Academics

• Are there any restrictions in your major or field of study that would prevent you from studying abroad? Classes in other institutions may not always transfer back to Quinnipiac University as the course you may need. Check with your academic advisor to discuss course options for you while abroad.

• Additionally, be aware that many institutions abroad will restrict you to a maximum of four classes per term, which will usually return as 12 credits here. Classes abroad are often more difficult than classes here, and it is advised that you abide by the recommended number of courses at the host institution.

Cost

• Living abroad usually requires students to forego employment in the destination country, meaning that students will need to rely on budgeting and saving measures if other sources of income (scholarships, grants, etc.) are unavailable.

Language

• In many countries, a student may find a great degree of English fluency among the locals. In many other countries, a student may not. Additionally, some institutions in non-English speaking countries mandate that visiting students enroll in language courses in the native tongue. Be aware of your own ability to learn and utilize languages when choosing your study abroad destination. As in all of life, communication is key.

Individual Factors

• When considering studying abroad, it's important to take into consideration your own identity. Do you enjoy urban settings, or rural ones? Are you at home in a large group of people, or do you prefer more low-key settings? Do you like structure and rigidity, or are you more open to flexibility and a lack of strict regiments? Each university and each country boasts many different cultures. Some of these might be appealing to you; others may not. When doing your research into countries and institutions, think about how you as a person will mesh with the environment and culture.

Risk

• While traveling abroad, the traveler always assumes some level of risk. This risk can include missed flights, political unrest, communicable diseases, or any number of potential issues related to areas through which one might travel. Quinnipiac University will keep a student abreast of the most pertinent issues, but the student is responsible for researching and understanding the status of their destination. Quinnipiac University mandates that all students studying abroad purchase their International Emergency Medical Health Insurance as a means of managing the innate assumption of risk.