Which Program?

A. When you study abroad, you open yourself up to a world of new perspectives and opportunities. You are much more than a tourist- you take classes, shop in local markets, speak a new language, taste new foods, and visit culturally significant sites you learned about in class. In short, by immersing yourself in a different culture, you experience daily life in a way you could have never imagined before. Your perspective on the world and your own culture is transformed. Studying abroad may well be the most memorable and rewarding experience of your college career.

Studying abroad also helps to prepare you for today's competitive job market and graduate school. Characteristics that employers look for are often gained through studying abroad: international experience, initiative, cultural sensitivity, flexibility, responsibility, and the ability to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. In today's interconnected society, the need for cross-cultural understanding is greater than ever.

Q. Who Can Study Abroad?

A. All regularly enrolled Temple University students in good academic standing are eligible to study abroad; students may not be on warning or on academic or disciplinary probation. Knowledge of a foreign language is not a requirement to study abroad on all programs.

Q. When Can I Study Abroad?

A. Most students study abroad during their junior year, but study abroad during the sophomore and senior years may also be an option in some cases.

Q. For How Long Can I Study Abroad?

A. You may study abroad for a semester , academic year, or summer. Generally, the longer the program, the better. it takes time to settle in and adapt to new surroundings; the longer you are abroad, the more you will benefit from the experience.

Q. What Kinds of Programs Are There?

A. There are so many programs to chose from, varying in length from a summer session to an academic year. Each program has different requirements as well. Temple students have many options.

The SCT-specific programs are currently run during the summers in London and Dublin, and during the Fall in London. Other Temple programs include Temple Rome, Temple Japan, and a variety of summer programs in many locations. You can also choose to study abroad on a non-Temple program, if Temple does not offer a program that fits your needs.

Q. How do I apply for the SCT programs?

A. All of the applications are online through this website, or you can get one in Room 6, Annenberg Hall.

Q: How do I get my official Temple transcripts?

A: Academic Records is on the second floor of Conwell Hall. You can have them send us your transcripts, or you can pick them up there the next day for the same price and bring them to us yourself—just make sure not to open the envelope. If you are applying any less than four weeks before the deadline, we recommend that you bring your transcripts to us yourself, as transcripts can often take several weeks to arrive at our office from Academic Records.

Q: I’m a transfer student. Do I need my transcripts from my previous schools too?

A: Yes. The advising center in your college should have your official transcripts from previous schools on file. You can ask them to fax a copy to 215-204-6641.
If your advising center doesn’t have the final official transcript from your previous college/university, you’ll have to request them directly from your former institution.

Q: Can I ask a professor who’s teaching me this semester for a reference?

A: Yes

Q: What if I don’t know any professors in my major very well?

A: If you’re applying for a semester program, one of your references must be from a faculty member in your major discipline. If you don’t know any professors in your major, you can ask a lab assistant or TA for a reference, or make an appointment with a professor in your major to get to know her/him and to discuss your interest in studying abroad.

Q: What if I haven’t declared a major?

A: You can ask a professor from the department in which you plan to declare a major, or you can ask someone from the department in which you’ve taken most of your classes. In either case, please include a note with your application explaining your choice of referrers.

Q: How should I send the reference?

A: You can hand in your reference yourself, but only if it is in a sealed and signed envelope. Otherwise, your referrer can turn it in by hand, email, fax, or mail. As with the transcripts, if you are applying any less than four weeks before the deadline, we recommend that you bring your references to us yourself in a sealed and signed envelope.

Q: Can I still study abroad if I don’t meet all of the eligibility requirements?

A: We review applications on a case-by-case basis. If you don’t meet all of the eligibility requirements (e.g. you’re a sophomore applying to a semester program or your GPA is below the requirement) you may still be considered for admission into the program. Include a written statement with your application that explains your situation, and we’ll take it into account in reviewing your application.

Q: Are there scholarships available to study abroad?

A: Yes, there are scholarships available for all Temple study abroad programs—ask Erin Palmer, Assistant Director of Study Abroad Programs what your options are. You can contact her at erinj@temple.edu. You can also visit the following websites for information on scholarships:
SCT Undergraduate Scholarships - http://www.temple.edu/sct/undergraduate/scholarships.html

International Programs Scholarships - http://www.temple.edu/studyabroad/scholarships.html

Q: Who can I talk to about financial aid?

A: For financial aid information, you should see someone in Student Financial Services on the ground floor of Conwell Hall. Visit http://www.temple.edu/sfs/contact.htm for office locations at other Temple campuses. You can also check out the financial aid page on the International Programs website: http://www.temple.edu/studyabroad/financial_aid.html.

Q: Will I need a visa to study abroad? How can I apply for one?

A: Students will need visas for most programs. We send specific application instructions to students after they’ve been accepted.

Q: I don’t have a passport yet. When should I apply for one?

A: Because of long processing times, and because you’ll need to include a passport with your visa application, we recommend that you have a passport by the program application deadline. Please see the U.S. Department of State website for more information about application process and prices.

Q: What kinds of facilities do I live in?

A: The facilities vary depending on the program. In both London and Dublin students are housed in one of two apartment-style dorms that come equipped with kitchen, living area, bedroom, furniture and washer and dryer. Linens and flats are cleaned weekly.

Q: Who do I live with?

A: Temple students will live with other temple students. Rooms range from 2-person to 6-person. Other students from other universities will also reside in the buildings.

Q: How many classes do I take?

A: In the London fall program students can take between 12-17 credits. In both London and Dublin summer programs, students take 2 classes for a total of 6 credits.

Q: Do I have time on the weekends to travel?

A: Weekends are free for travel. Weekend trips around the country are offered in both programs. Students may choose whether to participate in them.

Q: What should I pack?

A: Students studying for the semester typically pack between 1-2 full sized suitcases. Most students bring a little of everything, but you must check your airline’s web site for size and weight restrictions, and how many bags you are allowed to check and carry-on the plane.

Q: What is the weather like?

A: Fall in London is similar to fall in the U.S. It is generally cooler, often rainy or cloudy. The winter months can become quite cold in December. Summer in both London and Dublin is slightly cooler than summers in Philadelphia. Temperatures in Europe in the spring are similar to U.S. spring temperatures.

SCT Student Affairs