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Education Abroad Office

Types of Programs

There are a number of different types of education abroad programs. Below is a list of the program types, along with special notes to help you as you work with students through the process.

 

USC offers exchange programs in conjunction with partner institutions in over 20 countries. Some of these exchange programs focus on specific areas of study, while others are open to all majors. These programs are available for semester or academic year. Students selected to participate in an exchange program will be charged USC in-state tuition, paid directly to USC. Housing and meals are paid overseas and vary from program to program.
  • Students pay in-state tuition to USC.
  • Grades transfer back as pass/fail and do not affect the student's USC GPA.
  • To apply, students must complete essays, and provide a transcript and one faculty reference. They will be required to complete host institution materials after being accepted into the program.
  • To be eligible, students must have a 3.0 GPA.
  • The application fee is $150. 
  • This type of program is ideal for students who are organized and self-directed.
The Moore School's strong international links have facilitated the development of partnerships with over 45 of the best business schools around the world. Every spring, juniors majoring in the International Business program have the opportunity to study at one of these schools through an exclusive exchange program. These partnerships allow students to build a network of global contacts with future business leaders around the world.
  • These exchange programs are open only to International Business students.
Global Direct Programs are sponsored by USC, but students pay tuition and fees directly to the host university. Students can choose from a variety of programs for the summer, semester, or academic year. Some of these programs focus on specific topics or foreign languages, while others offer an array of courses in various subject areas.
  • Students pay tuition to their host institution.
  • Grades transfer back as pass/fail and do not affect the student's USC GPA.
  • To apply, students must complete essays, and provide a transcript and one faculty reference. They will be required to complete host institution materials after being accepted into the program.
  • To be eligible, students must have a 3.0 GPA.
  • The application fee is $150.
  • This type of program is ideal for students who are organized, self-directed, and independent.
In collaboration with a number of independent study abroad organizations, USC offers students a variety of additional program options in a wide range of countries. Students can apply to the program which best matches their academic and geographic preferences. All tuition and fees are paid directly to the study abroad organization. Students can study abroad through these programs during a summer, semester, or academic year. 
  • Students pay all tuition and fees to the Global Partner Program.
  • Grades transfer back as pass/fail and do not affect the student's USC GPA.
  • To apply, students must submit materials to the Education Abroad Office, as well as apply directly to the individual program.
  • Eligibility varies from 2.5 GPA upwards.
  • The application fee is $150, in addition to any application fees from the Global Partner Program.
  • This type of program is ideal if students require a higher level of support and/or have less international experience. This is also ideal for students who are looking for a location or program not offered via Global Exchange or Global Direct Programs.

USC faculty members from academic departments across campus lead programs which typically focus on a specific subject area or foreign language. These programs typically take place during the summer, winter break, Spring Break, and Maymester. Program sites and course offerings vary from year to year. All participants pay USC in-state tuition for these programs in addition to travel-related fees, such as airfare and lodging. 

  • These programs are led by USC faculty members and are comprised of UofSC students.
  • Tuition and fees are paid directly to USC, with tuition set at the in-state rate.
  • Since these are USC courses, there is no transfer of credit, so grades do impact a student's USC GPA.
  • To apply, students complete an application with the Education Abroad Office and should also contact the faculty leader for additional application instructions.
  • Individual faculty leaders determine the GPA requirement for participants.
  • The application fee is $150.
  • This type of program is suitable for all students, including freshmen, and is an especially great option for those that wish to study abroad more than once or for students whose academic schedule does not allow for a longer term abroad.
In an effort to combine unique locations with intensive subject-specific course offerings, the Education Abroad Office has developed the Global USC Program portfolio. All are three weeks in length during the Maymester/summer, with students taking up to three courses, all of which are taught by USC faculty members. Students do not need to major in a specific field to participate.
  • Global USC in Costa Rica: Global Health
  • Global USC in the Galapagos: Sustainability
  • Global USC in peru: History and Culture

Teaching, interning, volunteering, working, and conducting research abroad are unique ways to explore another country while integrating yourself into the local community and culture. Students feel a sense of worth as they learn outside the classroom while serving the local community. The experience gained from such alternative overseas programs is also a great addition to any resume.

  • Non-credit programs are often facilitated through a Global Partner Program.
  • While students must apply through the Education Abroad Office, they typically must also apply directly to the program.
  • Eligibility varies.
  • There is no application fee for non-credit programs.
  • These programs are ideal for students who wish to supplement their term abroad or who are not able to study abroad on a traditional program. 

The Education Abroad Office recommends that students do not participate in programs unaffiliated with USC. The only programs officially sanctioned by USC are those pre-approved programs listed above. However, you may be contacted by unaffiliated study abroad organizations offering programs overseas for students within your department. If a non-approved program approaches you, we ask that you please contact our office prior to promoting any external programs to students. If you are interested in learning more about which pre-approved programs may be a strong academic fit for your students, we are happy to meet with you to discuss them in more detail.

 


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