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Points for Parents

Program

 Approximately 50% of Skidmore students study abroad at least once during their four years at Skidmore. Through Skidmore's own study abroad programs, students can study abroad in India, London (Skidmore in London and The Shakespeare Programme), Madrid, Alcalá, Beijing, and Paris. In addition, Skidmore has several approved programs that offer students opportunities across the globe, with course offerings ranging from Aboriginal studies to zoology. The possibilities are endless! Please read the program-specific descriptions for more details on each of these options.

Eligibility

Skidmore expects study abroad applicants to have a strong academic background. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA to be eligible. Some programs demand more competitive standards and/or require special academic preparation, including course prerequisites and foreign language competency. A student must also be in good social and financial standing at the time of study.

When Students Go

Students may study abroad during their sophomore, junior or senior years. Skidmore also has a London program for first-year students. We urge students to consider a full year of study to achieve stronger integration with the host culture and to benefit from a wider range of course offerings; however, many students nevertheless elect a semester abroad. Short-term study programs are also available during January, March and the summer.

  
QUICK GLANCE

Areas of Study:

  • Skidmore and Approved Programs offered for all majors
  • Humanities, arts, business, social sciences, sciences

Cost & Aid:

  • Comprehensive fee
  • Financial aid applies for all programs
  • Some programs offer their own financial aid

Things to Consider:

  • Academic fit and course offerings
  • Other options such as internships and volunteering
  • Level of interaction with host country nationals
  • On-site support
  • Housing options

Credits and Grades

With careful planning in selecting courses and obtaining faculty and registrar approvals, most students receive major, minor, and elective credit for their time abroad. Credits earned in Skidmore’s Madrid, Alcalá, Paris, India, Beijing, and Shakespeare programs are Skidmore credits and the grades earned are entered into the Skidmore GPA. Credits earned on Skidmore’s spring London program and on all other Approved Programs are earned as transfer credits; the student must receive a C or better to receive credit. The grades are not included in the Skidmore GPA but all grades appear on the transcript.

How Students Fare Abroad

Skidmore students who study abroad nearly always say, “This was the most important thing I have done in my life.” They usually earn grades abroad comparable to their grades back home and their studies are enriched by the faculty and facilities of other nations. They also acquire international perspectives of extraordinary value and grow immeasurably in personal confidence, self-reliance, and academic independence.

Safe and Sound

We understand that parents may be apprehensive about having their child study abroad. At the Office of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges, we are committed to students’ safety. Now more than ever, we are working to ensure that students enjoy a rewarding and safe semester or year abroad. We ask students to consider a program’s safety record as well as US State Department travel advisories for the country they are looking to study in (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html). Beyond that, we work with students to orient them in effective safety precautions. We send a contact list to the students that includes our office’s contact information, as well as information for the embassies in major countries and a place for the students to fill in their program’s contact information. We also strongly suggest that students register themselves at the local U.S. Embassy upon arrival overseas. Please see our web link on health and safety for additional information.

Cost

Students will be charged the Skidmore comprehensive fee for their semester or year abroad. This fee is equal to Skidmore’s tuition, room at the Scribner Apartment rate, board, and mandatory college fees. If the program does not include room and/or board, or only includes partial board, the fee will be adjusted accordingly. The Skidmore comprehensive fee covers overseas tuition and mandatory academic fees, double room, board, medical insurance, and any other mandatory program fees. Students are responsible for their airfare, books, personal expenses (including passport and visa charges), accommodation upgrades, and voluntary field trips and excursions. Please see “Finance FAQs” for details.

Applying

We encourage students to start exploring program possibilities late in the first year and to submit their applications early as well. Students applying for non-Skidmore programs must complete and submit an “Approved Programs” application form. Typical deadlines are early March for fall or year-long programs and early October for spring programs; however, some programs are much earlier. Application deadlines for short-term programs vary by program.

Additional Resources

There are various resources available to students and parents. The most popular ones are:

More Information

The Office of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges is located on the first floor of Starbuck Center. We encourage you to send your son or daughter to see us and use our study abroad library between the hours of 8:30 AM and 12 Noon and 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM. We also offer many Study Abroad Workshops and interest meetings throughout the year; a event listing is available on our web site.

Parents may also wish to review our Pre-Departure Information section for additional information. Please read contact the Office of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges with any questions.