Study Abroad 2024-25 Nomination FAQs

I’ve been nominated. What are my next steps?

Congratulations! Be sure to review your nomination letter that you received via the Study Abroad portal. In order to move forward, you must commit or decline your nomination by 12:00 pm on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 PST. Please note that no exceptions or extensions will be granted without documented proof of technical error. To commit, log into your program portal and select "commit" or "decline." 

Failure to select “Commit” and sign both documents by the specified deadline will result in forfeiting your nominated status, and your application will be withdrawn from the study abroad program for 2024-25. If you still wish to study abroad through SCU, you will need to re-apply for 2025-26.

Committed students will receive detailed instructions about the next steps required for their specific program after the commitment deadline.

Now that I’m nominated, do I have to continue to meet eligibility requirements?

Yes. Please be mindful that Global Engagement conducts grade checks every quarter before a student's departure to ensure they are making academic progress and are continuing to meet the campus requirements to study abroad and their program-specific requirements. Should you fail to meet these requirements at any point before your departure, you risk administrative withdrawal from your study abroad program. We highly encourage you to reach out to us if, at any point, you are concerned about your academic progress.

I changed my mind and want to apply to my second or third preference program. Can I waitlist for one of my other preferences?

No. Nominations are final and many programs have filled to capacity. If you wish to change your program, you will need to decline your nomination and join the general waitlist for an alternative program, based on availability. Please note that movement from the waitlist will be unlikely. 

Can I appeal or change my nomination?

Students can appeal their study abroad nomination only in the case of documented administrative error or an extraordinary change in circumstances, normally beyond the student’s control. A student who believes they have grounds for an appeal may submit the Study Abroad Appeal form. Nomination Appeals are due by Friday, February 2nd, at 12:00 PM PT. The appeal form will close at that time and no exceptions or extensions will be granted. Appeal decisions will be provided to students within two business days.

Why was I not nominated for my first/second program preference?

Students are placed into programs based on their application scores and program enrollment capacity. If a first preference program hits enrollment capacity, a student is redirected to their second, or third preference program, based on their application scores and program enrollment capacity. 

Why are there enrollment capacities for programs? Can’t enrollment capacity just be raised to let in more students?

Enrollment capacities for programs vary by program, but exist to promote the highest level of cultural immersion, diversity, health, safety, and quality of academic experience for students abroad. Most programs have a cap of 30 students as the maximum limit for any program in one term. Our SCU exchange partner programs have enrollment capacity that varies annually based on allotted spaces provided to SCU by our overseas partner.

I changed my mind and do not want my second or third preference program. Can I waitlist for my first preference?

No. If a program has filled to capacity, it will not have a waitlist. If you wish to change your program, you will need to decline your nomination and join the general waitlist for an alternative program, based on availability. Please note that movement from the waitlist will be unlikely. 

Can I appeal or change my nomination?

Students can appeal their study abroad nomination only in the case of documented administrative error or an extraordinary change in circumstances, normally beyond the student’s control. A student who believes they have grounds for an appeal may submit the Study Abroad Appeal form. Nomination Appeals are due by Friday, February 2nd, at 12:00 PM PT. The appeal form will close at that time and no exceptions or extensions will be granted. Appeal decisions will be provided to students within two business days.

I wasn’t nominated and don’t know why. Where can I find out the reason?

Be sure to review your Study Abroad Application - Update that you received via the Study Abroad portal. The Study Abroad Application - Update will indicate the reason for the decision as well as next steps. 

I was eligible for my program. Why wasn’t I selected?

If you were eligible for a program but not nominated, it means that your program preferences reached capacity and your score was not high enough to secure a spot in that program. Be sure to review your Study Abroad Application - Update that you received via the Study Abroad portal. The Study Abroad Application - Update will indicate the reason for the decision as well as next steps. 

I have been given the opportunity to waitlist. What does that mean?

Students can opt to be on a waitlist for an alternative program in the fall, winter, or spring for which they are eligible. Please note that movement off the waitlist is unlikely and depends on factors such as the confirmation of nominated students and program costs. Movement is based on the original score, not placement on the waitlist. To join the alternative program waitlist, complete the Study Abroad Alternative Program Waitlist form by Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 12:00 PM (Noon) PT.

