The majority of Harvard students study abroad for one semester, but some also spend an entire academic year away. Year-long programs are encouraged, especially for the learning of foreign languages; however, students have many commitments at Harvard and so may be unable to spend a full year abroad. As with year-long programs, students who study abroad for one semester find that their time away provides extraordinary academic and personal rewards. Students who study abroad during the summer also find the time away extremely helpful to meet certain goals best suited to a short-term program.

8. HOW DOES A STUDENT GET CREDIT FOR STUDY ABROAD?

Students petition Harvard College for pre-approval of the academic work they propose to do out of residence. Petitions must be submitted to the Study Out of Residence Adviser at the Office of Career Services prior to departure; a Faculty Committee then reviews the petitions for pre-approval. The Study Out of Residence Adviser is available to counsel students throughout all stages of research and planning for an international experience: selection of a program or overseas university, possible course options, and the petition process. Upon completion of the study abroad program, a final transcript of grades is sent to the Study Out of Residence Office; it is reviewed by faculty and administrators for final approval and the credit for work done overseas is processed through the Registrar's Office.

9. WHAT KIND OF CREDIT IS GRANTED?

Students can earn both concentration and elective credit for study abroad.

10. CAN STUDY ABROAD COURSES BE USED TO FULFILL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS?

Specific requirements for a concentration may be fulfilled by study abroad, with prior approval of the concentration; this is determined through the petition process. The Foreign Cultures requirement, one of the Core Course requirements at Harvard, may also be fulfilled by a comprehensive program of course work about a foreign culture taught in the foreign language; students petition the Core Office for Foreign Cultures credit.

11. WHAT DOES HARVARD CHARGE STUDENTS FOR STUDY ABROAD?

Students who study abroad are officially on a leave of absence from the University, and are not charged fees during their term(s) away.

12. CAN FINANCIAL AID BE USED FOR STUDY ABROAD?

Yes! Harvard College believes that all students should have equal access to the opportunity to study abroad. Financial aid can be used to cover the expenses of a study abroad program.

13. HOW MUCH DOES STUDY ABROAD COST?

Some students report that they can save money when they study abroad, but the cost of study abroad depends entirely on the program and country selected.

Harvard students have the freedom to select from many programs and universities in designing a semester or year abroad that meets their objectives. To find out more about study abroad programs, visit the Study Abroad Fair at the Career Forum, Friday, 18 October 1996 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Gordon Track and Tennis Center, and plan to attend one of the frequent study abroad orientation meetings held at OCS.