Study Abroad FAQ
The OIP provides undergraduate study abroad opportunities to approximately 600 students every year. As part of the Dean of the College, and in close partnership with Brown faculty, the OIP offers advising and resource services to students interested in study abroad, reviews applications and student records, manages Brown Programs worldwide, processes credit for study abroad students, and sponsors visiting scholars from Brown's partner institutions abroad. The list of questions below has been compiled from study abroad advising sessions, information sessions, program orientations, and our daily interactions with prospective, active, and returned study abroad students.
Question Index
Academics
Travel
- A Word about Safety — from OIP Director and Associate Dean of the College, Kendall Brostuen
- Travel Warning Country List
- Travel Prohibition Country List
- Links to Helpful Study Abroad and Travel Resources
- Your Health While Traveling Abroad
- Passport, Visas and other Key Logistical Information
FAQ: The Answers
Getting Started
What is Study Abroad?
Brown University defines study abroad as:
a period of study at a recognized university outside of the US, during which a student from Brown is enrolled in regular undergraduate degree courses and integrated into the student body and host culture.
Non-university exceptions are allowed in certain cases where it is ensured that students spend some substantial part of their time living, studying and/or working with members of the local society.
Read more about Types of Study Abroad Programs and Brown's Foreign Study Guidelines.
Why study abroad?
When deciding whether to study abroad, there are several benefits to consider. Overwhelmingly, students report that they come back feeling refreshed and invigorated from their experience, approaching their remaining studies with new energy and broadened world view. They may develop new academic interests, change directions or bring a new focus to their studies and their lives.
Who can study abroad?
Students must be in good academic standing and not on disciplinary dismissal from Brown at the time of application. Students who are not in good academic standing must petition to study abroad while on academic warning. For details, see: What If I'm on Academic Warning?
Study abroad programs are available for students in all concentrations (majors). If you are in a science department, see: Study Abroad as a Science Concentrator.
When can I study abroad?
Brown students in good academic standing may study abroad for a semester or a year during their sophomore, junior or senior year. Most students study abroad during their junior year.
Academics
Will I need another language to study abroad?
Where possible, Brown requires students to pursue their studies entirely in the language spoken in the host country. In countries where fluency in the language is very difficult to attain at Brown, programs taught in English with intensive language study are available.
Students attending programs where the following languages are spoken will not receive credit for English language courses:
- French
- German
- Italian
- Portuguese
- Spanish
Read more about Study Abroad Language Requirements
Can I take a personal leave, go abroad, then apply for retroactive credit?
No. Brown pre-approval of a student’s intention to study abroad on a semester-length or academic year program must be obtained prior to the student’s participation on the program. Students who do not obtain Brown pre-approval of semester or academic year programs before studying abroad will not be eligible for transfer of study abroad credit.