Non-Tufts Programs

Ten Steps to Studying Abroad through a non-Tufts Program

1. Attend a General Information Meeting. Meetings are conducted twice weekly during the academic year and are listed on the schedule of events. This will introduce you to the policies and options related to study abroad at Tufts; attendance at one of these meetings is required in order to obtain an appointment with the foreign study adviser.

2. Read carefully the Tufts Study Abroad Guidelines, including the list of recommended programs. This booklet is also available in hard copy in Dowling Hall.

3. Review program literature in the Study Abroad section of the Dowling Hall Resource Library or online through program websites.

4. Read program evaluations at www.Abroad101.com and/or talk with students who have returned recently from the program or country in which you are interested.

5. Discuss your study abroad plans with a faculty adviser in the department in which you will major. You will need to declare your major before studying abroad via the "Declaration of Major" form, available through the Registrar's website.

6. After you have researched programs, if you wish to apply to a program not on our recommended list or if you have questions regarding non-Tufts programs, you may consult with the foreign study adviser. (However, it is not necessary to meet with the foreign study adviser simply to drop off the approval portion of your non-Tufts program application.)

7. Programs not on our recommended list must be approved by the faculty subcommittee on foreign programs well in advance of application. Petitions for program approval for the spring will be accepted no later than October 1, and for the fall and full-year no later than February 28. Appeals received after the deadlines will require a letter from the student and adviser explaining why the petition is late. Consult the foreign study adviser regarding the petition process.

8. Obtain applications for approved non-Tufts programs directly from the program; many are available online. Check application details and deadlines carefully and submit all materials well in advance of the deadline. Popular programs fill early.

9. Once you have confirmed enrollment in your selected non-Tufts program, be sure to attend to the following matters before you depart:


• Petition for transfer of credit for each course you plan to take abroad via the WebCenter for Students; it is not advisable to wait until you return to campus to petition;


• Submit an "Undergraduate Leave of Absence to Study Abroad" request online via the WebCenter for Students and bring the signed 'Advisor Approval' form to the Office of Programs Abroad in Dowling Hall (by April 30th for fall or full-year programs; by November 15th for spring programs);


• Submit a "Housing Update" form, if applicable (only if you have already selected on-campus housing through the lottery process for the semester or year in which you now plan to be away). Please refer to the section "Change in Housing Status"



10. In the semester prior to your semester or year abroad, attend the important pre-departure meeting held during reading period in both the fall and spring semesters. Attendance at one of these meetings is required and will prepare you for a variety of aspects of the study abroad experience.

Additional Steps for Students in the School of Engineering 

1. Students in the School of Engineering who wish to study abroad (on either a Tufts Program or a non-Tufts program) must have a GPA of 3.2 at the time of application.

2. If you wish to study through an approved non-Tufts program, you must submit a "Petition to Study Abroad on a non-Tufts Program for Students in the School of Engineering" (available through the foreign study adviser or via the link below) by February 28 (for full-year or fall programs) or by October 1 (for spring programs). All applications must be approved by the study-abroad committee for engineering.

Petition to Study Abroad on a Non-Tufts Program for
Students in the School of Engineering

*Disclaimer: As with other sites supporting user-generated content, Abroad101 publishes student feedback on study abroad programs that are strictly the individual views and experiences of those students. Neither Tufts University nor the Office of Programs Abroad claims responsibility for the views expressed by these students or for the language used to express such views. Please also bear in mind that experiences will vary by student according to his or her preparation and/or goals.