Let us answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding our study abroad programs. If you need more information or have additional questions, please contact your Program Advisor.
You do not have to be enrolled at Arcadia University to participate in an Arcadia Abroad study abroad program.
Our programs are available to degree-seeking students studying at accredited US and Canadian colleges and universities. All our programs award undergraduate credit. We always recommend you speak with your study abroad office before applying for a program as some schools have pre-approved lists of study abroad programs available to you.
To review requirements and recommendations, check the individual program descriptions, or feel free to contact us online or via email at arcadiaabroadinquiries@arcadia.edu.
You're welcome to drop into our virtual advising space at Gather.town Monday–Thursday, 12:30–5:30 pm Eastern. No login or appointment needed!
If you've already chosen your program, you can speak with your Program Advisor during their open office hours or schedule an appointment with them. All times are Eastern.
If you have a health or safety concern, you can email studentwellnessabroad@arcadia.edu, and they will help you schedule an appointment.
Every Arcadia Abroad program has a GPA requirement. There may be additional requirements based on program type, including prerequisites for particular subjects. Specific program requirements can be found on each program page.
It is also important to check with the study abroad office at your home school about any requirements they may have for you to go abroad, including GPA, class standing, and additional on-campus deadlines.
Our Program Finder is a great way to narrow your program search by timeframe, location, and the subject you want to study while abroad. You can also narrow your search by the type of program you're interested in, such as internships or research. If you need further assistance finding a program that is a good fit for you, our Inquiry Management team will be happy to help. You can request more information or submit a question online or via email at arcadiaabroadinquiries@arcadia.edu.
In addition to Semester (Fall or Spring) and Summer, we offer programs during the Academic Year, as well as the Southern Hemisphere Academic Year in Australia and New Zealand. You can find a program that fits your desired term by using our Program Finder and filtering by the “Timeframe” option.
There are a few ways you can learn about participants' experiences:
Program dates, fees, and deadlines can be found in the Fees & Deadlines section at the bottom of each program page.
If final details have not yet been posted for the semester you are planning to study abroad, please refer to the information from the same semester of the previous year. While we cannot guarantee the information will stay the same, this will provide an estimate of the program dates and fees.
You can take courses in a wide variety of subjects abroad, including both courses in your major and those that meet general education requirements. There are courses at many of our program sites in a range of disciplines, and many of our university partners abroad allow you to study in the same subjects offered to local students. Available courses can be viewed on the Courses page for each program. Your Program Advisor will also help you navigate course selection once you have applied.
Your school may have specific restrictions that limit what you can transfer back to your school for credit. It is important to discuss the list of courses you plan to take abroad with your study abroad and academic advisors to ensure they will transfer back to your home school.
The Co-curricular Learning Certificate (CLC) is an opportunity for you to engage with your host community and take full advantage of your study abroad experience. You will choose an activity and dedicate at least 15 hours to doing it. You will then submit a reflective essay, video, blog, or photo journal illustrating the learning and development you experienced while participating in your activity.
This is a great way to boost your study abroad experience on your resume. Because it is not for credit, no formal course registration is required.
Arcadia Abroad internships are an opportunity to build your resume by gaining hands-on work experience while abroad. A placement might be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous and remote and on-site. Our internships include experiences that are practical (resume building workshops), enlightening (speaker series), and fun (in-person and virtual tours and programming).
You can find more information about our internships, including where they are available and how to apply, on the Internships section of our website.
Your homeschool has the final say on if and how credits will transfer back towards your degree. Speak to your study abroad and academic advisors early to obtain all the approvals you'll need and to ensure credits will transfer back as you expect them to.
Please refer to the Study Abroad Transcripts page on our website for more information.
We will send an official copy of your transcript to your home school and an unofficial copy to you once we have received and processed your grade report or transcript from your program. Because overseas universities have different administrative structures, transcripts are not usually issued as quickly as they are in the US. While the timeline varies by program, transcripts are generally issued by the following dates:
Your transcript will be withheld if you have an outstanding balance on your account resulting from nonpayment of the program fee (in whole or in part) or special course surcharges; any late fees or returned check fees; damage charges, library fines; or other unmet financial obligations as deemed appropriate by Arcadia University.
Please refer to the Study Abroad Transcripts page on our website for more information.
Arcadia Abroad automatically enrolls all program participants in a comprehensive health and accident insurance plan. You cannot waive participation in this insurance plan. Details of this coverage are outlined in the Health Insurance & Travel Assistance section of our website. You should retain your typical US health insurance continuously.
