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Frequently Asked Questions
How many semesters can I study abroad?
Of the eight semesters of full-time study required for
graduation from Tufts, up to two semesters after
matriculation at Tufts may be spent at other approved
institutions or on approved foreign study programs.
When do most students study abroad?
Most Tufts students choose their junior year for study
abroad. The Office of Programs Abroad regards this time
to be the optimum choice since it is preferred that
students be well established in their major before
embarking on foreign study. On occasion, particularly
well-qualified students study abroad during the second
semester of their sophomore year. All students are
expected to be in residence at Tufts full-time for their
final two semesters before graduation. (Tufts Programs
Abroad are considered to be "in residence," non-Tufts
programs are not.) It is possible to apply for an
exemption to the senior-year residency requirement in
order to study on a non-Tufts program in the fall of the
senior year.
If I want to study abroad for just one semester, should
I choose the fall or the spring semester?
This decision will be determined by your specific academic situation, and should
thus be discussed with your advisor. Historically, more students have chosen to spend spring
semester abroad, however, if you have the flexibility to consider either, there are some reasons why you
might opt for fall semester:
1. You will help Tufts and your fellow Jumbos by
achieving a better balance of students studying abroad
between the semesters.
2. You will have a better chance of obtaining on-campus
housing, as more students will be away spring semester.
3. You will be back on campus to participate in
interviewing to secure a summer internship through
Career Services.
4. You will have the summer beforehand to prepare for your
time abroad, rather than just a few weeks following the
previous semester's finals.
5. If you decide that one semester abroad is just not
enough for you, you will more easily be able to extend
your time abroad to the full year!
6. Fall semester programs tend to be smaller in size, so
you will have more opportunity to immerse yourself in
your host culture, but you will also get more personal
attention from your program administrators and
instructors.
7. With fewer students opting to study abroad for the fall,
the chances of admission to your study abroad program of
choice will be better- less competition, especially if
you're looking at a selective program!
What type of preparation is required to study abroad?
1. Students must be in good academic and disciplinary
standing* in order to study abroad. Transfer credit
toward the Tufts degree will be accepted only from
students who are in good academic and disciplinary
standing at the time of enrollment in the study abroad
program.
2. Students must declare their academic major before
they study abroad.
3. Students must discuss with a faculty adviser in the
department in which they intend to major how the
proposed program will fit into their overall degree
program at Tufts.
* Good standing means the student is not on academic
probation level 3 or higher or disciplinary probation
level 2 or higher. See the
Tufts Bulletin for an
explanation of the levels of academic probation. See
"Tufts University Student Disciplinary System" for an
explanation of levels of disciplinary probation.
How do I transfer credit from a non-Tufts program?
The procedure of transferring credit from a non-Tufts
program is explained in the Study Abroad Guidelines
booklet on pages 7-10 or on-line at:
Transfer of Credit
Details.
How do I find out about financial aid resources for
non-Tufts programs?
The Institute of International Education has gathered a
wealth of information about a variety of scholarships
and grants available for study abroad programs at
studyabroadfunding.org. Because
students attending non-Tufts programs are not eligible
to receive a full financial aid award from Tufts, this
is a great resource for finding alternative funding
sources.
What if I have special needs?
Students needing accommodation for physical or learning
differences should contact the program(s) to which they
are applying to discuss what accommodations might be
feasible in your selected study abroad destination.
What if I have a medical issue?
Students with certain medical issues should think
carefully about the advisability of studying abroad.
Having a mental health or medical issue is nothing to be
ashamed of! However, it is important to fully understand
the implications of foreign study for your condition.
Psychiatric conditions can be especially difficult to
handle during a study-abroad semester or year. Cultural
differences in mental health care can limit resources
available to students. Access to counseling services and
psychiatric medication can be limited in many countries.
The use of psychiatric medication in particular is less
common in countries outside the United States. Students
should consult early on with their medical and mental
health providers about the advisability of studying
abroad if they have, or have had, depression, an eating
disorder, or other psychiatric condition. Eating
disorders can be difficult to handle abroad. Travel and
culture shock can dangerously exacerbate an eating
disorder. Adjusting to different food and having limited
food choices when living with a host family can be
extremely stressful. Students need to be willing to
embrace the cultural differences around food in order to
have a successful study-abroad experience. Once you and
your medical clinician have made the decision that study
abroad is a reasonable option for you, we urge you to
consult confidentially with the resident director of the
program you have chosen. The resident director can guide
you to resources, and discuss whether the resources you
need will be available. The more the resident director
knows about your medical issues and needs, the better he
or she can help you—from picking the best host family
match, to helping you find a clinician, or accessing
needed medication. Students taking regular medication
need to be proactive in developing a plan for obtaining
refills while abroad. Many countries limit the amount of
medication that can be taken through customs. Can you
get refills mailed to you? Can family or friends who are
visiting bring refills? Or will you need to consult with
the resident director to see if there is a clinician
where you are studying who could prescribe refills? Is
the medication you are taking even available in the
country you are going to? All this must be researched
and planned well ahead of time.
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