I have been given the opportunity to choose a summer program instead. How do I do that?

Students can apply to any available Summer 2024 programs for which they meet the eligibility requirements. While the Summer 2024 deadline is February 1, if you wish to apply for Summer Study Abroad 2024, please complete the Summer Study Abroad program form by Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 12:00 PM (noon) PT.

How will you use the application I submitted to assess my placement on the waitlist?

Global Engagement will use the Study Abroad Application Reviewer recommendations and scores to place students on the waitlist. 

Can I be placed on a waitlist for my first/second preference program?

No. If a program has filled to capacity, it will not have a waitlist. 

What if I do not want to waitlist or apply for a summer program?

Students who do not wish to join the waitlist or choose a summer program may withdraw and reapply for a future term or consider choosing an independent study abroad program.  

I would like to apply for a Summer 2024 program instead. Do I have to reapply all over again? 

No. We can assist students with applying to available Summer 2024 programs for which they meet the eligibility requirements. While the Summer 2024 deadline is February 1, if you wish to apply for Summer Study Abroad 2024, please complete the Summer Study Abroad program form by Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 12:00 PM (noon) PT.

Can I participate on the program I applied to without an SCU nomination?

Students who pursue a non-approved study abroad program and/or are not nominated to study abroad through the official Santa Clara University Study Abroad application process must take a leave of absence from SCU and study abroad independently. Please note that independent students cannot use SCU Financial Aid and are subject to the University’s transfer credit policy. Students interested in studying abroad independently should refer to the Approved/Non-Approved Program section of our Policies and Procedures for more information. 

Can I appeal or change my nomination? 

Students can appeal their study abroad nomination only in the case of documented administrative error or an extraordinary change in circumstances, normally beyond the student’s control. A student who believes they have grounds for an appeal may submit the Study Abroad Appeal form. Nomination Appeals are due by Friday, February 2nd, at 12:00 PM PT. The appeal form will close at that time and no exceptions or extensions will be granted. Appeal decisions will be provided to students within two business days.

I do not meet the GPA eligibility for my program. Can I request an exception?

While GPA may not be the sole indicator of success in study abroad, all programs do have minimum GPA requirements that align with the academic expectations of the program. Making an exception to a GPA minimum can put students at risk of not being academically successful while abroad. Adhering to the minimum GPA requirements set by SCU and programs ensures there are clear and accessible academic requirements for all students. 

Can I be conditionally nominated for my program if I think I will meet the eligibility requirements next quarter?

Based on the competitive nature of the Study Abroad program and the high number of eligible applicants, we do not offer conditional or provisional nominations. Students are advised instead to consider a different program for which they are eligible or think about reapplying for a future term. For many students, applying a year later helps them better meet the eligibility requirements needed to apply.

Why is study abroad sometimes competitive?

The University established an institutional goal of sending approximately one-third of students on study abroad. This means that, in a given year, it is possible that more than one-third of students will apply and study abroad may be competitive.  In addition, individual programs abroad - just like programs on-campus - have enrollment capacity limits which may make some programs competitive.

How competitive was the study abroad application process this year?

Approximately 89% of applications that met minimum eligibility requirements for study abroad were approved for 2024-25. Nomination rates vary based on student interest and number of applications each year. While nomination rates vary from year to year, we work closely with students on alternate program preferences in order to help make their applications as flexible and competitive as possible.

Is the study abroad program competitive overall or for specific programs?

For 2024-25 abroad, approximately 89% of applications that met minimum eligibility requirements for study abroad were approved. Individual programs may have enrollment constraints and may be internally competitive. Most programs have a cap of 30 as the maximum limit for any program in one term. SCU partner exchange programs may vary annually based on allotted spaces provided to SCU by the host institutions.

I didn’t know study abroad was competitive or that there were program caps. Why didn’t anyone tell us?

We emphasize transparency with students and families early in the study abroad process including discussion of how to submit a qualified and compelling application in the potentially competitive application process. We address of the competitive nature of study abroad in the following ways: 

• Program information sessions
• Classroom presentations
• Peer and Staff Advising 
• Weekly Study Abroad Newsletter for Prospective Students
• Mandatory Getting Started Series in Camino
• In our Policies & Procedures under Eligibility
• In each Program Brochure under the Terms & Deadlines section
• In the application students submitted in the Important Study Abroad Acknowledgements document that all students acknowledge and agree to when submitting an application to study abroad

I do not meet the GPA eligibility for my program. Can I request an exception?