Please note that Arcadia Abroad does not provide insurance for your possessions. We encourage you to purchase additional personal property coverage or to leave irreplaceable valuables at home.
Housing is guaranteed on all Arcadia Abroad programs for students who have completed the application process by the deadline, so you will not need to find your own accommodations.
Depending on the location and specific study abroad program, you will live in student apartments, university residences, or, in some cases, homestays. More information can be found on each individual program page under Housing.
Your program has been designed with the intention that you will live in program housing, and it is our expectation that you will live in this housing. However, we recognize that there are some unique circumstances under which alternate housing is more appropriate. As such, we will consider requests to independently secure housing if you meet one of the following criteria:
There are strict deadlines for opting out of housing that may be before you are formally accepted to your program. Any request received after the deadline will not be considered, regardless of reason.
Programs in Australia
Programs in New Zealand
Programs in Scotland
Programs in England & Wales
Arcadia in London, City St. Georges, London Internship
All Other Programs in England & Wales
Programs in Ireland & Northern Ireland
The fees for each program can be found in the Fees & Deadlines section at the bottom of its individual program page. Arcadia Abroad program fees are comprehensive and include tuition, housing, health and accident insurance, pre-departure and in-country orientations and advising, and more. You can view a complete list of what's included in the program fee here.
Through the More Info+ link in the Fees & Deadlines section, we also provide estimates for additional expenses including flights, visa fees, meals, and personal expenses.
Please be aware some schools have special tuition arrangements for when you go abroad, so it is best to check with your study abroad office or check your school’s study abroad website to understand your home school's policy and practice for paying for study abroad.
There is no fee to apply to an Arcadia Abroad program.
Once you have been admitted to your program you will be asked to sign an Enrollment Agreement and pay a nonrefundable $500 deposit. This deposit is credited to your total program cost.
Many students are able to use their financial aid to study abroad with Arcadia Abroad. Federal and state aid can often be used abroad, with some exceptions. Your home school will determine if you can use your institutional aid abroad. It is important to ask your Financial Aid Office or Study Abroad Office about which aid you can use to study abroad.
In many cases, yes. Arcadia Abroad can certify you for VA benefits when you study abroad. It is important to plan ahead if you would like to use these benefits since you will need to coordinate with your home school, with Arcadia Abroad, and with your Veterans Services Officer.
Arcadia Abroad has one of the most extensive need-based scholarship programs available. On average, 70% of students who apply for Arcadia Abroad scholarships receive one. Scholarship amounts range from $250-$2500 depending on the program type and length, and the average award is $1300 for semester programs and $600 for summer programs.
Please refer to the Scholarships & Funding page on our website for more information.
Contact your Program Advisor to request that your application be withdrawn. They will inform you of any next steps you may need to take and will confirm your withdrawal. Additionally, you must notify your homeschool as they may also have processes and policies to which you must adhere.
You should also review our Refund and Withdrawal Policies on our website.
There are a few steps to the application process.
Depending on your program, there may be additional requirements to complete. These will be identified in your Arcadia Abroad Portal as additional Checklist Items as you move through the process. If the Checklist Item is gray and labelled “This item does not require action at this time,” it is not required at your current stage.
You should speak with your study abroad office early to ensure you are aware of any deadlines and policies that your home school may have.
To allow plenty of time to complete your application, we generally suggest:
Check the program page for the specific application deadline so you can plan accordingly.
Unless advised otherwise by your Program Advisor, you should only apply to one preferred program for a single term. Your Program Advisor will work with you to ensure your application is as strong as possible so you can meet your academic and personal goals.
In some cases, your Program Advisor may ask you to have an alternate program, and will work with you to create a back-up application.
If you are unsure which program may be best for you, please reach out to our Inquiry Management team who will be happy to guide you.
You are not committed to participating in an Arcadia Abroad program until you sign your Enrollment Agreement. If you need to withdraw your application, contact your Program Advisor as soon as possible. You can learn more about the Refund and Withdrawal Policy on our website.
YES! If your program is outside the US, you will need a passport that is valid at least six months beyond your program end date. The signature page also needs to be signed.
US Citizens should visit the US State Department travel pages for the most up-to-date information regarding passport application and fees. Passport processing times and fees may vary, so it's important to obtain your passport early.
If your program is within the US, you will need a valid Real ID or passport to fly to the program location.
We provide two GPAs on each program page: Recommended and For Consideration.
