Policies

Course Eligibility

As part of the semester application process, students complete a Program Approval Form where they list thepreferred classes they would like to take as well as alternatives.Students must list alternative courses as a precautionary measure so that they will have options in the event that a preferred course is not available upon arrival abroad. Academic advisors review course selections and approve students to take the course listed by signing the Program Approval Form. Please note: Students are ONLY approved to take the courses listed on the Program Approval Form. If class schedules change while abroad it is the students' responsibility to inform their academic advisor and their study abroad advisor. If students do not inform these offices there is a chance that no credit will be given for courses not listed on the Program Approval Form.

Course Pre-Requisites

It is the students’ responsibility to review ALL course pre-requisites in the Undergraduate Bulletin before enrolling in a course abroad. While the Office of International Studies Abroad lists pre-requisites on the Pre-Approved Course List, it is the students’ responsibility to view course pre-requisites in the Undergraduate Bulletin as these may change over time. Students should note the following:

• The Office of International Studies Abroad adheres to pre-requisites as determined by each academic department at USD.
• If a study abroad course has a USD course equivalent with a pre-requisite (which is outlined on the Pre-Approved Course List or in the Undergraduate Bulletin), students are required to meet this pre-requisite prior to taking the course. No exceptions.
• If students enroll in a course without meeting the pre-requisite(s), the course will not transfer back to USD. No exceptions.

Restriction by Major/Residency Requirement

Some majors/minors have mandated that a minimum number of upper-division units must be taken on USD's campus. This will impact the number of units that can be taken abroad (off-campus). Details can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin (Arts & Sciences; School of Business; SOLES). It is the student's responsibility to check with their academic advisor about how study abroad fits in to their declared major and to ensure that they meet these minimum residency requirements (the minimum number of upper-division units that must be taken on the USD campus).  It is recommended that students take a wide variety of disciplines abroad that will allow students to meet an array of graduation requirements. 

Languages Courses Abroad

The Office of International Studies Abroad adheres to the Language Placement Policy as outlined by the Languages & Literatures department. If students would like to take a language course abroad, they are required to meet all pre-requisites before enrolling in the course. If a student has not taken any language at USD and would like to enroll in a language course abroad, they are required to take USD’s placement exam. The results of this exam will determine which level the student is eligible to enroll in. Students who take language courses abroad and have not met the USD language pre-requisites (via placement exam or course) will not be able to transfer these courses to USD.

back to top

There are two types of semester-long study abroad programs for undergraduate students:

1. “Affiliate” (fee-paying partner)
2. “Exchange”

All USD undergraduate students are eligible to participate in either an Affiliate or an Exchange partner program for one semester. If a student is interested in going abroad for a second semester, at least one of the semesters abroad must be done at an exchange partner university or at the USD Madrid Center. Financial Aid is available to eligible students for one semester to participate in an “Affiliate” program. For more information on study abroad and financial aid please visit the Financing Study Abroad page.

NOTE: Students are not permitted to study abroad at a USD-affiliated or Exchange program as independent students and/or without approval from USD. Visit the Unaffiliated Programs page for information about the unaffiliated program process. 

The following are eligibility requirements governing student participation in USD study abroad programs.

Minimum Age

The Office of International Studies Abroad does not permit applicants under the age of 18 to participate in fall or spring semester study abroad programs.

Class Standing

To participate in a USD affiliated semester study abroad program, students must have sophomore standing at the time of participation in the program. Junior class-standing may be required for some programs. (Please check with the Office of International Studies Abroad for more information.) All students, with the appropriate academic background, may apply for summer and Intersession programs.

Academic Requirements & Grade Point Average

In order to participate in a semester study abroad program, students must be in good academic standing at USD, meet the GPA requirement of the partner institution at the time they apply for the program, and remain in good academic standing for the term during which they wish to participate. For information on specific GPA requirements by program, please visit the program home page. Students should check the minimum GPA program requirements before applying. In order to participate in a USD short-term program, students must be in good academic standing at the time of application as well as during the term they wish to participate in the program.

