frequently asked questions

1. Why should I study abroad/away?
2. When should I start planning to study abroad/away? When can I go abroad?
3. What majors can study abroad/away at Lesley?
4. How do I choose a program?
5. How much is this going to cost me? Can I get financial aid? Can I use my financial aid to study abroad/away?
6. Do I have to speak another language to study abroad/away?
7. Can students participate in a study abroad program in a foreign speaking country, but have the courses taught in English?
8. Can students take courses in another language or concentrate on improving their language skills while abroad?
9. Is there a minimum GPA for study abroad/away?
10. Where can I find more information about study abroad/away programs?
11. How do I apply for study abroad/away?
12. Will I get credits for classes I take abroad/away? How will my credits be evaluated?
13. Where am I going to live?
14. Can I study abroad/away in the summer?
15. Can I do an internship abroad?
16. Who should I have complete my letters of academic support?
17. After I submit my application, how long does it take to find out if I have approval to study off-campus?
18. Why do I have to apply to Lesley and also to the other institution?

1. Why should I study abroad/away?

Study abroad/away can be one of the most exciting things you do during your college years. It is an enriching and eye-opening adventure, where learning extends far beyond the classroom. To travel to another country or location, immerse yourself in a different culture, and to be able to study in another language is an unforgettable experience. The experience will expose you to new ways of thinking, living, and viewing the world. It will teach you more about life and yourself than you ever could have imagined. You can also make friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime.

2. When should I start planning to study abroad.away? When can I go abroad/away?

It is never too early to start planning for a study abroad/away experience. In fact, the earlier you start planning, the easier it will be to go abroad/away. Students study abroad/away during their sophomore or junior year. Meeting with the Study Abroad/Away Advisor and your Academic Advisor early and letting them know of your interest in going off-campus will help you create a plan to make it happen.

3. What majors can study abroad/away at Lesley?

All majors are eligible to study abroad/away, however some majors have very specific requirements that make it difficult to go off-campus during the latter stages of the coursework. This is why advance planning is so crucial. With a plan all students are able to go abroad/away for a semester or more.

4. How do I choose a program?

Choosing a program for study abroad/away can be a bit overwhelming, especially with so many options available! Your choice of a program should begin with your language background and the availability of courses that are relevant to your major field of study. However, there are many other important factors to take into account when selecting a program. For more information please take a look at Choosing a program [doc] and Where to go for more information [doc].

Students are also encouraged to explore this website to learn about the Lesley-affiliated programs and to see a non-comprehensive list of non-affiliated programs students have gone on. The next step is to make an appointment to see the Lesley Study Abroad/Away Advisor. At the office students can talk to the Advisor about program possibilities, browse through current program brochures, and pick up the Lesley application. Appointments can be made either by calling 617-868-9600 x2306 or by sending an email to lcexchange@lesley.edu.

5. How much is this going to cost me? Can I get financial aid? Can I use my financial aid to study abroad/away?

The cost depends on the program you choose. For Lesley affiliated programs students pay tuition to Lesley and most likely all financial aid, grants and scholarships will be applicable. For non-affiliated programs students pay directly to the program and usually all federal aid will be applicable (students should check with the Office of Financial Aid for detailed information on the Web or by email at finaid@lesley.edu). The tuition of these programs could be less than Lesley tuition, so students should closely examine the total costs of both types of programs before making a final decision.

6. Do I have to speak another language to study abroad?

No. The opportunities for year, semester or summer study are diverse enough to meet the needs of virtually any undergraduate's course of study. Study abroad is not limited to language majors or those with knowledge of foreign languages. In fact study abroad is a great way to begin to learn a new language.

7. Can students participate in a study abroad program in a foreign speaking country, but have the courses taught in English?

Many programs in non-English speaking countries offer courses in English. Be sure to investigate ALL of your options. Some programs taught in English will also provide students the opportunity to enroll in language courses in order to gain knowledge and competency of the host language. Other times, programs which offer degree courses in English may REQUIRE that students also study the host language as part of the program component.

8. Can students take courses in another language or concentrate on improving their language skills while abroad?

You have many options to study a language or study your discipline in another language. Again, be sure to investigate all of your options. Some programs may have special requirements (for example, a minimum of 4 semesters of college-level courses in the language of instruction) while other programs may have no language requirements at all.

9. Is there a minimum GPA for study abroad?

Yes, Lesley requires that students have a minimum GPA of 3.0* in order to study abroad/away. Students should check with individual programs to see if they have a higher minimum GPA.

*Applicants whose GPA is below 3.0 will be evaluated and may be accepted to study abroad/away on a case-by-case basis.

10. Where can I find more information about study abroad/away programs?

Please see Where to go for more information [doc].

11. How do I apply for study abroad/away?

Once you have decided on a program or made some preliminary decisions about the type of program you are interested in contact the Study Abroad/Away Office for an appointment. The Study Abroad/Away Office is located on the Lesley College Campus at 37 Mellen, 1st floor. Appointments can be made by telephone at 617-868-9600 x2306 or by email at lcexchange@lesley.edu. The Advisor will provide you with program specific information, the necessary forms, and instructions on preparing your application.

12. Will I get credits for classes I take abroad/away?

Yes, however there are two separate parts to this answer.

Second, students should meet their Academic Advisor as early as possible to determine the best classes to take while off-campus. Some majors may have specific requirements that can only be fulfilled at Lesley.

13. Where am I going to live?

Most study abroad/away programs offer one or more of the following options:

Homestay: Living with a family in another country is one of the highlights of an off-campus experience. It is an opportunity to experience the daily life of the host country from a firsthand perspective and to develop lifelong ties with the host family. It is also a good way to learn another language. Generally, one or two meals per day are eaten with the family.

Apartment: Living in an apartment offers more independence for students. The key to a successful stay in an apartment is to be mindful and respectful of the landlord’s guidelines and expectations. Students can often cook for themselves using the kitchen facilities provided.

Dorm: Dorms tend to be on or near campus and have facilities nearby such as cafeterias and laundry. Dorm living allows students to meet host country and international students. Some dorms have shared kitchen facilities and others offer a meal plan or require students to purchase food locally.

14. Can I study abroad/away in the summer?

15. Can I do an internship abroad?

There are many opportunities to complete an internship abroad and some study abroad programs offer a combined coursework and internship/service learning program.  Internships and service learning can be a great way to immerse yourself in the community and apply your coursework.  However students should check with the Lesley Internship Office for questions about receiving credit for their internships abroad.

16. Who should I have complete my letters of academic support?

In order to be considered for study abroad, a student must submit the Study Abroad/Away Application and Two Letters of Academic Support. These may be completed by your advisor and a professor, or by two professors. They should be individuals who know you well and who will be able to attest to your ability to succeed during your study abroad/away experience.

17. After I submit my application, how long does it take to find out if I have approval to study off-campus?

You will usually be notified within 10 days of submitting ALL of your COMPLETED application materials. The earlier you submit these materials to us, the sooner we will be able to notify you of your approval.

18. Why do I have to apply to Lesley and also to the other institution?

The Lesley Study Abroad/Away process is separate from that of the specific program. In order to study off-campus as a Lesley student you must complete and receive approval from the Study Abroad/Away office.