There are study abroad programs available for all students (freshman - graduate) in all academic programs. While participating in study abroad or study away programs offered by BSU Study Abroad, students are to comply with the university rules and regulations as described in this handbook. All study abroad/study away students must conduct themselves in accordance with BSU guidelines, host institution policies, and in accordance with all laws of the host country.
Study Abroad Program Types
BSU Travel Courses
BSU Travel Courses are faculty-led, short-term 3-credit courses open to all BSU students offered during winter, spring and summer with travel during university breaks. Travel Courses focus on specific academic disciplines and each course incorporates lectures, excursions and field trips to give students the opportunity to explore and learn about the host country/culture and academic topics.
Semester Abroad Exchange Programs
Students study for a semester, academic year or summer session at one of BSU’s exchange partner universities overseas. Exchange programs are available for all majors with opportunities to take classes in specific disciplines, both in English and the local language. Students earn BSU transfer credit for their successful coursework abroad with relevant departmental approvals.
Bridgewater IN Programs and Affiliate Study Abroad Provider Programs
Students study at one of BSU’s affiliated universities or programs overseas. These programs are offered for summer sessions, semesters and the academic year with courses taught in English and the local language. Students earn BSU transfer credit for their successful coursework abroad with relevant departmental approvals.
BSU International Student Teaching Programs
Students participate in a 7-8 week student teaching experience at one of the BSU College of Education and Health Sciences teacher placement locations. Each placement site is different but students typically work Monday through Friday and follow the BSU Student Teaching Schedule. Fall international teaching placements occur during the 2nd quarter and spring international teaching placements occur during the 4th quarter.
BSU National Student Exchange (NSE) Programs
Students study a semester or an academic year at one of BSU’s partner universities throughout North America: United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NSE programs are available for all majors with opportunities to take classes in specific disciplines. Students earn BSU transfer credit for their successful coursework with relevant departmental approvals.
Eligibility
- Students must be in good academic and good conduct standing with no outstanding probation.
- Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to participate on a Travel Course, 2.8 for International Student Teaching, and a minimum GPA of 2.75 to participate on any other program offering. Students must also meet program specific eligibility requirements, if applicable.
- Students must be at least 18 years old to study abroad.
- Students may participate on a travel Course after earning 12 credit hours; students must have a minimum of 24 credit hours (including transfer credit) prior to departure in order to participate on any other program.
- Students must have an established GPA at Bridgewater State University, otherwise approval will be sought from the Dean.
- Graduating seniors who wish to complete a Summer Travel Course for graduate level credit as a part of a graduate program at BSU must check with the program coordinator of their specific graduate program.
- Study Abroad programs adhere to all BSU policies including graduation requirements, limits on transfer credit, and university major and minor residency requirements.
Application Process
Application requirements vary by program and some programs have additional requirements and prerequisites. Specific program information is available on the Study Abroad website and at the office.
- Attend a Study Abroad 101 Session in the Study Abroad Office. Sessions are offered weekly, in-person and online, during the academic year. The updated Study Abroad 101 schedule is available on the Study Abroad website.
- Research available study abroad programs (http://bridgew-horizons.symplicity.com/) and select one that best meets your academic, personal and professional goals. Be sure to meet with your academic advisor to discuss your course plan.
- Complete a program application and meet with a member of the Study Abroad staff for an advising session.
- Once approved and accepted, submit your enrollment paperwork and required materials. The enrollment process varies depending on the study abroad program type.
Costs
Application Fee: All students must pay a non-refundable $30 application fee through our secure online store.
Program Fees: Study abroad costs vary depending on the type of program chosen; these are briefly outlined below. Participants should also keep in mind that the cost of living will also factor into their additional expenses onsite.
- Travel Course: Billed by Bridgewater State University for cost of the program through Student Accounts. Payment is due prior to departure.
- Exchange Program: Tuition and fees are paid to Bridgewater State University and billed through Student Accounts. Housing is paid directly to the host institution.
- International Student Teaching: Tuition and fees are paid to Bridgewater State University and billed through Student Accounts. Housing and supervision and program fees are paid onsite. For specific costs, you may email studyabroad@bridgew.edu.
