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Study Abroad

Why Study Abroad?
  • Today, knowledge of a foreign language is more important to Americans than ever before. Foreign languages have become important because so many facets of American life - business, politics, education, the media, the arts, science, technology, and travel have become truly international in scope. Moreover, a global perspective is indispensable in enabling us to cope with a rapidly expanding world and is necessary for a serious understanding of our own country.

  • There are already over 800 international firms in North Carolina who have invested more than one billion dollars and have created thousands of jobs, and the state's international exports are at an all time high. Over 200,000 Americans lose out on jobs with business each year because they do not know another language. It is no surprise since four out of five jobs in the U.S. created today are a result of foreign trade. Employers increasingly seek graduates who can interact confidently and appropriately with diverse populations. A study abroad experience gives students the edge to compete successfully in the global economy.

  • Study abroad is the most effective and dramatic experience by which students can broaden their international viewpoints and attain new perspectives on their own country. As one student put it "When will you ever again have a chance to become part of another country, even for a short time?"  The time to study abroad is now. Earn academic credit, enhance your resume, immerse yourself in another culture, and change your life. Those who do so are preparing themselves to be citizens of the world who will thrive in the international environment of the twenty-first century.

Steps for Students Intending to Study Abroad

  1. Go the the Study Abroad Office, Suite 315 First Year College Commons (515-2087), to identify a program of interest at
    or sponsored by an accredited College or University and obtain the appropriate forms.

  2. Access your ADA (Automated Degree Report) from Registration and Records. Look at your degree requirements. Click on the requirements to see which courses fulfill them.

  3. Have the descriptions of courses you want to take abroad - not just the title of the courses, but a description of their contents, requirements, etc. Have a general description of the program, especially the length of the courses, number of class hours, etc.  Look at NC State's course catalogue to verify the equivalents to the courses you wish to take abroad. This will facilitate meeting with your advisor(s).

  4. See your major advisor first. Put together your general study abroad plan. Students should not fill out the course equivalency section of the pre-approval form themselves. They will do this at a meeting with their advisors.

  5. For general education courses from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences - go to the CHASS Dean's Office in 106 Caldwell to have courses pre approved.

  6. For Spanish foreign language courses, see Ms. Susan Navey-Davis - for Spanish and courses in other foreign languages, please see Dr. Dudley M. Marchi - they will discuss your general study abroad plan and do their best to pre-approve FL courses, sometimes in consultation with the appropriate language section coordinator.
  7. Apply for a study abroad scholarship.
  • Keep in mind that the pre-approval form is only a blueprint of your study abroad plan.  You need to pass each course with an equivalent of a 'C' [70%] or better to receive credit for non-NC State programs.  You also need to save all course materials (books, handouts, papers, notes, exams, quizzes, etc.) to show to advisor(s) upon return for review. The FL advisors will assist you to the best of their ability, but students need to take responsibility and follow these guidelines for successful study abroad transfer credit.
  • Transcripts: Especially if you are going on a non-NC State sponsored program - please make sure that your program sends an official transcript to the Study Abroad Office. After the SAO receives your transcript, you will be notified to pick it up and take it to the appropriate advisor(s) for the processing of transfer credit. Without an original transcript on file at NC State, transfer credit cannot be processed - it is the student's responsibility to see that the transcript is sent to the SAO.

  • Please note that course offerings may change when you get to your destination, or you may find other courses that interest you, or courses may be added, canceled, etc.  In these cases you will need to contact the appropriate advisor(s) to get pre approval of courses.  Advisors will often pre approve more courses than you will take in anticipation of such curriculum changes when you are abroad.  Make sure you have the email addresses of your advisor(s) before leaving so you can contact them if necessary.

  • Following these steps will assure you of getting the appropriate courses you need transferred into your curriculum.  Not following these steps creates extra work for your advisor(s) and also may jeopardize getting the correct courses transferred in as you wish them to be.