Right away! Starting early gives you time to find a program that fits your academic and personal needs. It is ideal to start planning at least a year in advance. Be mindful of application deadline dates, which are clearly marked in online program brochures.
Longwood University requires that students wanting to study abroad have a minimum 2.5 GPA (2.0 for faculty-led). However, exchange partners, affiliates, and faculty leaders set their own GPA requirements. It is recommended that you research which program fits your needs.
Students are ineligible if they are on academic or judicial probation.
No. You will not be limited to only studying in English speaking countries either. Programs are available all over the globe with classes taught in English. If you already know a second language there are also programs with classes taught in the host country language. Interested in learning a new language? Some programs offer language courses at little to no additional cost.
With proper research and planning studying abroad will not delay graduation. Students studying abroad can take courses in their major or elective course work. Students work with their advisors and departments before studying abroad to determine how coursework abroad will transfer back and can be applied towards graduation. We recommend that students meet with their academic advisors early on in the planning process to make sure that the program they choose fits into their academic plans.
Most students study abroad their sophomore or junior year. Seniors can also study abroad, but not during the semester they plan to graduate.
Because a minimum GPA is required, freshman can study abroad as early as the summer after their first year.
The price of studying abroad varies depending on the program you choose. Some affiliate programs are more cost effective than being on campus while others fees can be more than staying on campus. Whereas on exchange programs students pay their Longwood tuition and fees while taking courses at an international university.
Financial aid can be applied to study abroad programs. Longwood University offers scholarships to students studying abroad. In addition affiliate providers and third parties also offer scholarships. There are also programs that will match Pell Grant awards.
The length of programs offered ranges from less than two weeks to an entire academic year.
Available housing options vary and include residence halls, apartments, and homestays. Some programs will arrange housing for you, while on others you are responsible to find your own accommodations. When finding the right program for you decide if you would like the independence of an apartment, the support of a residence hall with other students, or the cultural emersion of a homestay.
Studying abroad can be very challenging. As with most challenges, it can also be very rewarding. Right now it might be hard to imagine but you most likely will get homesick. You will have to overcome language or cultural barriers. You may get lost! You might struggle with academics that are presented in a different manner. Or worse you may have trouble staying motivated to attend class when other opportunities vie for your attention. After you overcome all these, and other challenges, you may not want to return home.
The Center for Global Engagement works with partner institutions that have study opportunities all over the globe. However, Longwood will not approve study abroad or international internships that travel to countries that have been issued a Travel Warning by the Department of State.
Attend a Study Abroad 101 session.