Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I study abroad?
2. When should I start planning to study abroad? When can I go abroad?
3. What majors can study abroad at Lesley?
4. How do I choose a program?
5. How much does study abroad cost? Can I use financial aid to study abroad?
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. How do I apply for study abroad?
11. Will I get credits for classes I take abroad? How will my credits be evaluated?
12. Where am I going to live?
13. Can I study abroad in the summer?
14. Can I do an internship abroad?
15. Who should I have complete my letters of academic support?
16. After I submit my application, how long does it take to find out if I have approval to study off-campus?
17. Why do I have to apply to Lesley and also to the other institution?

1. Why should I study abroad?

Study abroad 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, 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? When can I go abroad?

The earlier you start planning, the easier it will be to go abroad. Students study abroad during their sophomore or junior year. Meeting with the Study Abroad Officeand your Academic Adviser at least one semester before you plan to travel will help you create a plan to make it happen.

3. What majors can study abroad at Lesley?

All majors are eligible to study abroad. 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 for a semester or more.

4. How do I choose a program?

With so many options available, it can be a challenge to know where to start. The main factors to consider in choosing a program are (1) geographic & linguistic interest, (2) courses to be taken, (3) quality of intended program, and (4) financial factors. 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].  Also, explore this website to learn more.

5. How much does study abroad cost? Can I use financial aid to study abroad?

Lesley merit- and need-based scholarships will not "travel" with you.  However, federal and state aid typicall will.  The Study Abroad Office will work with you to estimate the cost of the program you're interested in and to pursue relevant outside scholarships. The Office of Financial Aid will  work with you to determine eligibility for federal and state aid.

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 of and competency in 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 2.7 in order to study abroad. Students should check with individual programs to see if they have a higher minimum GPA requirement.  You must declare your major before applying to study abroad, and clear up an Incompletes on your academic record.

10. How do I apply for study abroad?

See Application Steps. 

11. Will I get credits for classes I take abroad?

Yes, provided that the program is approved by the Study Abroad Office and your academic adviser and as long as you receive a grade of C or better for your coursework.  Meet with your 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.

12. Where am I going to live?

Most study abroad 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.

13. Can I study abroad in the summer?

14. 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.

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

Your primary letter of academic support must be completed by your academic adviser. If you need more than one letter, ask another professor or individual at Lesley who knows you well and who will be able to attest to your ability to succeed during your study abroad experience.

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

The Study Abroad Office will let you know within 24hrs if your application is complete and if it's been approved.  Then you'll have to send your application to the program you hope to attend.  It can take anywhere from several days to several weeks to receive notification from the program.

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

Applying to Lesley ensures that you meet our eligibility criteria and that your chosen program is a good fit with your overall studies.  Applying to the study abroad program ensures that you're a good fit with their offerings and that the program in question is available.