While GPA may not be the sole indicator of success in study abroad, all programs do have minimum GPA requirements that align with the academic expectations of the program. Making an exception to a GPA minimum can put students at risk of not being academically successful while abroad. Adhering to the minimum GPA requirements set by SCU and programs ensures there are clear and accessible academic requirements for all students. 

Can I be conditionally nominated for my program if I think I will meet the eligibility requirements next quarter?

Based on the competitive nature of the Study Abroad program and the high number of eligible applicants, we do not offer conditional or provisional nominations. Students are advised instead to consider a different program for which they are eligible or think about reapplying for a future term. For many students, applying a year later helps them better meet the eligibility requirements needed to apply.

How many SCU faculty and staff participated in the study abroad application review process this year?

69 staff and faculty from across the university participated in the application review. 

What about students in majors or minors that expect students to study abroad - were they given priority?

The application is the place for students to make a compelling case for academic alignment. All applications are scored using the same process and rubric. Scores are based on the strength of a student’s application, not on their major(s) or minor(s).

How likely is it that a student is not nominated for their first/second preference program?

Nomination rates vary based on the number of applicants. Students who include a second and third preference for Fall, Winter, Spring are much more likely to be nominated. Students are encouraged to consider alternative terms as second and third preferences as well.

Can students appeal if they are unhappy with their nomination or if they are not nominated to study abroad at all?

Students can appeal their study abroad nomination only in the case of documented administrative error or an extraordinary change in circumstances, normally beyond the student’s control. A student who believes they have grounds for an appeal may submit the Study Abroad Appeal form. Nomination Appeals are due by Friday, February 2nd, at 12:00 PM PT. The appeal form will close at that time and no exceptions or extensions will be granted. Appeal decisions will be provided to students within two business days.

I have questions about my application score. What feedback can you give me?

The Study Abroad faculty/staff reviewers score each application anonymously and adhere to the rubric that is posted on our website and linked within the Study Abroad application. Individual feedback is not provided as part of the scoring process.  

Can students study abroad independent of SCU instead of through the university program?

Students who pursue a non-approved study abroad program and/or are not nominated to study abroad through the official Santa Clara University Study Abroad application process must take a leave of absence from SCU and study abroad independently. Please note that independent students cannot use SCU Financial Aid and are subject to the University’s transfer credit policy. Students interested in studying abroad independently should refer to the Approved/Non-Approved Program section of our Policies and Procedures for more information.

Can students study abroad on other international programs through SCU?

There are other global opportunities that range from one to seven weeks in length; these programs, such as the LSB Global Fellows program, the Ignatian Center Immersions, the Miller Center Global Social Benefit Fellows program are also competitive. Please contact those departments for eligibility information and deadlines.

Why can’t students pay directly to program providers and/or host institutions for their study abroad experience?

Study abroad is Santa Clara University credit; our programs abroad are an extension of our SCU curriculum and academic framework for the University. Programs abroad are considered SCU programs and therefore are charged in keeping with SCU billing practices. Santa Clara follows a modified Home School Tuition model that includes SCU tuition in addition to a Study Abroad Program Fee. More information about study abroad costs can be found on our Affording Study Abroad webpage and on SCU’s Tuition and Fees Schedule.

How does billing work for summer study abroad programs?

Students on summer programs pay tuition and other fees directly to the program. The Summer Abroad fee is paid directly to SCU.

The issue of enrollment constraints for study abroad sounds like an ongoing issue, what has the study abroad office done to address it?

The decision to support approximately one-third of SCU juniors abroad is an institutional decision. As with other competitive majors and programs across campus, not every eligible student that applies for every program at SCU will be able to participate in that program. Examples of this include some majors, athletic teams, music ensembles, and other academic programs like the Honors program. Santa Clara is committed to sending as many qualified students abroad as possible. Global Engagement has expanded summer opportunities, enhanced scholarships for students, and expanded types of programs that extend enrollment opportunities for students.