If you meet or exceed either GPA, you are eligible for the program and can apply. It's important to note that if your GPA falls within the For Consideration range, you may be asked to provide more information during the application process.
For most programs, you will need some kind of visa. Our application deadlines are scheduled to ensure you will have plenty of time to get the correct visa for your program, and we will help you every step of the way. To obtain a visa, you will first need to have verification of acceptance to your program.
If you have specific questions or concerns, reach out to your Program Advisor or our Visa Coordinator.
If your application requires a personal essay, please review the Personal Essay page for guidance and prompts. For programs with no length requirement listed, most students tend to write a page. Be sure to follow the prompts to achieve the best result.
Many admissions decisions are dependent on review of your application by our partner institutions, so timelines vary significantly.
We highly recommend starting your application early so we have time to work with you to ensure your application is as strong as possible. Applicants are generally accepted at a very high rate.
Fall programs do generally match the US semester academic calendar. In the Spring, programs may run into June.
Programs in the Southern Hemisphere follow a different calendar because the academic year runs from January to December rather than September to June.
If your homeschool does not use the semester system, some program terms may not align with your academic calendar, particularly in Spring.
Please refer to the Program Dates information on your program page for details.
Before you go, you'll have two pre-departure orientations: one with your Program Advisor and one with in-country staff.
Once you arrive in-country, Arcadia Abroad staff will lead a well-structured, comprehensive orientation that covers all essential information you’ll need to find your feet abroad. Sessions may include health and safety issues, local transport information, academic adjustment, budgeting, suggestions for meeting new friends, and social and cultural events.
Every Arcadia Abroad program has excursions that will give you opportunities to make friends, learn about local culture, explore new places, and experience exciting new adventures. Our in-country staff and faculty organize exciting and fun experiences, be it bucket list iconic places or off-the-beaten-track quirky local haunts.
Some excursions are free while others may require a small participation fee to help cover expenses such as transportation, admission, or guided activities.
You can get an idea of what excursions might be available while you're abroad by checking out the Excursions & Activities page on our website or by seeing what was available in past semesters in the Arcadia Center Blogs.
For the majority of our programs, yes! You will have the option to travel independently or with friends during your time abroad. Our in-country staff can provide some great suggestions for where to go and how to get there!
We recommend waiting to plan any weekend travel until you arrive in-country and your class schedule is finalized. This will give you time to find all the best deals from the locals and plan trips with your new friends.
Missing classes, exams, or required academic activities for personal travel is not permitted. Be sure to plan all trips around your academic schedule because attendance policies are strictly enforced.
Arcadia Abroad also offers excursions, some tied to courses you are taking, others just for fun and exploration. Find out more about excursions and life abroad in our Center Blogs and through our Country Hub linktree.
It depends on the program.
Classes delivered by a local university typically include both local and international students.
On other programs, including Arcadia center-based programs, you will study primarily with students from US colleges and universities.
This will depend on which program you choose and your housing type. If living with local students is important to you, please review your desired program's Housing page or ask your Program Advisor for more information.
On some programs, yes! Your program’s Housing page will have more information about your housing, including if and how you can request a roommate.
If your program doesn't allow you to request a roommate or if you don't know others on your study abroad program, it's okay. You'll have many opportunities to meet new people during your Arcadia Abroad orientation and throughout your program.
This depends on when and where you are studying abroad. Some student visas will allow you to work part-time during their semester, while others can restrict your ability to work for pay. Refer to your visa regulations to determine your eligibility to work.
Academic accommodations are generally available abroad. Your host institution abroad will determine your academic accommodations in alignment with the local standards. This means that you should not expect your accommodations to be the exact same as you receive in the US.
Your Wellness Advisor will help you better understand how your needs will be met abroad. To request disability accommodations from the institution delivering your classes abroad, follow the instructions in the Academic Accommodations Index.
While completing your application, you should note any prescription medications you take on your Personal Health and Self Care Form. This form will be reviewed by your Wellness Advisor, and they will advise you on any medication regulation you may need to comply with while abroad.
You should bring enough prescription medication to last your whole term abroad and pack it in your carry-on in the original containers. Talk to your doctor and insurance company about a “vacation override” that will allow you to pick up enough at the pharmacy. Do not have medication mailed to you or expect a US prescription to be filled by a pharmacy abroad. If you cannot get enough of your medication in advance, talk to your Wellness Advisor about how to try to get more abroad. Note: This can be extra tricky for some ADHD medications, so start planning early.