

• Be in good standing in student conduct matters at the time of application and up until departure for the approved program

• You must declare a major before you submit your study abroad application in early February of your sophomore year

• Demonstrate language proficiency for languages taught at Smith and/or adequate preparation for study in Africa

• Have no credit shortage when the program starts

• Not exceed transfer credit limit requirements: no more than 38 transfer credits when starting a year-long program, or 54 credits when starting a semester-long program. Academic residency requirements apply

• Not have previously studied abroad as a Smith student; students are eligible to study abroad once, for a maximum of two semesters

Approval for education abroad is also dependent on the following Smith rules:

• "Candidates for a degree must complete at least 4 semesters of academic work, a minimum of 64 academic credits; in academic residence in Northampton; two of these must be completed during the junior or senior year." (Smith College Bulletin)

• Students may not be away from the college on leave for more than one year.

  • "A student whose wishes to be away from the college for more than one year must withdraw." (Smith College Bulletin)

• Students on medical leave are not eligible to study abroad for the following semester

• Student accounts must be in good standing at the time of application and prior to the start of the term abroad

In all instances, Smith College reserves the right to approve, retract, or deny a student's participation in study abroad.