Below are questions many students ask about studying abroad via La Verne-affiliated programs.
- Question Why should I study overseas?
- Answer
Study abroad gives you the opportunity to learn about another culture, to improve foreign language skills, to experience self-reliance abroad, and to develop new intellectual pursuits and skills. Whatever the reasons, the experience will change your life and allow for a new perspective on society and life to be created.
- Question When may I participate in Study Abroad?
- Answer
You must have second semester sophomore standing or greater to participate in the program. Transfer students may qualify if they have completed one full semester at the University prior to studying abroad.
- Question Where may I study abroad?
- Answer
La Verne’s principal study abroad provider is CIEE, which offers programs in some 40 countries on six continents. Visit ciee.org, then select a country and explore! La Verne also sometimes works with Accès Study Abroad in France, the Oxford Study Abroad Programme in England, and Semester at Sea.
- Question Can only certain majors study abroad?
- Answer
No, the programs are not major specific and are open to all fields of study. It is important, however, that you plan ahead so that you can fit study abroad into your program and major.
- Question Do I need to know a foreign language to study abroad?
- Answer
Most of the programs are instructed in English, although survival skills in the language of the country are taught. A few programs require the equivalent of two years of foreign language at university. Many sites offer foreign language instruction for those who are interested.
- Question Is there a minimum Grade Point Average I must have?
- Answer
Yes, the minimum GPA to study abroad with La Verne is 2.75. Some programs require a higher GPA.
- Question May I use financial aid for study abroad?
- Answer
Yes, almost all financial aid, including loans, grants, and scholarships, is applicable to La Verne-sponsored study abroad programs. The major exception is work study, and sometimes it is possible to complete work study hours within one semester before studying abroad. Financial aid packages are reevaluated in light of the cost of each study abroad program. In addition, other scholarships are available for study abroad.
- Question May I pay for study abroad in installments?
- Answer
Yes, just as you can pay your usual tuition in installments.
- Question How much does it cost?
- Answer
The basic cost of study abroad is roughly equivalent to the cost of living on campus—traditional-age undergraduate tuition plus room and board. In addition, there is the cost of transportation to and from the study abroad site and any additional travel you may do and gift purchases you may make.
- Question What credits can I earn in a study abroad program?
- Answer
You can earn a variety of credits, depending on your interest and in some cases the level of your language proficiency.
- Question Will all the courses that I take transfer as La Verne credit?
- Answer
Yes, all courses will transfer as La Verne credit and will count towards the residency requirement. To ensure this, we recommend that you save your syllabi of courses taken.
- Question Can I earn major or minor credit?
- Answer
Yes, this is often possible. However, credit toward major or minor requirements depends on prior approval from your major or minor department. You should work closely with your advisor to determine what is possible.
- Question What about my housing at La Verne if I live in the residence halls?
- Answer
If you are accepted into a La Verne study abroad program, you will be released from your housing contract. While there is no guarantee that you will be able to re-enter housing upon return from your overseas program, we recommend working with Housing and Residential life to reserve places for the semester following your return.
- Question What are the overseas living arrangements?
- Answer
They vary among programs. Possible options include dormitories (with dining hall or cooking facilities), apartments, home stays with host families, and group homes.
- Question Does my La Verne insurance policy cover me when I travel through a study abroad program?
- Answer
Your La Verne policy does cover you during study abroad. In addition, La Verne carries insurance for medical evacuation in certain emergencies and for repatriation. CIEE programs include a student identity card that provides supplementary coverage.
- Question When is the application deadline?
- Answer
For Fall Semester and year-long Programs the deadline is generally April 1 (in some cases March 15); for Spring Semester and January study abroad, it is usually October 15. Check the CIEE website for the deadline of your specific program.
- Question How do I get to the program site?
- Answer
The cost of transportation is your responsibility to pay, but you may choose either to arrange your own flights or arrange them through the study abroad program’s provider.
- Question How can I learn more about study abroad?
- Answer
Visit the CIEE provider’s website; then select a country and explore. That website describes every program, city, course, excursion, housing plan, and much more. You can also contact the Study Abroad Director in Abraham Campus Center 214 or by telephone at 909-448-4161 or through email.