FAQ 's
Rose-Hulman Study Abroad FAQs
Can I study abroad and still graduate on time?
Yes! Most students have successfully spent a summer, quarter, or year abroad, and have finished within the typical four-year program. Some students have actually been able to use study abroad to graduate early! The sooner you begin exploring options and making decisions about when you will study abroad, the easier it is to incorporate the experience into your academic plan. Students are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor and to determine which courses will be best taken abroad. Often students take a combination of Tech or Free Electives and HSSA classes. Several departments have developed four-year plans that show how you can study abroad and stay on track.
How much will it cost?
The cost for study abroad can vary depending on your circumstances and the type of program you choose. Students who study abroad through exchange programs will pay the same tuition that they would if they studied at Rose-Hulman. Housing costs and other fees will vary. Students who choose affiliated and unaffiliated programs pay directly to the program and may pay more or less than they do at Rose-Hulman, depending on the selected program. Information about expected costs is available on each program’s website.
Are there special grants?
Yes! Rose-Hulman offers a competitive International Travel Grant to help offset some of the costs related to studying abroad. This grant is offered on a sliding scale based on the cost of the program, student needs, and the quality of the application. There are other excellent grant opportunities available through external organizations, including competitive federal grants, including the Gillman and Boren scholarships. Private and other government grants may be available. In all cases, the earlier you begin planning the better, as many of these awards have only one application period each year. A list of some of the available grant programs is available here.
Where can I go?
Where can’t you go?! Rose-Hulman has direct partnerships with institutions around the globe. In addition, through the Global Engineering Education Exchange consortium (Global E3), we are connected to 39 additional institutions in 23 countries. Plus, we have carefully selected program providers that can place students in other institutions and centers in numerous countries. Check out this map that shows many of the places our students can go.
Are there programs that are good for my major?
Most students who study abroad take a combination of Tech Electives, Free Electives, and HSSA courses. Depending on your major, you may find a particular program that offers additional courses. Students have also used study abroad to concentrate on a specialized topic to augment their major. Several departments have worked to find programs that are particularly good for their majors. A list of some of these departments is available here.
I’m an athlete. Can I study abroad?
Absolutely! Since we have study abroad opportunities available each term and in the summer, you will be able to select a term that does not conflict with your sport. Early planning will make this easier, so start exploring your options as soon as possible.
When is the best time to go?
The best time varies. It depends on where you want to go (spring is more popular for Germany and Japan, while summer/fall is more popular for New Zealand and Australia), what you want to study and how much time you have. You will want to consult your academic advisor and the Center for Global Engagement to determine what terms will work best for your academic plan and goals.
Why should I study abroad?
There is a myriad of reasons to study abroad! Studying abroad can make you more marketable and help you with the “transferrable skills” that are crucial for success as you progress in your chosen career. Students who have studied abroad indicate that they developed adaptability, leadership, and cross-cultural skills as they navigated life in another country. If you are interested in learning a language, you can take advantage of opportunities to become more fluent. Finally, it’s fun! Students often report that studying abroad was the highlight of their college experience. For more information about why study abroad, visit here.
Are there classes in English?
Yes! Many of our partners offer classes in English, even if the language of the country you are studying in is different. If you are not already proficient in the language of the country, we do expect you to take a language course while you are there so that you will get the most out of your experience.
Will my credits transfer?
With planning, the short answer is “Yes”! As part of the preparation for study abroad, you will complete a transfer credit review before finalizing your study abroad plans. Submitted through this registrar’s office, each course will be reviewed by the appropriate department head who will determine how the credits will come back to Rose-Hulman and which requirements may be met. For credits to transfer, you must get a minimum of the equivalent of a “C” in the class. Credits will be noted as “TR” on your transcript; grades will not transfer in and will not impact your GPA.
Do I need a visa?
You may need a visa depending on the country you choose to study in, what you will do there, and how long you will be there. The Center for Global Engagement and your host institution will be able to assist you in determining what visa you will need if any.
Can I use my financial aid to study abroad?
Often students find that they are able to use some, if not all, of their financial aid when studying abroad. Students are encouraged to speak with the Financial Aid office to see what aid they may be able to use for studying abroad. The amount may depend on the type of aid available to you and the type of program you select. Rose-Hulman offers an International Travel Grant and can assist students in identifying other external aid available to them. (see “Are there Special Grants?”)
How do I apply to study abroad?
Once you have found the program that you’re interested in, click on the “Apply Now” button on that program page on the study abroad website. You will be asked to submit your transcript, essay, advisor approval, and faculty recommendation. Once you’ve been approved to study abroad by Rose-Hulman, you will apply directly to the program. Note that some programs require a recommendation by Rose-Hulman before an application link will be sent to you. If you have any questions about the process, don’t hesitate to contact the Center for Global Engagement. Deadlines are very important, so make sure you start your application process early!