Students will not be eligible to participate in a study abroad program if: a) they are on scholastic probation at the time of application; or b) they are placed on scholastic probation at the end of the term prior to their intended study abroad program (ex: If a student has been enrolled in a summer 2015 program but has been placed on scholastic probation as a result of the spring 2015 grades, the student will no longer be able to participate).  For more information on scholastic probation, please consult the Undergraduate Bulletin.  During the middle of each semester, the Office of International Studies Abroad will contact study abroad applicants who have two or more mid-term deficiency grades. It is the student's responsibility to work with their appropriate Dean's Office to resolve any deficiency issues. At the end of each semester, the Office of International Studies Abroad will notify all study abroad applicants if scholastic probation will affect their ability to participate in a study abroad program.

Program Specific Requirements

Some study abroad programs have requirements in addition to class standing and minimum GPA. These requirements may include: a minimum level of proficiency in a foreign language, specific course pre-requisites, approval from a USD academic advisor and study abroad program director.

Full-Time Enrollment While Studying Abroad

Students must be enrolled full-time while participating in a USD semester-long study abroad program. Students participating in USD-affiliated semester programs must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester units while abroad.

Full Participation in Study Abroad Program

In order to be accepted into a study abroad program, students must agree to participate in the entire program (all class sessions and program-related activities of the study abroad program) and satisfy all USD admission and course requirements.

Conduct Background and Clearance

The Office of International Studies Abroad collaborates with the Office of Student Conduct to review the conduct records of all USD students applying to the programs and reserves the right to deny acceptance to students who have problematic or questionable conduct histories. Students must be clear of any conduct probation prior to participating in any study abroad program and probationary terms cannot coincide with the intended study abroad term (ex: students who apply to study abroad in fall 2013 cannot be on probation for any portion of the fall 2013 semester and must be clear of any probation prior to the program start date). Additionally, students who have "pending" conduct issues/hearing in the Office of Student Conduct MUST resolve these issues/hearings PRIOR to participating in a study abroad program.  Failure to resolve these conduct issues/hearings prior to the program start date will make students ineligible to participate in the program and their application will be withdrawn.  All students will have their student conduct record reviewed the semester prior to the intended study abroad term. These reviews will take place periodically up until departure and although an application status may read "Step 2: Application Active" or "Step 3: Enrolled", this could be revoked at any time for conduct infractions that occur prior to departure.

Any student with a conduct record that is cause for concern will be contacted directly by the Office of International Studies Abroad and the student's application will be suspended until the conduct matter is resolved. Such students may be required to sign a Conduct Contract. It is in the student's best interest to immediately notify the Office of International Studies Abroad if any conduct infraction occurs prior to departure. Students who are deemed ineligible to participate in a study abroad program will be withdrawn from the program and will be required to pay any fees associated with their withdrawal (program deposit, program fee, etc.) per the Refund & Payment Policy. No exceptions.

Encumbrances

Encumbrances placed on a student's records by USD, e.g., by Admissions, Student Financial Services, Student Accounts, Registrar, Health Services, Parking Services, USD Libraries, etc., must be cleared before a student can be granted admission to any study abroad program.

Minimum Attendance at USD For Transfer Students

Students who transfer to the University of San Diego must have successfully completed at least one full semester at USD before they are eligible to participate in a semester-long study abroad program.

Students not meeting the above requirements as per their desired program are encouraged to discuss special approval with the Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, PRIOR TO APPLYING. Those declined due to one of the above criteria may choose to appeal to the Assistant Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. An appeal is NO GUARANTEE of approval.

