University At Albany Study Abroad

Study abroad is the most exciting thing you will do during your college years!

It will enhance your education. There are courses offered at our partner universities overseas that are not offered here.
It will expand your understanding of other cultures, which will help you to be more accepting of others.
It will increase your independence and self-awareness. Having to survive in a completely new environment will teach you things about yourself you never expected.

Finally, it will help build your resume. Prospective employers realize how invaluable international experience is in today's global marketplace.

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2. How do I match Study Abroad with my academic & career objectives?

While in College, students have to make many crucial choices – what to Major and Minor in, what other skills to acquire, and how to build their resumés. Employers seek specialist expertise, but they also seek many personality attributes. Most employers will tell you that they seek cheerful, reliable, adaptable colleagues who can work in teams with people from many diverse backgrounds. Equally, if you decide to become an entrepreneur, choosing self-employment or starting your own business, you will quickly learn how important it is to be adaptable, cheerful, persuasive and able to relate to people from many different backgrounds.

Study Abroad is a wonderful opportunity to learn "adaptability" and to build teamwork and human relations skills. It is also the best way to acquire the "global awareness" that is so vital to business, government and entrepreneurship in the 21st century. There is no substitute for the "real world experience" that you gain through traveling, adapting to new challenges and opportunities, and making new friends.

When you consider possible Study Abroad programs and discuss options with one of our Advisors, think how the program will contribute to your major(s), minor(s), and general education requirements, and what lines you will be able to add to your resumé as a result of the experience. The credits you earn while studying abroad will carry you closer to graduation. UAlbany's partners include some of the world’s top universities, and each partner university has a different range of specializations. Good choices of where to go and what to study will strengthen your education, resumé and career prospects.

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3. Where can I go?

The University at Albany sponsors 65+ programs in 35 countries. In addition, through the State University of New York system, Albany students can participate in over 300 programs in more than 50 different countries.

Each program is designed for a specific type of student. Whether you want classes taught in English or want to enroll in university courses with native students; whether you want to spend a year, semester, or summer; whether you want to improve your current language abilities or take courses in business, history or art; whatever your desires, we can find a program for you.

The most important thing is to make your choice wisely and be sure the program you pick meets your needs. See our detailed descriptions of each Albany sponsored program here.

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4. When can I go?

There are study abroad options for all students. First-year students can participate on short-term winter programs and summer programs at the end of their first year. Many other programs allow sophomores to go, and certainly, by the time you are a junior or senior, there will be choices for you.

You are not limited to spending an entire year abroad either. We have year, semester, winter and summer programs. The only limitations are those set by you. If there is a particular reason you cannot spend an entire year overseas, look into semester, winter or summer programs. If there is a particular time you cannot be away from campus, plan your overseas study around that time period and find a program that fits into your schedule. With proper planning, you can go whenever you are ready!

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5. Do I have to speak another language?

No. There are programs that are specifically geared toward language acquisition; however, there are many that do not require proficiency in a foreign language.

We offer three types of programs:

Courses taught in English whether or not the host countries native language is English. This type requires no previous language knowledge.
Courses taught in the native language to international students. This type could require beginning, intermediate, or advanced language skills.
Courses taught at the foreign host university with other natives of that country in the native language. This type requires a high level of language proficiency.

There is a program for every level of language ability. Look at the language requirements for each program and make your final decision based on your own abilities and needs.

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6. How much does it cost?

Costs vary depending on the site you choose. We make every attempt to keep costs as low as possible. Many of our programs are comparable in cost to spending a semester or year at the University at Albany. Some are more expensive. When comparing costs, remember that several variables are considered when calculating final costs, including the cost of living in the host country, the tuition of the sponsoring university, and the services that are built into each program. When comparing programs make sure you understand what the bottom line includes and what exactly you are paying for before you make a final decision.

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7. Can I really afford this?

Many programs are comparable to an equal amount of time on campus at the University at Albany making them very affordable. Also, Finacial aid is applicable. University at Albany students participating on a SUNY program are eligible for regular financial aid when studying abroad. Depending on the costs of the program you choose, you might be eligible for even more financial aid. Even if you are not receiving financial aid now, you could be eligible. Please check with your financial aid advisor for details.

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8. Where will I live?

Each program has slightly different housing options, but all try to offer maximum flexibility. Options might include homestays, dormitories or off-campus apartments or flats. Each option offers a distinct level of cultural immersion and independence. Consider which of the options is most attractive to you while you are making a decision about which program to go on. Be flexible and consider all options with an open mind. However, always be sure that the program you choose meets your basic needs.

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9. How important is my GPA?

All students must be in good academic standing to be eligible for study abroad. Some of the sponsoring universities are more competitive and require higher GPAs than others. Depending on the program you want, you could need as high as a 3.0 minimum. However, we look at the whole student when assessing an application. Recommendations and interviews also play an important role in the decision-making process. Students should discuss any concerns with an advisor from the Office of International Programs.

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10. Will I get credit for this?

Students participating on an Albany program receive official University at Albany transcripts that list all courses taken overseas by title, number of credits awarded, and letter grades earned. Your grades for overseas work will not be figured into your cumulative GPA at Albany. Grades received on any SUNY program will appear on an official Transcript Supplement that becomes a permanent part of your official academic record. With departmental approval, courses can count in your major or minor. With approval by the General Education Committee, courses can also meet gen ed requirements.

There are three types of programs available to University at Albany students:

University at Albany programs sponsored by us.
SUNY programs sponsored by other SUNY campuses.
And non-SUNY programs sponsored by colleges and universities outside of the SUNY system.

Albany students attending any program administered by a four-year SUNY or SUC campus will earn credit toward their degree at Albany. Albany students participating on a non-SUNY program will receive transfer credit. Non-Albany students should check with their home campus for details.

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11. How do I start?

Start now with careful research and planning. If you know what you want, that's great. But if you don't, it could take a while to find a program that fits your needs. There are hundreds to choose from! Once you do know, you have to go through the application process, which can take some time. Come visit us at the Office of International Education. We can get you started and answer any specific questions you have. Once you find the perfect program, we can help you with the application process as well.

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