- Where do I start if I want to study abroad?
- A- Research: Research Study Abroad options such as Champlain Abroad, exchange programs and approved third party providers. Take a look at the OIP website: http://www.champlain.edu/academics/studyabroad/. Think about which regions of the world you would like to study in and research these countries.
- B-Meet a faculty advisor: Talk to your faculty advisor about which classes would be best suited to take abroad so that study abroad fits well in your academic program.
- C - Attend an informational meeting: Sessions are held throughout the semester. There you can find out about the application process and get the application forms. Check OIP website for dates and locations.
- D - Meet the Study Abroad Coordinator: Make an appointment with Peggy O'Neill, Study Abroad Coordinator, in the Office of International Programs in Skiff Annex. Or contact her at studyabroad@champlain.edu, phone: 865-6437. You should meet with her prior to completing the OIP Study Abroad Application.
- Who can study abroad?
All majors can go abroad. Semester or year-long program participation is limited to students of at least sophomore standing, who have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.67, and are not on disciplinary probation.
Short-term faculty-led and other cultural immersion programs may have different requirements. Please confer with the program faculty leaders for specifics.
- What are the Champlain College residence requirements?
You must take at least 45 credits at Champlain in order to graduate with a Champlain degree. In other words, you many only transfer up to 75 credits from work completed at other institutions.
- When can I study abroad?
As a part of the core curriculum at Champlain, students go abroad during their junior year, either fall or spring semester. However, we encourage you to discuss your interest in going abroad with your academic advisor and the study abroad coordinator as early as possible.
- Where can I go?
Champlain College has campuses in three different countries - Dublin (Ireland), Mumbai (India) and Montréal (Canada). Champlain also has exchange program sites in 5 different countries. See http://www.champlain.edu/academics/studyabroad/ as well as approved third-party program providers. See http://www.champlain.edu/academics/studyabroad/study-abroad.pdf Please note that the number of spaces is limited for exchange and third-party programs.
- How do I find the right study abroad site for me?
Make a list of what cultures and countries interest you. Think about your academic needs, course of study and personal interests as you consider where you want to study. Research our programs online (http://www.champlain.edu/academics/studyabroad/), talk to your advisor and friends who have studied abroad. Meet with the Study Abroad Coordinator to talk about your options.
- How long can I study abroad?
Most students study abroad for one semester. However, there are many options, including short- and long-term summer study abroad programs. Keep in mind that the longer you are in another country, the more you will get to know the people, culture, and language.
- How do I know which courses I should or can take?
Think about study abroad early in your career at Champlain so you can plan the best time to go abroad and which distribution requirements and electives you can take abroad. You will choose your courses with guidance from the Study Abroad Coordinator and your academic advisor.
- Will all my courses transfer?
Champlain College Campuses Abroad: Course taken from Champlain sites abroad in Dublin, Ireland; Mumbai, India; Montréal, Canada, or faculty-led programs are Champlain courses and will be entered as such. Therefore, these grades will be factored into your Champlain G.P.A.
For Champlain Exchange Programs: Part of the application process involves completing the Petition for Course Approval form. You should begin by choosing the courses you want to take and soliciting approval for courses not yet on the approved list. You are responsible for providing detailed information about course content, syllabi and evaluation to the appropriate Program Director at Champlain. Course descriptions and syllabi are available through the exchange institution's website.
For approved third-party programs: Part of the application process involves completing the Petition for Course Approval form. You are responsible for providing detailed information about course content, syllabi and evaluation to the appropriate Program Director at Champlain. Contact the third party-provider for course descriptions and syllabi.
For all: Save all course work, including course syllabi, reading lists, notes, exams and papers for review upon return, and please bring all course materials to the Office of International Programs. In order to get credit for your overseas course work, you must achieve a grade of a C or better. Your grade will not transfer, but your credits will. Study abroad courses passed with a grade of C or better transfer in as a "T" and do not affect your GPA in any way. You will not receive credit for comparable courses already taken at Champlain. It is your responsibility to attend, prepare for and pass your classes abroad.
- How expensive is study abroad?
Studying abroad can fit into your student budget. If you attend Champlain Abroad or a Champlain exchange program, you pay your Champlain tuition and housing directly to Champlain and you are responsible for all other costs such as visas, airfare, travel, entertainment, etc. If you attend a third party program, you pay Champlain tuition and housing, and may also pay for a meal plan if the program offers meals. Please see the specific program for details of what is included. Note that you are eligible to take your federal financial aid package with you.
Remember that currencies fluctuate and unforeseen expenses may come up, so be prepared for extra costs. Champlain is not responsible for additional costs that may arise during your study abroad experience. Be sure to check what is and what is not included in the fees that you are paying.
