Some frequently asked questions about studying abroad at PC...

What does it cost to study abroad?

Students pay their program directly, foregoing PC tuition for the duration of the study abroad program.  For program fee listings, please visit our programs page.  In addition to the program fees, Providence College will charge a $1000 fee for the student’s continued enrollment at PC.

Does my financial aid apply while I am studying abroad?

All federal, state, and local student loans can be applied to study abroad.  Tuition exchange, and Providence College grants and scholarships, however, only apply while you are enrolled at PC.  For specific questions regarding aid, please contact our Office of Financial Aid at (401) 865–2286 or visit the Office of Financial Aid website.

What are the eligibility requirements for studying abroad for a semester or academic year?

• The minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) requirements differ for each program, but a student must have a minimum CGPA 2.75 in order to be eligible for approval to participate in any study abroad program.  
• Students applying to study abroad will need to declare a major prior to the December 1st application deadline.        
• Students must enroll for the minimum earned hours for good standing, 15 credits, for each semester abroad.
• No student will be considered for the study abroad program whose college record reflects any serious disciplinary action or probationary period up to the time of departure.
• All financial obligations to Providence College must be met. Any student who is indebted to the College will need to arrange payment with the Bursar's Office in order to be approved for participation in a study abroad program.
• Students must be of at least junior standing in order to study abroad for a semester or year.
• These minimum requirements are in effect up to the time of departure .

Do certain majors restrict me from being able to study abroad?

Some majors have less flexibility than others, but with a little planning you can study abroad regardless of your major.

Can I study abroad during the summer?

Yes.  Short-term, summer programs are offered.  These programs run from 4-6 weeks and students can earn between 3 and 6 academic credits.  For more information, please visit our Summer Study Abroad page.

What happens if I take a repeat course while I'm abroad?

If a student takes the equivalent of a repeat course while abroad, whether by choice or study abroad program requirement, they will not get credit for that course.  Additionally, only the most recent grade will be used to calculate the overall GPA.  Students considering repeating a course should be aware that the most recent grade will be recorded whether or not it is higher than the earlier attempt.  A repeated course is noted on the transcript with an "I" (included in GPA) or an "E" (excluded from GPA) to designate the relationship of the course to the student's academic record.

What about on-campus housing for the term I'm not abroad?

Students who have been approved for participating in off-campus study and require on-campus housing for one of the two semesters during the 2010-11 academic year must select from one of the following three (3) options listed below.  The chosen option must be reported to and approved by the Dean of Residence Life or his designee prior to or during the current academic year housing selection process.  Students that do not select one of the following options prior to or during the housing selection process will forfeit their right to study abroad for the next academic year:

1) Co-sign with students who are studying off campus the opposite semester.  This requires the student to identify another student studying off campus during the opposite semester and to co-register for housing.  Thus, this option would allow the student studying off campus in the spring semester to live in campus housing for the fall semester, and conversely, for the student studying off campus in the fall semester to occupy the same space for the spring semester.

2) Voluntarily choose to overcrowd any on-campus room, as approved by the Office of Residence Life, during the housing selection process.  It is the responsibility of the student participating in an approved off-campus study to find roommates who are willing to accept this arrangement.  Students who agree to this arrangement will not receive any financial incentive and/or rebate for "voluntarily overcrowding."  During the housing selectin process these groups will be assigned a room, apartment or suite by the Dean of Residence Life or his designee.

3) Live on campus and be assigned housing at the discretion of the Dean of Residence Life or his designee.  This option would not allow students to choose a specific location, roommates, or number of residents in a room.  Students will be placed in rooms not to exceed normal occupancy.  Placement will be determined based on availability.  Students will not be informed of their housing assignments until all other students have been assigned and will forfeit the option to take part in the scheduled housing selection process.

For option #3, students will be required to complete a "Study Abroad/Washington Semester Housing Form" at the Office of Residence Life after placing a deposit for the housing selection process.  This form will be due by the housing selection date.

Students who study abroad for the full academic year are not obliged to participate in the housing selection process.

If you have questions regarding the new housing policy for students on approved off-campus study, please contact the Office of Residence Life at 401.865.2392.