Can I study abroad and still graduate on time?
Yes! Most students have successfully spent a summer, quarter, or year abroad, and have finished within the typical four-year program. Some students have actually been able to use study abroad to graduate early! The sooner you begin exploring options and making decisions about when you will study abroad, the easier it is to incorporate the experience into your academic plan. Students are encouraged to speak with their academic advisor and to determine which courses will be best taken abroad. Often students take a combination of Tech or Free Electives and HSSA classes. Several departments have developed four-year plans that show how you can study abroad and stay on track.
How much will it cost?
The cost for study abroad can vary depending on your circumstances and the type of program you choose. Students who study abroad through exchange programs will pay the same tuition that they would if they studied at Rose-Hulman. Housing costs and other fees will vary. Students who choose affiliated and unaffiliated programs pay directly to the program and may pay more or less than they do at Rose-Hulman, depending on the selected program. Information about expected costs is available on each program’s website.
Are there special grants?
Yes! Rose-Hulman offers a competitive International Travel Grant to help offset some of the costs related to studying abroad. This grant is offered on a sliding scale based on the cost of the program, student needs, and the quality of the application. There are other excellent grant opportunities available through external organizations, including competitive federal grants, including the Gillman and Boren scholarships. Private and other government grants may be available. In all cases, the earlier you begin planning the better, as many of these awards have only one application period each year. A list of some of the available grant programs is available here.
Where can I go?
Where can’t you go?! Rose-Hulman has direct partnerships with institutions around the globe. In addition, through the Global Engineering Education Exchange consortium (Global E3), we are connected to 39 additional institutions in 23 countries. Plus, we have carefully selected program providers that can place students in other institutions and centers in numerous countries. Check out this map that shows many of the places our students can go.
Are there programs that are good for my major?
Most students who study abroad take a combination of Tech Electives, Free Electives, and HSSA courses. Depending on your major, you may find a particular program that offers additional courses. Students have also used study abroad to concentrate on a specialized topic to augment their major. Several departments have worked to find programs that are particularly good for their majors. A list of some of these departments is available here.
I’m an athlete. Can I study abroad?
Absolutely! Since we have study abroad opportunities available each term and in the summer, you will be able to select a term that does not conflict with your sport. Early planning will make this easier, so start exploring your options as soon as possible.
When is the best time to go?
The best time varies. It depends on where you want to go (spring is more popular for Germany and Japan, while summer/fall is more popular for New Zealand and Australia), what you want to study and how much time you have. You will want to consult your academic advisor and the Center for Global Engagement to determine what terms will work best for your academic plan and goals.
Why should I study abroad?
There is a myriad of reasons to study abroad! Studying abroad can make you more marketable and help you with the “transferrable skills” that are crucial for success as you progress in your chosen career. Students who have studied abroad indicate that they developed adaptability, leadership, and cross-cultural skills as they navigated life in another country. If you are interested in learning a language, you can take advantage of opportunities to become more fluent. Finally, it’s fun! Students often report that studying abroad was the highlight of their college experience. For more information about why study abroad, visit here.
Are there classes in English?
Yes! Many of our partners offer classes in English, even if the language of the country you are studying in is different. If you are not already proficient in the language of the country, we do expect you to take a language course while you are there so that you will get the most out of your experience.
Will my credits transfer?
With planning, the short answer is “Yes”! As part of the preparation for study abroad, you will complete a transfer credit review before finalizing your study abroad plans. Submitted through this registrar’s office, each course will be reviewed by the appropriate department head who will determine how the credits will come back to Rose-Hulman and which requirements may be met. For credits to transfer, you must get a minimum of the equivalent of a “C” in the class. Credits will be noted as “TR” on your transcript; grades will not transfer in and will not impact your GPA.
Do I need a visa?
You may need a visa depending on the country you choose to study in, what you will do there, and how long you will be there. The Center for Global Engagement and your host institution will be able to assist you in determining what visa you will need if any.
Can I use my financial aid to study abroad?
Often students find that they are able to use some, if not all, of their financial aid when studying abroad. Students are encouraged to speak with the Financial Aid office to see what aid they may be able to use for studying abroad. The amount may depend on the type of aid available to you and the type of program you select. Rose-Hulman offers an International Travel Grant and can assist students in identifying other external aid available to them. (see “Are there Special Grants?”)
How do I apply to study abroad?
Once you have found the program that you’re interested in, click on the “Apply Now” button on that program page on the study abroad website. You will be asked to submit your transcript, essay, advisor approval, and faculty recommendation. Once you’ve been approved to study abroad by Rose-Hulman, you will apply directly to the program. Note that some programs require a recommendation by Rose-Hulman before an application link will be sent to you. If you have any questions about the process, don’t hesitate to contact the Center for Global Engagement. Deadlines are very important, so make sure you start your application process early!