Participating in a summer study or intern abroad program can be a great way to incorporate your international academic and professional goals into your larger SCU experience. During the summer term you may be able to get ahead in your degree plan, study abroad during the athletic off-season, or balance a study abroad experience with other summer commitments. 

Summer Program Types

Internships

Internships abroad are unpaid experiences. Instead, students may earn academic credit for their participation, and could potentially apply their internship abroad to a major or minor requirement. If you decide that you want to participate in an internship abroad, be sure to think about what skills you want to gain through the experience. This will help your program advisor find the internship opportunity that best supports your goals.

Field-Study

The School for Field Studies (SFS) is the United States' largest environmental study abroad program provider for undergraduate college students. Students who choose an SFS study abroad program get the opportunity to learn practical skills and techniques in the field while embarking on a meaningful travel abroad experience and researching critical environmental and climate issues. Students may earn academic credit for their participation, and could potentially apply their field study abroad to a major or minor requirement.

Courses

Study abroad programs that offer courses abroad are exactly as it sounds: you take 1 - 2 courses in a particular area of study while abroad! Just like at SCU, summer course options are limited, and programs may not meet your specific needs. Students may earn academic credit for their participation, and could potentially apply their courses abroad towards major, minor, or core requirements. 

The Application: Summer study & intern abroad programs are not competitive, so as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and submit a complete application by the deadline, you'll be nominated to the program. Although summer study abroad is not competitive, you must meet eligibility requirements and submit an application to receive a nomination.

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 44 units by the start of their program. 

• Participation in summer study abroad does not impact eligibility for study abroad during the academic year. This means you can study abroad in the summer, and also study abroad again during an academic year term. 
• Students may study or intern abroad on summer programs multiple times throughout their undergraduate career.

Academic Credit: 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: Students studying abroad in the summer pay tuition and other fees (which will vary by program) directly to the program provider or host institution. They will also be responsible for paying the Summer Abroad program fee which is paid directly to SCU. Financial aid is typically not available for summer study or intern abroad programs. However, students are encouraged to apply for study abroad scholarships to help fund their experience. 

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.