Application Guidelines

Students usually study abroad during their junior or sophomore year.  Schedule a meeting with the Study Abroad Office at least a semester ahead of time to declare your interest and begin the application process.

Applicants must be in good personal and academic standing with a GPA of at least 2.7.

You must apply to study abroad and receive approval from the Study Abroad Office before applying to the program of your choice. Lesley's internal application deadlines are:

• March 1 for Summer programs

• March 15 for Fall or year-long programs
• October 15 for Spring programs

Completed Applications include:

1. Application Form - Use the application form for the program you're applying to. You must submit it FIRST to the Study Abroad Office by the above deadlines. Once you receive approval from the Study Abroad Office to continue with the application process, you then send your application to the program you're applying to. Note that some programs require that applications be submitted electronically.
2. Two Letters of Academic Support - Some study abroad programs require only one letter of academic support, but Lesley requires two. These should be completed by your adviser and another faculty member who knows you well enough to speak in depth about your academic abilities and any special attributes relevant to studying abroad.
3. Proof of Health Insurance - the Study Abroad Office will provide you with a form to be completed and returned with a copy of your health insurance card. Your coverage must provide Global Emergency Services.
4. Student Conduct Record - the Study Abroad Office will ask you to sign a form to allow us to check on your student conduct record with the Office of Student Services.
5. Statement of Purpose - Some study abroad programs don't require a personal statement, but Lesley does.  It should be a concise but thoughtful essay outlining your academic and personal reasons for selecting the particular program/location.  Your essay should demonstrate the connection between your academic interests and the program's content, describe your main strengths and weaknesses and how they're relevant to studying abroad.  Finally, your statement should address how you anticipate this experience will impact a) you as a person, b) your academic goals, and c) your long term life goals.

In-house applications materials are available at Study Abroad Forms and Documents.