Brown University - Office of International Programs

Summer Study Abroad Programs

If you wish to study abroad in the summer, you can choose from many programs. Among the available opportunities, Brown's Office of Continuing Education offers several summer programs in various locations and areas of study.

The OIP assists students in determining if summer programs abroad will be worth Brown credit. Students, with approval from faculty and the OIP, may earn up to two credits per summer twice during their Brown career. Summer study can be rewarding, and the possibilities are endless! To get started:

Step 1: Choose a Program

Featured Summer Study Abroad programs provided by Brown's Office of Continuing Education:

In addition to the Brown programs above, the OIP Resource Library has a section devoted to summer study. There you will find a wide array of summer programs run by other institutions.

You can also check out online databases of programs. These directories allow you to search by language, country, or academic subject. Popular sites include:

Step 2: Found a program?

Collect the information and application from the provider or host institution. The Office of Continuing Education provides its own online application for its Summer Study Abroad programs.

Remember to hand in the application by the established deadline. Many summer programs are operating on a rolling admissions basis and accept students as they receive applications-you don't want to be left out because you were late!

If you don’t want Brown credit for your program, you’re ready to study abroad!

Looking for Funding?

There are grants and fellowships available for your summer study abroad from sources around the university including The Watson Institute, and The Swearer Center for Public Service. Additional information about Brown funding for international study and research may be found at the Fellowships, Internships, and Research Awards page of the Dean of the College's website.

There are also a number of non-Brown funding sources for summer study abroad. You may visit the Study Abroad Scholarship section of the Financial Aid for Study Abroad page for websites listing these funding sources.

Finally, if you are on Financial Aid, please check with the Financial Aid Office to find out their funding policy for summer study abroad.

Step 3: Want Brown credit?

In order to receive Brown credit for your summer studies, please complete the following steps.

  1. Depending on whether you are seeking approval before or after your summer abroad, you will need to download and compete one of these forms below.
  2. Read the second page of the form above carefully to ensure that your program meets the regulations and conditions for receiving Brown credit.
  3. Attach a description of the program, institution, and specific classes offered. Please include information on the length of the session and the amount of credit awarded.
  4. See the appropriate Study Abroad Faculty Advisors for mandatory "Departmental Approval" for courses. For a list of Study Abroad Faculty Advisors, download the following document:
  5. If applicable, see your concentration advisor for "Concentration Approval" for courses.
  6. Return the Request for Credit Form to the OIP with attached supporting materials. The OIP will verify that the program meets the conditions and then submit the proposal to the CAS (Committee on Academic Standing) and the Registrar for approval.

Step 4: Summer is over, and you’re back at Brown!

Once you have completed the program, have the program or host institution submit an official copy of your transcript to:

  • Study Abroad Coordinator
  • Registrar’s Office
  • Box K
  • Providence, RI 02912

Transfer of credit cannot be completed until the Registrar receives an official transcript!

Contact the Study Abroad Coordinator of the Registrar’s Office, in University Hall 319, to confirm that the transfer of credit is complete!

Updated: January 29, 2009