Studying Abroad After A Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA)

Students on Medical Leaves of Absence must successfully complete USD's reinstatement process through the Wellness Area and successfully complete at least one full semester back at USD before they are eligible to participate in a semester-long study abroad program.  Exceptions may be made, and all decisions are made in collaboration with the USD Wellness Area (students should contact their Study Abroad Coordinator for more information). To participate in a short-term program (intersession or summer), students on Medical Leaves of Absence must successfully complete USD's reinstatement process through the Wellness Area prior to going abroad.

back to top

On May 6, 2010, the USD Academic Senate approved the following change in policy for undergraduate students who choose to participate in an international study abroad program. This new policy went into effect in Fall 2011. The policy reads:

"The University of San Diego (USD) recognizes full academic credit toward an undergraduate degree for students choosing to participate in an international experience when the chosen program is directly affiliated with USD and approved by the International Studies Abroad Committee. Students who wish to take courses in unaffiliated international programs and receive academic credit must obtain advance written approval, for sound academic reasons, at the discretion of their Academic Dean in concert with the Office of International Affairs. USD transfer of credit policies will apply for any such approved course. No academic credit will be transferred without advance written approval as described above. This policy applies to all programs: short-term, semester-long, and year-long programs."

Students who would like to petition for credit for a non-affiliated program, should download the following document and READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FORM:

• • TRANSFER EVALUATION FORM FOR UNAFFILIATED INTERNATIONAL COURSES

Additionally, students participating in an unaffiliated study abroad program should be aware of the following:

• USD financial aid is not applicable 
• Students will not earn letter grades--grades will appear as transfer units
• Students will be required to complete the Leave of Absence process (if participating in an unaffiliated semester program)
• It is students' responsibility to ensure the USD registrar receives official study abroad transcripts
• For liability reasons, USD is not able to intervene if any issues arise while students are abroad on an unaffiliated study abroad program 

PLEASE NOTE: The University of San Diego Office of International Studies Abroad is not responsible for the quality/content offered in non-affiliated programs and that, for liability reasons, the USD Office of International Studies Abroad will not be able to intervene if any issue arises while students are abroad on a non-affiliated program.

back to top

Semester Programs

While studying abroad on a semester program, all students earn letter grades from the partner institution. Students may elect to take a course pass/fail if they meet the pass/fail eligibility requirements as outlined in the Undergraduate Bulletin (regulations can be found in their appropriate catalogue year of the Undergraduate Bulletin under "Credit and Grading System").  All students who wish to exercise the pass/fail option obtain prior authorization from their academic advisor by the pass/fail deadline listed on the Academic Calendar. No changes will be made after this date.  Courses taken at other institutions and transferred to USD for unit credit only are not considered to fall under the pass/fail option.

USD Intersession/Summer Faculty-Led Programs

While studying abroad on a faculty-led program, students may elect to take a course pass/fail if they meet the pass/fail eligibility requirements as outlined in the Undergraduate Bulletin (regulations can be found in their appropriate catalogue year of the Undergraduate Bulletin under "Credit and Grading System").  All students who wish to exercise the pass/fail option obtain prior authorization from their academic advisor by the pass/fail deadline.  The pass/fail deadline for intersession/summer faculty-led courses is the close of business (5:fpm PST) on the eighth day of class. Advisors must approve requests by this date. 

Requesting Pass/Fail 

Students who wish to transfer a study abroad course back to USD as pass/fail, and are eligible to do so, must do the following:

1. Contact their academic advisor via email for approval and include name, ID number, program location, and the course they are wishing to take pass/fail.
2. Once students has received email approval, this approval should be forwarded to the appropriate Study Abroad Coordinator for processing.

PLEASE NOTE: USD's pass/fail policy overrides the affiliate pass/fail policy.

back to top

Please see the Financing Study Abroad for study abroad financial policies.

back to top

Withdrawing from a Study Abroad Program

All students who have agreed to our cancellation policy are responsible for the fees outlined below.  All cancellations MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING (BY THE STUDENT WISHING TO CANCEL) via EMAIL to the Study Abroad Advisor for the program from which the student wishes to cancel.  Refunds are issued only on recoverable costs and only after written notice of withdrawal is received by the Study Abroad Advisor.  No refunds will be issued 10 days after arrival, regardless of policy.  Appeals for partial refunds may be considered only in cases of serious illness or emergency.  These are handled on a case-by-case basis and will require additional documentation.  Appeals should to be submitted in writing (via email) to the Budget Coordinator, Kanani Meheula (ckmeheula@sandiego.edu) within three business days of notification of cancellation.   

