B50 Caldwell Hall
(607) 255–5243 (tel)
abroad@cornell.edu
abroad.globallearning.cornell.edu
International study is an integral part of a Cornell education. To help students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for informed citizenship in today’s world, studying abroad offers a wide range of study abroad opportunities that reflect the fundamental educational goals and objectives of the university. Study abroad is a continuous and complementary experience with study on campus, enabling students to make regular progress toward the degree.
To earn credit for overseas study during the fall and/or spring semester(s), students must apply through Education Abroad in the Office of Global Learning, whose staff members advise students on options and assist with all aspects of the study abroad process. College Programs (AAP in Rome, CAPS program, and ILR exchanges) apply through the college. Education Abroad serves as a resource for short-term study abroad (summer/winter/spring break). Differences in semester and short-term policies and procedures are highlighted in the following sections as appropriate.
Study Abroad Program Options
Education Abroad administers a diverse portfolio of academic year, semester and short-term study abroad opportunities including Global Hubs Programs, Faculty-led Programs, Advanced Language and Specialized Programs, Exchange Programs and other Approved Programs.
- Global Hubs are Cornell students point of entry to a world of high-impact opportunities in strategic locations around the world. Global Hubs give students exciting opportunities for semester-long and short-term study abroad, field experience, participation in faculty-led research, curricular pathways through majors, internships, and more.
- Faculty-led programs offer a short-term study abroad experience that is organized and led by Cornell faculty. Generally speaking, a faculty-led program is an academic course that combines traditional classroom learning with experiential learning abroad. The experience abroad can be as short as one week or span over an entire summer.
- Advanced Language and Specialized Programs are designed specifically for Cornell students.
- Exchange Programs are reciprocal partnerships with select international universities and schools that provide an avenue for Cornell students to study for a semester or year at those partner schools, and in exchange, Cornell hosts their students. Exchanges are managed by OGL and/or Cornell colleges or schools.
- Approved Programs include direct enrollment at select universities, provider programs with special language or topic focus (global health, business, sustainability), and programs with an internship, research and/or service focus.
The Education Abroad website shares advising, program, and financial information.
The Experience Cornell website houses approved semester and short-term study abroad opportunities for Cornell undergraduates including programs offered through Education Abroad or other campus units. This is also where students start the application process.
Petitions: Students may only receive Cornell academic credit for study abroad during the academic year by participation in study abroad programs through the Office of Global Learning or through a college/school program. If a student studies on an unapproved program at a foreign university while on a leave of absence—even with a current institutional partner—Cornell cannot offer any administrative, health and safety, or financial aid support, nor award credit. Students may petition to attend a non-approved program and approval is not guaranteed. Petitions are reviewed as exceptional opportunities that meet specific needs not available through existing programs.
Short-term Options: short-term options are listed in the Experience Cornell opportunity database. Students who find their own short-term options work with their colleges directly on questions of transfer credit. Short-term programs include:
- Cornell courses during the fall or spring semester with an international travel component
- Cornell summer or winter study abroad programs
- Short-term credit-bearing programs through other universities and organizations (transfer credit)
Who Studies Abroad
Students from all undergraduate colleges and major fields study abroad. Students must be in good academic standing and meet the requirements of their college and program. A 3.0 GPA is a typical requirement, but programs may be available for students with lower Cornell GPAs. Over 600 undergraduate students study abroad annually through Education Abroad for a semester or year.
Because some colleges require that students complete at least 60 hours of undergraduate credit on the Ithaca campus, some students who transfer to Cornell may be unable to count study abroad credit toward their Cornell degree. Students should check with their college for eligibility.
When Students Study Abroad and for How Long
Students may study abroad during their sophomore, junior, or senior year for the fall or spring semester or for the academic year, or during the summer, winter, or spring break. To maximize options, early planning is advised. The majority of Cornell undergraduates who study abroad as part of their degree do so for a semester.
