Choosing a study-abroad program that meets your academic and personal needs takes careful planning, especially considering the wide variety of options available. If you are just beginning your search for the perfect program, you surely have questions about where to start. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about study abroad through Skidmore College.

Q: Why should I go?

A: Students find many advantages to studying overseas. There are tangible benefits such as enhanced course offerings, increased fluency in a foreign language, or pursuing in-depth study in a specialized area. However, there are far more intangible benefits that students often do not recognize until they return home: a greater sense of self-confidence and maturity, an adaptability to many new types of situations, a more open and tolerant view of the world, and an increased awareness of their role and responsibility within that world. Wherever they travel, students are faced with unfamiliar cultural values and political and economic realities. The experiential learning that inevitably occurs changes lives forever.

Q: Where can I go?

A: 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.

Q: When can I go?

A: Traditionally, students study abroad during their junior year, but it is possible to study abroad during the sophomore or senior year. You may study abroad for an academic year, semester, or summer. There are also short-term programs during the winter and spring breaks. We encourage all students to consider studying overseas for the entire year, as this ensures a greater integration into the host culture and proves to be extremely beneficial for students. The most important thing, however, is that you choose a program that fits your academic schedule.

Q: What about costs and financial aid?

A: Participants in all Skidmore and approved programs are charged a program fee comparable to staying on campus for a semester or year. All Skidmore grants and loans may be applied to the cost of the program.  You can find more information in our Money Matters section.

Q: What are the requirements?

A: Skidmore expects applicants for study abroad to have stable and strong academic records. We also look at maturity and self-motivation as noted in students' essays and recommendations. All Skidmore and approved programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA, though more competitive programs may require a higher GPA. Each individual program could also have additional requirements based on language skills or academic prerequisites. Please check specific program descriptions for details.

Q: How will my credits and grades work?

A: With advance planning, your time abroad will not interfere with your overall graduation schedule. It is important to discuss your plans with your academic advisor as soon as possible to ensure that you understand your specific academic needs. Participants in Skidmore programs receive a Skidmore transcript that reflects the grades they received while abroad. For Skidmore students in Skidmore programs, the grades will count toward their GPAs. Skidmore students in approved programs receive transfer credit for all courses in which they earn a C or better. The grades earned overseas do not count toward their GPAs. All 300-level course work completed on a Skidmore or approved program may be counted toward the Skidmore maturity-level requirement.

Q: Where do I start?

A: Start by visiting or contacting the Office of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges at Skidmore. Again, planning is key to a successful study abroad experience. We are here to guide you through the process of researching and applying to a program. We will help you narrow your search and ensure that you understand exactly what you need to do in order to prepare yourself academically and personally.

Q: How do I apply?

A: For additional information and applications, contact the Office of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges at Skidmore College.

Q: What if I have a disability and need special accommodations or have other related concerns?

A: Students who are receiving academic accommodations at Skidmore should be aware that a program in a foreign country may or may not provide the same accommodations. Discuss your current accommodations with the staff in the Office of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges so they can help to determine whether the program(s) you are interested in will provide the accommodations you have at Skidmore. Before you go away, meet with the Coordinator for Students with Disabilities who can provide you with a statement of approved accommodations that would be granted at Skidmore during the time you will be in the foreign county.

For disability-related concerns other than academic accommodations, discuss your concerns with staff in the Office of Off-Campus Study & Exchanges. we will assist you in determining whether particular programs can accommodate your needs.

Feel Free to discuss any disability-related questions related to study abroad with the Coordinator for Students with Disabilities.