Cancellation Policy for Semester Programs 

Non-Refundable Application Fee: The $250 application fee is non-refundable.

Tuition & Program Fee: Tuition and program fee refunds for all programs (exception: USD Madrid Program and Semester Exchange Programs - see below) will be processed according to the refund policies of the host institution or university/partner/on-site provider (including housing agencies, hotels and tour operators).  Refunds are issued only on recoverable costs and only after written notice of withdrawal from the program is received by the appropriate Study Abroad Advisor.  Students are responsible for all non-recoverable costs incurred by USD.  For details about a program's specific program fee, locate the program and click on the program name; once on the program page, please review the "Program Cost" section located toward the top of the individual program page. Students who pay expenses directly to a third party (other than USD) must abide by the refund policy of that third party provider (ex: housing agency or tour operator).  

Tuition only for USD Madrid Program & Semester Exchange Programs: Tuition refunds for the USD Madrid program and semester exchange programs are processed according to the same on-campus tuition refund policy established by the USD Finance Office. 

Program Fee only USD Madrid Program: Refunds are issued only on recoverable costs and only after written notice of withdrawal from the program is received by the appropriate Study Abroad Advisor.  Students are responsible for all non-recoverable costs incurred by USD. 

Cancellation Policy for Summer & Intersession Programs 

All students summer and intersession applicants are responsible for a non-refundable application fee ($250), tuition, and program fee.  Please see below for more information on each of these items as well as the cancellation policies.

Non-Refundable Application Fee: The $250 application fee is non-refundable.

Tuition: Tuition for intersession and summer programs is priced per unit. For details about a program's specific tuition fee, locate the program and click on the program name; once on the program page, please review the "Program Cost" section located toward the top of the individual program page.  

Program Fee: The program fee varies by program based on location and program inclusions.  For details about a program's specific program fee, locate the program and click on the program name; once on the program page, please review the "Program Cost" section located toward the top of the individual program page. 

Students are held to the cancellation policies, regardless of the date applications are opened. Cancellations must be received (by the student wishing to cancel) IN WRITING (via email) by the appropriate Study Abroad Advisor. Students are responsible for paying fees as denoted on the cancellation policy.  Click on the link below to view the cancellation policy pertaining to your study abroad term:

Cancellation Policy by Study Abroad Term

Cancellation Policy- Spring 2021, Madrid

Cancellation Policy - SYE Abroad 2021

back to top

Tuition remission may be used for select study abroad programs. Tuition remission is an employee benefit, and thus is processed with Human Resources. Students should direct the employee to the tuition remission description.  All tuition remission-eligible study abroad programs (semester, intersession, summer) are clearly denoted in the program Fact Sheet, which is posted in the header of each program brochure page.  Tuition remission can be applied toward select semester programs as well as ALL intersession and summer programs.  Students can view a list of tuition remission-eligible semester programs or they can use the Advanced Program Search tool to filter the programs by interest.  Tuition exchange is also managed through Human Resources and this benefit can also be applied toward select semester study abroad programs (these semester programs must be denoted as "tuition remission" eligible).  However, unlike the tuition remission benefit, the tuition exchange benefit cannot be applied toward intersession or summer study abroad programs.  Please see the details below for additional information.  You may also review the Tuition Remission and Exchange Overview or the Tuition Remission Step by Step Guide for additional clarification.

Semester Programs

• The tuition remission benefit can only be used toward tuition remission-eligible programs, which includes exchange programs and hybrid progams (University College Cork, John Cabot University in Rome, USD Madrid). The tuition remission benefit only covers tuition; students are responsible for the application fee as well as all other program related expenses.
  • The tuition remission benefit is NOT available for non-exchange semester programs. If tuition remission students wish to participate in a non-exchange program, they will be charged the provider cost of theprogram, which includes the provider tuition and any other program expenses. In this case, students will be responsible for paying the provider's tuition rate rather than the USD tuition rate.  

Short-Term Programs

• The tuition remission benefit can be used toward the tuition portion of all short-term programs. Students are responsible for the program and application fee.

back to top