Go Abroad

Now! We encourage you to start your study abroad research as First Year Students. Visit the International Center and let us help you find the programs that best match your academics, interests and career goals. Attend the Study Abroad Fair and information sessions during the fall semester. Meet with your academic advisor and talk about the best time to go abroad. Most students apply during their Sophomore year to study abroad during their Junior year.

Returned exchange students are usually bursting with enthusiasm about their experiences. By studying abroad you will:

• Learn a lot – academically and personally
• Return with more self-confidence and maturity
• Gain experience of a new culture, plus a greater appreciation of US culture
• Have the chance to add value to your degree – you'll experience different teaching and learning styles, and take classes that may not be available at Clarkson University

To be eligible to study abroad you should:

• Be a full-time student in a bachelor's degree at Clarkson University
• Have completed your second year of study by the time you go on abroad
• Have maintained a 3.0 GPA (reasonable exceptions are considered)
• Be a good ambassador for Clarkson University and the United States
• Have a strong commitment to making the most of the student exchange opportunity both academically and personally
• Postgraduate student exchange: You can also apply for a student exchange if you're a Master of Business Administration (MBA) student. Other postgraduate exchanges may be possible – contact Outgoing Study Abroad Coordinator

Yes. You still pay your standard tuition fees to Clarkson University, but you don't pay tuition fees to your host university. Your grants, scholarships, and loans will be applied to your tuition as usual. You are still enrolled at Clarkson!

In addition to your tuition which you still pay to Clarkson you will need to consider the following extra costs which vary
by the country and school you are accepted to.

• Flights
• Additional Travel
• Visa / Residence permit (vary by country)
• Insurance (health & travel)
• Academic expenses (ex. textbooks)
• Accommodation and food
• Living expenses
• Entertainment

We recommend that you apply during your Sophomore year to go abroad during your Junior year. It is recommended
that you begin planning your study abroad experience during your first year. Meet with your academic advisor
and see when studying abroad works in your schedule. Factors to consider:

• Summer Internships / Co-ops
• Are certain core classes offered at Clarkson only spring or fall that you need to take?
• Are you on track with the number of credits that you need so you don’t get behind?
• Is the program available for the semester I want to study abroad?
• Timing of the semester abroad – not all programs line up exactly to the Clarkson academic calendar (can cut into internship/co-op time)

Yes, Clarkson requires a 3.0 GPA to apply. Special circumstances are considered on a one on one basis. Please make an
appointment to discuss. Some programs abroad also have their own GPA requirements.

CU Global is the International Center portal for Incoming and Outgoing Study Abroad Programs. All program information is listed with dates and deadlines about each program deadline.

Without logging in you can:

• Search Programs abroad by choosing the tab under the Clarkson logo
• Search Upcoming Events

The information about the programs is to give you an idea if this school abroad is a good match for you.
You will then apply to Clarkson prior to completing another application to the school you are selected for.

Registering your account:

• Current Clarkson University students each have an account.
• Go to CU Global https://clarkson-horizons.symplicity.com/
• Choose Set/Reset Password
• Enter your Clarkson email address
• You will receive an email to set up a password.
• Log in using your email address and password

What can I do now?

• You can search programs from here and apply for the programs once the application opens.
• Make appointments with the International Center to discuss options.
• Search course information. Do you need to take a specific class while abroad? It may have been previously taken and you can search to see where.
• See when events are and sign up for events being held. Events to watch for:
  • Study Abroad Fair (first Monday of October)
  • Study Abroad 101 Sessions
  • Travel Tuesday Info Sessions about programs available
  • Upcoming events for those who are already accepted to a program

If you find you have further questions or problems while using CU Global please feel free to contact the
International Center.

Check our list of Study Abroad Programs in CU GLOBAL - https://clarkson-horizons.symplicity.com/ For more information about CU Global please see our webpage, "What is CU Global?"

CU Global - https://clarkson-horizons.symplicity.com/ Choose the Events tab at the top of the page.

Many universities have on-campus housing and you will apply for this when you complete their application. If there is not on-campus housing, the university typically provide you with a list of housing companies that they recommend. Housing abroad is organized by you. You will be invoiced directly for housing. A deposit may be required in advance.

Yes, as long as you plan early, it is usually possible.

This varies depending on the country you are studying in. If you wish to work while studying, you may be limited to a certain number of hours per week. Check the embassy or consulate websites by country for more information. GoinGlobal may give you details on this as well.

Working after your studies are over may be a possibility. An internship or research experience may be possible depending on the program you choose. Many partner’s Career Centers will assist with your search once you arrive. When searching programs in CU Global choose "Special Features / Post Study Work Experience" to see possibilities.

No. A study abroad should not add any extra time onto obtaining your degree, as all the classes you study overseas are
pre-approved by your academic department prior to departure.

You’ll need to choose a university that offers classes similar to what you’re studying at Clarkson. You will complete off campus coursework permission forms for each class you take abroad. These will be your insurance that the classes will transfer back to Clarkson toward your required classes.

Email: internationalcenter@clarkson.edu

Set up an appointment in CU Global after choosing reset password and completing your profile information. We have a list of past participants who can also answer questions you may have.

You will receive transfer credit for the classes you take abroad, given that you pass the class. As with all transfer credits, you need to receive a grade equivalent to a C or better to receive credit. We use the following grade conversion
guide website: https://www.wes.org/gradeconversionguide/ 

No, typically students take what is equivalent of 4 US classes while abroad. Credit values differ throughout the world so
you will need to be sure you are enrolled in what is equal to a minimum of 12 US credits to remain in full time academic status.

Sometimes, but not always. For some programs, you may not register until you get there. Regardless of whether you can officially pre-register, you must research the classes available and provide Off-Campus Coursework Permission forms for the classes you intend to take while abroad.

Please visit the U.S. State Department website for detailed instructions. The local Potsdam postal office has passport services. Businesses that have in-store photo processing may have passport photo services. Note: The cost and number of pictures that you receive may vary by store. (In Potsdam, The UPS Store and Kinney’s take passport photos). 
If you already have a passport, you will need to be sure it does not expire prior to 6 months from the END of your programs abroad.

A visa is an official stamp or document affixed inside a passport, or provided to you as a separate document, that has been issued by a foreign government (via a consulate) granting permission for entry specifically to study, work or live in a particular country for a specified time period.

A residence permit is a document or card required in some regions, allowing a foreign national to reside in a country for a fixed or indefinite length of time. These may be permits for temporary residency, or permanent residency. There is no guarantee or right to a visa or residence permit, even upon presentation of all the required documents.

Some programs do require a visa or a residence permit. The cost of these, as well as their application process, varies by country you are going to and by your nationality. If a visa or residence permit is required, you will not be able to apply until you are issued an acceptance letter by the overseas program. The program abroad will also give you instructions about how to proceed with the process. You can also find the information in the Program information in CU Global so you can prepare in advance. Each program in CU Global outlines whether a visa or residence permit is required.

It is the responsibility of the student to complete the necessary process in time for their program abroad.