Study Abroad - FAQs

Common Questions

Why study abroad?

Who is eligible?

Are there additional requirements?

What type of programs are available?

How much does it cost?

Do I have to have a specific major?

How long do the programs last?

Does my financial aid apply?

How do I apply?

When is the application deadline?

Will I be able to earn credit toward my degree?

Can I pre-register while abroad for the semester after I return?

I live on campus and would like to when I return from my study abroad program. How does this work?

Will studying abroad delay my graduation?

How do I prepare for studying abroad?

Where do I get more details?

Why Study Abroad?
Learn a language, broaden and develop a critical perspective on contemporary trends in globalization and internationalization, explore your identity, challenge yourself, increase your self-confidence and decision making skills, re-evaluate your priorities, values or goals, and discover a new or family cultural heritage.

Who is eligible?
Any full-time student enrolled in a baccalaureate program at NAU with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher with sophomore standing or higher.

Are there any other requirements?
Yes. Some programs have additional requirements. Some examples include:

MICEFA-Paris & Montpellier, France: completion of 4 semesters college level French or equivalent, a GPA of 3.0 or higher in French
Strasburg, France: 2 semesters college level French or equivalent
German exchanges: completion of 4 semesters college level German or equivalent
Guatemala: Completion 6 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalentt and Junior standing
Intensive German language program: completion of GER 101
Ireland: a GPA of 2.9 or higher
Japan: 2 semesters college level Japanese or equivalent for Aoyama and Daito Bunka and 4 semesters of college level Japanese or equivalent for Fukuoka
Mazatlán: Completion of SPA 102 or equivalent
Querétaro, Mexico: Completion of SPA101 or equivalent
Quebec, Canada: 6 semesters of college level French or equivalent
Chile, Pontificia Universidad Catolica: Completion 6 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent
China, Beijing Second Foreign Language University: Previous study of Chinese preferred
Finland, University of Art and Design: Art students only

What type of programs are available?

Exchange Programs: On an Exchange Program, an NAU student typically enrolls directly into a foreign university and takes courses with resident nationals of the country. Exchange Programs typically offer a student the greatest range of available courses because you will be taking courses normally offered at the host university.

Fee Paying Semester/Year Study Abroad Programs: Fee Paying Study Abroad Programs may be of two types: 1) "Island Programs" where U.S. students take classes as a distinct, autonomous group, apart from a foreign university's normal course offereings. For example, NAU offers many opportunities to learn a second language in a language immersion program. On such a program, NAU students take language courses specifically designed for the acquisition of a second language, often supplemented with various culture classes; 2) Direct Enrollment Programs, where students enroll in courses at a foreign university, just like on an Exchange Programs, but students pay a predetermined fee.

Fee Paying Summer Study Abroad Programs: NAU offers a number of summer program opportunities. Many programs are programs created and run by NAU faculty. Additional options are available through NAU affiliate provider organizations. The length of time of these programs may range from a few weeks to a few months.

How much does it cost?

Exchange programs allow you to pay regular tuition to NAU while attending the host institution.

Fee Paying Study Abroad Programs have varying program costs. We offer programs with costs comparable to attending NAU. Some programs actually cost less than studying at NAU!

Additional program costs may include the following: airfare to the host country, housing, meals, in-country transportation, health insurance, passport and visa fees. Review program specific information or contact the appropriate Study Abroad Advisor to find out about specific costs for each program.

If you are a Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) student your tuition rate will not apply when you study abroad on a Fee Paying Study Abroad Program. You will have to pay normal NAU out-of-state tuition. When you return to NAU, after your study abroad, your WUE rate will once again apply to your tuition costs at NAU. If you participate on an Exchange Program your WUE rate will apply.

Do I have to have a specific major?
No! Various courses are offered at each institution. Some are targeted toward Business, HRM, Communications or language intensive courses. Other institutions offer a broad range of courses.

How long do the programs last?
Semester, academic year, summer and winter break programs are available. You should check specifics on programs from the program listings: click here.

Does my financial aid apply?
YES! As long as you are eligible for financial aid, you may apply it to the cost of the program. This includes federal loans, grants, scholarships. Most tuition waivers are applicable to Exchange Programs only.

How do I apply?
Apply one semester before the semester you want to study abroad. At the beginning of every semester, the Center for International Education holds country specific information meetings. Attend a meeting to get information on the application process and the program itself. Applications are available at these meetings, and not sooner.

When is the deadline?

NAU Programs

To study abroad during the Fall semester or academic year	Mid-March
To study abroad during the Spring semester or for a year in Australia	Mid-October

NAU/USAC Programs - check the web page for these programs for specific deadlines

Will I be able to earn credit toward my degree?
Before you go abroad, you will meet with your academic advisor and agree on a course of study. Your course work at the host school will be converted to NAU credit and will count toward your graduation requirements. You will earn grades (A,B,C,D,F) for your work.

Can I pre-register while abroad for the semester after I return?
NAU students should have access to the internet, allowing them to register through LOUIE. If a student cannot register from abroad for whatever reason, the Center for International Education will assist the student, assuring they are registered for the semester that they return to NAU.

I live on campus and would like to when I return from my study abroad program. How does this work?
If you would like to arrange for NAU on-campus housing when you return from your program all that you need to do is inform the study abroad advisor you are working with. You will then need to fill out the appropriate housing application - on-line - and submit the $100 housing deposit if you no longer have one on file with Residence Life. The $50 application fee will be waived.

Will studying abroad delay my graduation?
NO! Just research the school and courses abroad, and work with your academic advisor to determine graduation requirements. Your graduation should not be delayed if you plan ahead!

How do I prepare for studying abroad?
The resource room in the Center for International Education has course catalogs, web addresses, and other information from our partner institutions. Student evaluations written by past participants are available for you to read. Once you are accepted, you will attend a pre-departure orientation to help you prepare for your study abroad experience.

Where do I get more details?
Come by the Center for International Education:
Tinsley Hall Room 102
Call: (928)523-2409
E-mail: cie@nau.edu