Mercyhurst College

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do students study abroad?

Generally, students tend to study abroad for two reasons: the experience of traveling overseas and/or to complement their current studies. For example, a student may choose to study in Spain so that they can experience all of Europe, or because they are a Spanish major and want to improve their language skills.

Where can I study?

Almost anywhere. Most countries offer at least one study abroad option.

Do I have to know the language?

You should not be discouraged if English is not the main language spoken in your desired country. Most study abroad programs offer courses in English and almost all travel destinations are English-friendly.

What classes should I take?

You can take any course you want as long as it is approved. When choosing courses to take abroad, you should be cognizant of what courses will work toward your studies at Mercyhurst.

How will I know if my credits will transfer?

Once you have been accepted to your school, you will fill out ablue form. This lists all of the courses you will take abroad and the Mercyhurst College equivalents. Theblue formneeds to be signed by your academic adviser, the study abroad adviser, the associate vice president for instruction and assessment, and the registrar to confirm that the abroad courses will be accepted as Mercyhurst credits.

Is it expensive to study abroad?

Depending on where you study, the cost of studying abroad could be similar to tuition fees at Mercyhurst, or more expensive. Aside from tuition, you must also take into account the cost of living in the country where you wish to study, plus airfare.

Are there scholarships available for studying abroad?

Yes. Programs like AIFS, AustraLearn, CEA, SAS and Syracuse University offer scholarships to students studying abroad with their programs. Alternative scholarships and financial aid can be found by searching GoAbroad.com .

Can I use Tuition Management Systems (TMS) to pay for study abroad?

No. TMS must be cancelled before leaving to study abroad, but can be reinstated when you return to Mercyhurst.

Will my Mercyhurst financial aid "travel" with me to my study abroad school?

Yes. Some of your financial aid can be applied to your time abroad; the exact amount depends on the type of aid you receive. Once you have been accepted to your school overseas, you should make an appointment with Student Financial Services, Main 115, to discuss the details.

In general:

1 trimester abroad = 1/3 Mercyhurst financial aid as well as federal and state aid (if applicable).
1 semester abroad = up to 1/2 Mercyhurst financial aid as well as federal and state aid (students must be registered for 12 credits).

Financial aid is not available for summer study abroad. More information is available from the study abroad office.

If aid is more than the program costs then the amount of Mercyhurst aid available is reduced.

Do I have to apply through a program?

No. While you are free to apply to a school on your own, it is recommended that you go through a program. The program will guide you through every aspect of your abroad experience. Your program will help you with travel plans and housing, and let you know if you need such things as a visa, vaccinations, and insurance.

How will I decide which program to use?

There are two types of ways to study abroad using a program: you can go through another American university that has satellite campuses in foreign countries (e.g. Syracuse University); or through programs that are affiliated with actual schools abroad.

Satellite campuses of American universities are located in cities overseas. As classes are filled with American study abroad students, you would not go to school with foreign students. This option is attractive to students who either do not know the language or who just want to see a different part of the world.

Programs such as AIFS, AustraLearn and CEA act as a go-between, linking study abroad students with foreign universities. These programs allow you full immersion in the culture of the country in which you are studying.

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