Short-term programs vary in length from less than two weeks—if connected to a course on campus—to eight weeks abroad. Most short-term programs are two to six weeks.
Application Process
Step 1: Get Ready
- Consider academic requirements, college policies and personal and professional goals.
- Gather information from the website, or individual advisors, information sessions with returned students and meeting with faculty.
- Drop-in advising and advising by appointment are available while classes are in session on campus. See the Get Advice page for more information.
- See the Cornell events calendar for the annual International Fair at the start of the Fall Semester and other internationally focused events.
- Follow us on Instagram to get inspired by what Cornell students are doing abroad.
Step 2: Apply
Obtain Cornell approval:
- Review program options, college requirements, and degree plans with faculty advisor and college.
- Open and complete the application from the Experience Cornell listing of your chosen program.
- Meet deadlines: Typically, September 15 for spring programs or March 1 for Fall/Year programs, and the last Friday of September for winter or February for summer programs. Some programs have earlier deadlines. The deadline to study at Oxford or Cambridge is early: apply by November 15 of your sophomore year to study at Oxford or Cambridge during the academic year or spring of your junior year.
- Deadlines may vary. Please check Experience for all program application deadlines.
Seek admission from program:
- Programs run by foreign university partners or approved providers maintain their own application systems. After Cornell approval, apply directly to programs for admission.
- Advisors in Education Abroad provide proof of university approval when required for program admission or visa purposes.
- Application deadlines vary by program and may be earlier or later than the deadline for Cornell approval.
Note: Many universities and programs admit on a rolling basis and fill by early fall or mid-spring for the following semester. Submitting an early application may improve students’ chances of admission. In all cases, it is a good idea to check with the relevant study abroad advisor in Education Abroad.
Step 3: Go Abroad
Complete the pre-departure requirements including orientation. Obtain a visa. Understand the billing and financial process and policies. Brush up on the history, politics, security situation, current events and language of host country, and go with an open mind.
Registration, Credit Transfer, and Grades
All students who wish to receive academic credit for semester study abroad must apply through Education Abroad and their undergraduate college. Students remain registered at Cornell University during their semester or year abroad. They are eligible for financial aid and receive full academic credit for pre-approved courses of study completed with satisfactory grades, equivalent to a “C” or higher.
Students enroll for a normal full load of courses abroad, according to the standards of the institution or program overseas, and usually receive 30 credits per year, or 15 credits per semester (exceptions apply). Courses must be taken for a letter grade. The colleges review course work taken abroad and make the final decisions concerning credit transfer and distribution. When study abroad credit has been transferred, the Cornell transcript will indicate the names of the courses taken, the grades received, and the total credits earned for each semester. Grades earned abroad appear on the Cornell transcript as they are received on the official transcript. Cornell does not translate the grades, nor are they averaged into the Cornell grade point average.
Cornell summer and winter programs are generally available for Cornell credit. Students may petition their college to transfer credit from other non-Cornell short-term programs.
Foreign Language Requirements
English-language study abroad programs are available in non-English–speaking countries. Cornell requires students who participate in programs in a non–English-speaking country with English-language course work to take at least one language course as part of their program of study and strongly encourages them to take more.
Students in the College of Arts and Sciences must follow college policies regarding previous language and area studies preparation at Cornell. Study abroad programs in non–English-speaking countries that offer direct enrollment in universities generally require the equivalent of at least two years of college-level language study. Students should make firm plans for any requisite language courses early in their first year.
Housing Arrangements
Study abroad programs generally provide housing in halls of residence for university students, in the homes of local residents, or in rental apartments. Advisors in Education Abroad can help students understand their housing options. When planning for a semester of study abroad, be sure to consider their housing situation in Ithaca. Students in Cornell residence halls can have a single semester contract when studying abroad for a semester.
