» Semester Abroad FAQ

General Questions

1. Where can I find information about specific semester abroad programs?
   • The Global Gateway is where you will both find information about specific study abroad programs and complete your study abroad application.
2. Who should I talk to if I have questions about going abroad?
   • Peer advisors at the CGE can answer your general study abroad questions. Check our virtual office for walk-in hours. You can also call us at 714-997-6830.
3. How do I open an application to do a semester abroad?
   • To open an application, students must first attend a Global First Steps session, which is offered weekly throughout the semester. Upon attending Global First Steps, students are eligible to open their application for a specific program and will receive an email with instructions.
4. What is the Global First Steps session?
   • Global First Steps is a mandatory informational session that covers the general information you need to know about the types of programs offered and application process. They are offered multiple times a week throughout the application period. Register here.
5. When is the application due date for each semester? 
   • The application due date changes each semester. The deadline is usually beginning December for fall abroad and beginning May for spring abroad.
6. Which year and semester is the ideal time to do a semester abroad?
   • Students must be at least sophomore standing at the time they go abroad. The best time depends on each student and their academic plan. Some majors require students to be on campus during specific semesters. Students can talk to their academic or program advisor to determine which year and semester would work best for them academically.
7. Do I need to be fluent in the local language?
   • Some programs have courses taught in English, or the local language, or a mix of both. You can check on the brochure page to see if a program has a minimum foreign language level.
8. What are the eligibility criteria for studying abroad?
   • To be eligible for a semester abroad, students must have a 2.75 GPA, sophomore standing, and be free of any disciplinary holds.
9. When are GPAs checked?
   • GPAs are checked at the end of the semester that you apply to go abroad.
10. Can I open an application for more than one semester abroad program?
    • You can only open one application for a single program per semester. If you are considering two, you can talk to an advisor about program differences to help you decide.
11. Can I find my housing while abroad?
    • If the program includes housing (as most do), then you must live in the program’s housing options. Chapman students are not permitted to arrange independent housing abroad for safety and vetting, and you will be billed for Chapman housing.
12. Can I take classes abroad for a major/minor I haven’t declared yet?
    • For classes to count for major/minor credit, your major/minor should be declared before going abroad. If you do not declare your major/minor before you go abroad and take courses in those subjects, you can retroactively request the courses abroad to count for the major/minor although approval is not guaranteed.
13. How long is my Global First Steps session attendance valid?
    • Your attendance at a Global First Steps session expires two semesters after you attended. For example, if you attend in the fall and want to apply the following spring, you do not need to attend another Global First Steps session. If you attend in the fall and apply to study abroad the following fall, you will need to attend again to open a semester abroad application.
14. Can I change my program if I decide that it’s not right for me?
    • Yes, you can switch the program that you are applying for in most cases. You will need to meet with an advisor again to discuss the new program, as well as re-submit certain questionnaires depending on where you are in the application process.

Financial Questions

1. How much does it cost for a semester abroad?
   • The Chapman semester abroad cost includes the cost of tuition for the semester, room and board (if applicable), and a $500 study abroad fee. Use the Semester Abroad Budget Worksheet to help estimate the total cost for a semester abroad both before you go and while you are abroad. Please refer to our Cost and Financial Aid for more information.
2. Why do I have to pay Chapman tuition when I study abroad, especially if the program tuition is less than Chapman tuition?
   • Academic courses, credits and grades earned on semester study abroad are treated as Chapman courses, credits and grades; they are not transfer credit. The courses, credits, and grades are reviewed, approved, and then posted on the academic transcript. The Chapman tuition revenue from the students studying abroad is used to cover the cost of the programs billed to Chapman by that foreign university or program provider. Any tuition surplus is returned to the University to cover costs of making study abroad available to Chapman students. In order to make study abroad fiscally viable for the institution, Chapman has adopted the practice used by many private universities in charging home school tuition for study abroad.
3. How does financial aid apply?
   • For about 90% of the semester abroad programs, students can use their Chapman aid as well as federal and state financial aid. For about 10% of programs, students can only use federal and state aid. When searching for programs on the Global Gateway, any program that says “all current aid” under the cost/funding tab accepts all financial aid. The only financial aid that does not apply to a semester abroad is federal work-study.
4. How do I pay the $500 study abroad fee?
   • The $500 study abroad fee will be billed with your tuition cost for the semester abroad. You will be billed on the regular Chapman billing timeline.

Academic Questions

1. What type of credits do I get for a semester abroad?
   • Students will receive Chapman credits (not transfer credits) for each course taken while studying abroad to fulfill Chapman requirements. Students must remain in full-time status and enroll in 12-18 credits while abroad.
2. How can I be sure the classes I take abroad will transfer back to Chapman?
   • The official course approval process takes place the semester before your semester abroad. You will submit an online Global Course Request form to the Center for Global Education with the potential courses you want to take while abroad and the Chapman course equivalents, as well as the course syllabi/descriptions and GE petition forms (if needed). If a class you have submitted has not been pre-approved, your form will be routed to the appropriate departments for approval. You can see which classes have been pre-approved for a particular program by checking the program’s Sample Pre-Approved Courses page on the Global Gateway.
3. Are classes taught in English or a foreign language?
   • In most locations, English is the main language of instruction. When searching different programs, you can check under “language of instruction” to see if the program has classes taught in English, a foreign language, or both.
4. What is the difference between a GE and just a general credit?
   • A general education (GE) course counts toward Chapman’s GE Program requirements. General credit courses do not count toward any major, minor, cluster, or GE requirements, but they do count credits toward your overall degree.
5. How does the Global Study GE work for a semester abroad?
   
   • Students who complete an international semester abroad program automatically satisfy the Global Study GE requirement. These GE credits show on your Program Evaluation indicating you have fulfilled this requirement but these units do not count toward your total units completed for graduation nor the total units you take while abroad.
6. How do I find the courses offered on a semester abroad program?
   • You can view the courses offered on a program by viewing the program’s course catalog, which is linked on each program’s brochure page on the Global Gateway under the Academics tab. When choosing courses, please make sure you are selecting classes from the correct semester.
7. How do I make sure that I am on track to graduate?
   • If you would like to discuss your Chapman degree requirements with someone, please schedule an appointment with the Academic Advising Center or your program advisor within your college. Your academic advisors will be able to help you determine your remaining requirements.