Listed below are some scholarships available for study abroad
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship:
http://www.iie.org//programs/gilman/index.html
- Study Abroad Scholarships:
http://www.studyabroad.com/forum/financial_aid.html
- IIE Passport Study Abroad Funding:
http://www.studyabroadfunding.org/
- Gates Millennium Scholars:
https://www.gmsp.org/GMSP_App/default.aspx
- How do I stay in contact with the Office of International Programs while I am abroad?
Overseas Address
You must provide your overseas telephone number (cell phone, if applicable) and address to the Office of International Programs as soon as you arrive in your host country, but no more than one week after arrival.
You can send an email to studyabroad@champlain.edu or contact the Office of International Programs at 802-865-6437 with your local contact information.
Email
Email is a convenient way to communicate with friends, family, Champlain College faculty and departments, and the Office of International Programs. Champlain College MyMail is the official email recognized for Champlain students on study abroad. The Office of International Programs and other departments send important information regarding course registration and housing via MyMail. During study abroad you can access your MyMail through a web browser at the following address: https://my.champlain.edu/portal/main.html
- When and how will my transcript from abroad arrive at Champlain College?
You are responsible for requesting and official transcript from your host institution abroad and/or your program's U.S. transcribing institution. Transcripts are considered official only if they arrive in the OIP in a sealed envelope. The transcript should be sent directly to the Office of International Programs at the address below:
Office of International Programs
Champlain College
163 South Willard Street
Box 670
Burlington, VT 05402
You are advised to request extra copies of your transcript from your host institution abroad for future pursuits such as graduate school or job applications.
- Can I do an internship abroad?
Rules and policies for paid and unpaid internships vary by country and program. Check the rules of each country and program you are considering. If you want to have an internship abroad you should plan well in advance!
- Can I get credit for an internship abroad?
You are responsible for contacting the appropriate Champlain department regarding policies on credit for internships or independent study before going abroad.
- Do I need to be fluent in a foreign language to study abroad?
Not necessarily. Champlain's exchange program partner institutions and third-party programs offer courses in English, as well as foreign language classes for beginners. Keep in mind that if you study in a country where English is not the native language, you may be required to take a local language and culture course. Embracing a new language and culture can be a challenge, but it is often one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
- What housing options are offered abroad?
A variety of housing options is usually available ranging from residence halls and shared apartments to home stays. In most cases, the international office at your host institution will help you arrange housing.
- What are the deadlines for applying?
Deadlines for all Champlain College students to submit the Champlain Study Abroad Application are:
- March 15 for fall semester or academic year
- October 15 for spring semester
Following approval to study abroad, you must also submit your exchange application to the Study Abroad Coordinator, or your third-party program application directly to the program provider. Third-party program deadlines vary.
- What kind of insurance do I need?
All Study Abroad students are required to have Plan B coverage or proof of coverage from a personal insurance plan. If you are providing proof of personal insurance coverage, you will need to sign a release indicating that you understand you are personally responsible for any expenses related to medical evacuation and/or repatriation from the study abroad country.
Listed below are a number of companies that offer study abroad insurance:
- International Student Identification Cards (a student discount card that offers very basic medical and evacuation benefits):
http://www.isic.org/sisp/index.htm
- All Aboard Benefits: http://www.allaboardbenefits.com
- CISI (Cultural Insurance Services International):
http://www.culturalinsurance.com/pdf/studyabroad_brochure.pdf
- CMI Insurance Specialists: http://www.cmi-insurance.com
- HTH Travel Insurance: http://www.hthtravelinsurance.com
- International Student Insurance:
http://www.internationalstudentinsurance.com
- Student Guide to Travel:
http://www.studentguidetotravel.com
- What kind of documentation do I need to study abroad?
You should apply for your passport as soon as you decide to study abroad, The process can take weeks to months, so apply as early as possible. For more information, visit the State Department website: (http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html).
Depending on the country where you are going you may need a visitor or student visa. Find contact information for the foreign embassies/consulates at (http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/). Please remember that it is your responsibility to have all necessary travel documents.
- Can I send packages to myself?
You should research how much baggage you can bring with you before you determine whether you wish to ship items to yourself in another country. Pay particular attention to weight requirements on airlines, as these can vary greatly. Cost depends on the size and contents of the package (whether books or clothes or personal items) and whether you wish the package to arrive quickly, which can be prohibitively expensive. Slow freight is less expensive but can take many weeks. In either case, you should research your chosen method of shipment carefully, as customs duties and fees can both add to the cost and delay delivery.