- Bridgewater IN and Affiliate Programs: Program fees are paid directly to BSU's Direct Enroll Partner (Bridgewater IN) or Affiliate Provider (i.e. ASA, ISA, etc.).
Withdrawals and Refunds
Careful planning goes into developing study abroad/away programs. As a result, the Study Abroad Office and program providers incur a number of expenses overseas well before students arrive at their destination. Students and their families/guardians should carefully review the withdrawal and refund policies listed below.
Travel Course Withdrawal and Refund Policies
- The $30 application fee is only refundable if Study Abroad cancels the program. Students may request a waiver of the application fee if they have participated in multiple study abroad programs by emailing studyabroad@bridgew.edu.
- The $300 deposit paid for BSU Travel Courses is only refundable if the student is not accepted by the travel course provider, or if Study Abroad has to cancel the program.
- Students may withdraw without financial penalty up until the withdrawal date posted on the Horizons program page. If paid, the $300 deposit remains non-refundable. Students who withdraw after this date are responsible for the full program fee.
- If the travel course requires the student to purchase their own airline ticket, Study Abroad advises students to purchase either a fully refundable airline ticket or trip cancellation insurance to safeguard themselves against losses or penalties should a program be canceled, its dates change, or they decide to withdraw from the program.
- If flights are included in the cost of the travel course program, Study Abroad purchases non-refundable tickets after confirming the group enrollment.
- Students who receive a scholarship to participate in their travel course forfeit this scholarship if they withdraw. If scholarship funds have already been disbursed, the scholarship will be removed from the student’s BSU account.
- Withdrawal requests must always be made in writing to Study Abroad by emailing studyabroad@bridgew.edu.
Study Abroad Semester Exchange, Bridgewater IN, Affiliate (semester or short-term) Withdrawal and Refund Policies
- The $30 application is non-refundable. Students may request a waiver of the application fee if they have participated in multiple study abroad programs by emailing studyabroad@bridgew.edu.
- Students are subject to the withdrawal and refund policies of their host institution or affiliate partner when deciding to withdraw prior to their program start date. These policies are separate from BSU’s. Students are responsible for paying any fees incurred as a result of withdrawing prior to the program start date according to the host institution or affiliate partner’s schedule.
- If a student withdraws from a study abroad program on or after the program officially begins, the student will not be refunded any of the program costs, including housing, unless and until the third party releases the student from financial obligations.
- It is the responsibility of the student to inform both Study Abroad and their host institution or affiliate partner of their intent to withdraw in writing. Study Abroad is not responsible for notifying a partner of a student’s withdrawal on their behalf.
- If the student receives financial aid and withdraws from a study abroad program, they must contact the BSU Office of Financial Aid immediately, as it will affect their financial aid package.
- Students who receive a scholarship to participate in their study abroad program forfeit this scholarship if they withdraw. If scholarship funds have already been disbursed, the scholarship will be removed from the student’s BSU account.
Funding Your Study Abroad Program
Consider these funding sources to pay for your study abroad program:
- Financial Aid: Contact BSU Financial Aid (finaid@bridgew.edu 508.531.1341) to discuss your individual aid package and what may be applied toward a study abroad program.
- Scholarships: There are several BSU study abroad scholarships and a variety of off-campus scholarships available. The Study Abroad Office offers support to students in searching for and applying any type of study abroad scholarship. Scholarships are often available based on financial need, academic merit, the host country, language study, heritage, or increasing diversity in study abroad.
- Personal Savings: Your savings, earnings from work, and family are a significant source of funds for these educational experiences. Students should plan ahead and start saving as soon as they have been approved for a program. Student may also choose to crowdfund online or discover other creative funding methods.
Contact Information
- Study Abroad Office
- Minnock Institute for Global Engagement
- 25 Park Terrace, Bridgewater, MA 02325
- Email: studyabroad@bridgew.edu
- Website: www.bridgew.edu/studyabroad
- Phone: 508-531-6183
Revised 8/2023 by Mike Sandy, Study Abroad Office