Follow us on Social Media
Semester & Quarter Programs
When studying abroad you'll have the opportunity to experience new places and cultures, make friends from around the world, and gain a global perspective–while earning credits towards your degree. It will allow you to develop highly-valued skills such as intercultural communication, foreign languages, adaptability, and problem-solving.
When exploring programs, you will notice there are very few quarter-length programs. This is because most study abroad programs are semester-length opportunities, as the quarter system is unique to the United States. The majority of Santa Clara students study abroad on semester-length programs.
Fall semester programs typically align with SCU's quarter system, meaning students have little to no overlap with another quarter at SCU on these programs. However, there are a few exceptions due to academic calendars abroad, such as the Japan: Tokyo/SCU program (which overlaps with winter quarter) and programs in Australia (which usually begin mid-summer).
Spring semester programs do not align with SCU's quarter system. Students are away from campus for the winter and spring quarters on semester study abroad programs. While applying for a spring semester program can help student's increase their chances of securing a nomination for study abroad (since less students apply during this term), it could impact a student's academic trajectory.
SCU-Approved Fall, Winter, & Spring Programs
Students who apply to study abroad during a fall, winter, or spring term must plan for and enroll in a full-time courseload while abroad. A full-time courseload abroad may look different than what students are used to at Santa Clara University. A full-time courseload abroad is typically 4 - 6 courses.
Important Considerations
The Application: Fall, winter, and spring term programs are competitive, meaning not every eligible student who applies will be nominated.
Eligibility: Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and meet the GPA requirement of their specific program, if higher than Santa Clara University’s GPA requirement. In addition, students will need to complete 88 units by the start of their program.
Academic Credit: Competitive applicants are those who can demonstrate a strong alignment between their program of interest and their academics. Courses and internship placements on SCU-approved programs may fulfill major, minor, or core credit. Courses abroad and internship placements that are not evaluated and approved for major, minor, or core credit will appear on SCU transcripts as general elective credit.
Costs & Financial Aid: Depending on the length + term of a study abroad program, students will either pay Quarter Costs or Semester Costs. Financial Aid may be used for fall, winter, and spring term programs and students can request a Financial Aid Estimate for study abroad directly from OneStop.
Passports & Visas: All students need a valid passport to travel internationally. It's crucial to attain a passport as soon as you know you have a strong intention of going abroad. If your passport will expire sooner than 6 months after the end of your program, you will need to renew your passport. Please also be aware that you may also need to apply for a visa or residence permit, depending on the program location you are nominated to. Starting this process early is key.
Questions to Consider Before You Apply
- Is my academic plan too rigid to accomodate the flexibility that is needed for courses abroad?
- How can I afford a study abroad experience during an academic-year term?
- What housing arrangments will I need to make at Santa Clara to pursue study abroad?
- How comfortable am I navigating new situations on my own?
- Am I prepared to be away from home for a long period of time?
- How will the culture and academic structure be different from what I’m accustomed to?
- What can I gain from studying abroad that I can’t get while attending school in the U.S.?
Do you want to hear from study abroad alumni? Utilize the Returnee Database to connect with SCU students willing to discuss their summer study or intern abroad experiences! Please be aware there may not be an alumni available from your programs of interest. All available alumni will be listed in the returnee database.