How do I get started? The best place to start your search is on the Carroll study abroad web pages, which have information on programs, costs, durations, etc... Once you have narrowed down programs, or even if you can't decide, that's when it's time to see someone in the study abroad office, located in St. Charles, Room 14.
Where can I go? Carroll is affiliated with four quality study abroad program providers: The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), AustraLearn, and International Studies Abroad (ISA). There are also numerous faculty-led programs that travel to places such as the Amazon, Belize, India, Ireland, Italy, France, and Mali. For the price of Carroll tuition, we offer an academic year exchange to Kumamoto Gakuen University in our sister-state of Kumamoto, Japan as well as at the Université de Caen Basse Normandie in France. Finally, Carroll is a member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), which offers programs ranging from the price of Carroll tuition, room and board and higher.
I'm an engineering major--there is nothing for me out there! Not true! More and more students in engineering are studying abroad because they want to be competitive in the market place. There are great programs available to most every major.
I don't speak a foreign language, but I don't want to go to an English speaking country. With globalization occurring so rapidly, many foreign institutions offer programs in English. This is great for American students who want to study abroad, but do not have foreign language skills. AIFS, ISA, ISEP and YISA-China offer classes in English in non-English speaking countries.
How much will it cost? We have chosen our affiliates based on the quality of their program offerings as well as their affordability. Many of the costs are similar or even less than what you would pay at Carroll for a semester or a year. The exchanges in Kumamoto and Caen as well as most ISEP programs are based on Carroll tuition. The faculty-led programs are priced according to the actual trip cost, plus the price of tuition. You can use your federal financial aid for the semester and academic year programs. For all Carroll tuition based programs you can use your merit scholarships as well.
What about scholarships? An added benefit from our affiliates is that they all offer additional scholarships to Carroll students. That's why it's so important to work with the study abroad office to be sure you are getting the most out of your study abroad experience, both financially and academically. For a list of other scholarships, be sure to check out the scholarship page. The link is on your right.
How does the credit transfer work? This is the most important thing to pay attention to. At the very beginning of your study abroad planning, you should be working with both the study abroad office and your academic advisor. It is imperative that you obtain pre-approval of your study plan before you go, so there are no unpleasant surprises upon your return. If your grades are transcripted on a foreign transcript, then they do not factor into your Carroll GPA.
Why should I do this? As a Carroll student, you understand the value and importance of a strong liberal arts education. Nothing educates more than travelling and learning abroad. No matter your professional goals, study abroad will open your eyes to new ways of seeing, open your ears to new ways of listening and will open your mind to new ways of thinking and engaging. And you get that great sash to wear at commencement!