# Study Abroad

**Source**: https://college.harvard.edu/academics/liberal-arts-sciences/study-abroad
**Parent**: https://college.harvard.edu/admissions/apply

## Overview

A World of Opportunity

Study abroad is one of the most transformative experiences you can have as a Harvard College student. Through international study, you will become a more informed global citizen and gain important skills that you can apply in the professional world and throughout your life.

## Who Can Study Abroad?

From a full year, semester, or even just a summer abroad, there are many ways to experience international study. Over half of Harvard College students participate in an international experience during their time as an undergraduate.

Harvard students travel with the benefit of exceptional support. From preparation prior to your departure and on-the-ground resources, to funding support and academic advising, students can be confident that their experience will be rewarding and valuable.

- You must be in good academic and disciplinary standing to study abroad.
- Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible for semester-time study abroad.
- All students, except for graduating seniors, are eligible for summer study.

## Office of International Education

The Office of International Education (OIE) advises Harvard College students on all aspects of study abroad.

[Visit the Office of International Education](https://oie.fas.harvard.edu/)

## Getting Started

Planning is key to a successful study abroad experience. It is never too early to begin integrating study abroad into your individual academic plan, seeking advice from advisors and your concentration, and visiting the Office of International Education for guidance.

To start planning your study abroad experience, you can meet with an Office of International Education advisor during drop-in hours (Monday-Thursday 2:00-4:00 p.m.). You can also meet with a [student advisor](https://oie.fas.harvard.edu/student-advisers) who has already studied abroad for at least one semester. Student advisors represent a variety of academic disciplines and include athletes, first-generation students, and recipients of financial aid.

## Griffin Financial Aid Office

Financial Aid travels with you for semester-time study abroad and covers everything from airfare and visas to books and ground transportation. For more information, visit the OIE financial aid webpage or contact the Griffin Financial Aid Office.

[Learn more about financial aid](https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid)

## Applying for Study Abroad

Program information and application processes can be found on the [Office of International Education](https://oie.fas.harvard.edu/get-started) (OIE) website.

To study abroad, you must do **both**of the following things:

- Apply directly to your study abroad program or university for admission
- Apply to the OIE for transfer credit

### Applications Deadlines for Transfer Credit

**Semester Time**

- October 1 for Spring Semester study abroad
- March 1 for Fall Semester study abroad

**Summer**

- Consult the [OIE website](https://oie.fas.harvard.edu/summer-study-abroad) for details regarding summer funding application deadlines
- April 1 (for students only seeking credit)

### Important Approvals

To participate in semester-time or summer study abroad, you must have advising conversations with your academic department and Resident Dean. OIE advisors will help you to understand the process and answer specific questions.

## Financial Aid and Summer Funding

Students receiving financial aid from Harvard can transfer their financial aid from Harvard to an approved semester-time study abroad program.

Students seeking to study abroad in the summer can also apply for [competitive summer grants and funding available at the College](https://oie.fas.harvard.edu/summer-funding) from a variety of sources. To begin searching for funding for summer study abroad, visit the [Harvard College Funding Sources Database](https://international.fas.harvard.edu/undergraduate-funding-databases-and-resources) for available options.

### frequently asked financial aid questions for study abroad

- #### Will it cost more to study abroad?
- #### Can I use financial aid to study abroad during the summer?

## Related Stories

- [### Summer in the Land of Cappuccinos and Vino

  Author: 

  Jake
  Class of 
  '21
  Alumni](https://college.harvard.edu/student-life/student-stories/summer-land-cappuccinos-and-vino)
- [### Studying Abroad: A Love Letter to the Harvard Beijing Academy

  Author: 

  Kalos
  Class of 
  '23
  Alumni](https://college.harvard.edu/student-life/student-stories/studying-abroad-love-letter-harvard-beijing-academy)
- [### What I remember about studying abroad at Oxford

  Author: 

  Liz
  Class of  Alumni](https://college.harvard.edu/student-life/student-stories/what-i-remember-about-studying-abroad-oxford)

[View all student stories](https://college.harvard.edu/student-life/student-stories)

## Related Topics

[### Financial Aid

The Griffin Financial Aid Office provides need-based aid that allows us to bring the best students to Harvard, regardless of their ability to pay.](https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid)

[### Advising

Your advisors can help you you plan your degree program or take advantage of unique academic opportunities such as study abroad.](https://college.harvard.edu/academics/advising)

[### Research

As a college within a research university, Harvard undergraduates have access to unparalleled research opportunities. Learn about research at Harvard.](https://college.harvard.edu/academics/research)