Costs
Undergraduates participating on Office of Global Learning approved semester programs and college or school programs and exchanges pay regular Cornell tuition, as well as program fees, predeparture and on-site expenses. Non-tuition costs depend on the program, living arrangements, and other local expenses.
Please review the specific program page on Experience Cornell for estimated program budgets and financial information. Estimated program budgets indicate which study abroad costs are billable through Cornell Bursar, through the host institution, or paid directly by the student.
All students who participate in Office of Global Learning approved study abroad programs are required to acknowledge and agree to financial policies prior to participation.
Visit the Finances page for more information on study abroad costs and FAQs.
Students attending summer/short-term programs managed by other universities or organizations pay the program directly. For cost information, see the specific program.
Financial Aid
Financial aid will apply to all approved semester and yearlong programs. The Office of Global Learning or the college/school sponsoring the program will prepare an estimated student budget based on a student’s approved program and submit it to the Office of Financial Aid on their behalf. Financial Aid will use the cost estimates provided to repackage aid for the semester(s) that a student will be abroad. Financial aid awards are adjusted in line with the higher or lower costs of the program. Family and student contribution will remain the same as on campus, regardless of the estimated cost of attendance. Federal work study is converted to a loan when students study abroad. Students may choose to take this out as a loan or not. If a student opts to decline the loan, alternative aid resources will not be available to replace that award.
Visit the Finances page for more information.
Some programs abroad offer need-based and merit-based scholarships; there are also external sources of aid for which Cornell students are eligible. Consistent with university policy, external grants and scholarships must be reported to the Financial Aid office.
Financial aid is not typically available for summer, winter, or spring break short-term programs, though other funding opportunities may exist.
Health and Safety
Education Abroad works closely with travel health, safety, and security experts in Global Cornell, campus partners across Cornell’s colleges, and local contacts at study abroad program sites. Together we assess program safety, manage foreseeable risks, and plan for and respond to emergencies. Whether a student plans to study abroad for a few weeks, a semester, or a year, the Cornell resources are available to help students plan for a healthy, secure, and rewarding international experience.
At home or abroad, personal health and safety are never guaranteed. While no one can eliminate every potential hazard from their study abroad experience, students can take steps before and during their time abroad to prepare themselves and reduce risks.
Remember to register your international travel in Cornell’s International Travel Registry. It’s required for study abroad and all Cornell-related international travel. Register as soon as you have your travel plans in place.
Students must abide by the health and safety policies of their program and host country, which may include restrictions on travel and mobility due to the pandemic or other emergency conditions. Be aware that the rules can change at any time, and Cornell may institute additional requirements or restrictions.
Sources of Information and Advice Concerning Study Abroad
Office of Global Learning – Education Abroad, abroad.globallearning.cornell.edu, B50 Caldwell Hall, (607) 255-5243, abroad@cornell.edu.
Advising and Program Management Staff: Kristen Grace, Ph.D.; Emily Dougherty, M.S.; Brianna Brown, M.A.; annie nguyen, Ed.D.; Josh Kennedy, M.A. See “Get Advice” page of website for information on advising portfolios for each advisor.
Office of Global Learning Administration for Education Abroad: Brandon Lanners, Executive Director; Cindy Tarter, Senior Associate Director; Kathy Lynch, Finance Manager.
College Advisors who Approve Study Abroad
Agriculture and Life Sciences: Jessica Hawkey, 140 Roberts Hall; Architecture, Art, and Planning: Jenn Michael, 235 Sibley Dome; Arts and Sciences: Margaret Parmenter; Paul Sulzer, G17 Klarman Hall; Engineering: Ryan Delany, 180 Rhodes Hall; Hotel Administration: Taylor Sweazey, 180 Statler Hall; Dyson School: Renee Poullot, B34 Warren Hall; Human Ecology: Paul Fisher, Deanne Maxwell, 172 Martha Van Rensselaer Hall; Industrial and Labor Relations: Tamara Ingram, 121 Ives Hall.