Online Resources

All courses taken abroad will transfer back as Illinois credit.

Earning Credit

• You can earn major/minor, elective, and/or gen ed credit while abroad. Check each program's online brochure page in My Study Abroad to find a list of available courses on that program.

• You will complete a course approval process to determine the Illinois credit equivalency for each course you take abroad.

• Some programs may offer a vast course catalogue, where you can take courses in many disciplines, while others may focus on a specific discipline and will have a more limited course selection.

Major

• All majors can study abroad, including STEM majors!

• Some programs are open to specifc majors, but many programs are open to all majors. Check each program's eligibility requirements in My Study Abroad.

• Talk to your academic advisor about how study abroad fits within your academic plan. Your major may impact the courses your advisor recommends you complete abroad.

Studying abroad doesn't have to be costly. In fact, many programs are equal to or less than the cost of attendance at Illinois. Costs will vary across programs.

The Break Down

• During your term abroad, you will not pay full Illinois tuition. Instead, students are billed a discounted tuition rate, called Study Abroad Tuition, along with the administering unit's fees and Illinois fees.

• Each program's online brochure page will have a budget sheet that breaks down total program costs, which includes:

  • Administering Unit Fees: instructional/administrative, housing, orientation, and returnee programming fees.

  • Illinois Fees: student health insurance, international safety and security fees, and discounted tuition rate.

  • Estimated Living Costs: immigration/residency fees, meals, airfare, personal expenses, etc.

Funding

• Apply for Illinois and externally funded scholarships.

• Consult the Office of Student Financial Aid about using your financial aid package toward study abroad costs.

• iPromise Scholars can use their scholarship toward study abroad costs.

Choose a program that aligns with your academic, professional, and/or personal goals. Consider which factors are most important to you, such as location, language, housing, cost, experiential opportunities, etc. Review the Program Types resource to understand the differences between exchange, direct enroll, provider, and customized short-term programs.

Timing

• Programs are offered Fall semester, Spring semester, Summer, Summer short-term, Spring break, and Winter break.

• Most semester programs will require you to have a sophomore class standing or above, but some faculty-led programs may allow all class standings, including first year students.

• It's up to you and your academic advisor to determine the term in which you should go abroad, keeping in mind how the program will align with your academic schedule.

How to Apply

• Application deadlines vary by program, however, most are due September 15 (to study abroad during the Spring, Spring break, Winter break, or Calendar Year) or February 15 (to study abroad during the Fall, Summer, or Academic Year).

• The online application requires a copy of your passport or receipt of your passport application, academic transcripts, and written personal statement(s). Click the "Apply Now" button on that program's My Study Abroad brochure page to apply.

• Most programs are not selective, however, some programs may have limited spots. You can only apply to one program per term, but will select second and third choice programs in the event you do not get accepted into your first choice.