What is the difference between an Syracuse Abroad Center Program and World Partner Program?
Syracuse Abroad Center programs are extensions of the Syracuse University campus and widely recognized for their focus on student success, quality of academic and cultural programming, and innovative experiential learning opportunities. Each Syracuse Center is managed by a director, along with multicultural staff, and delivers unparalleled academic programs and support services to students studying abroad. You can expect a curriculum that is rigorous, innovative and distinguished by Syracuse University’s exceptional standards. Centers are located in Florence, London, Madrid, Santiago (Chile) & Strasbourg (France).
Syracuse Abroad’s 50+ World Partner programs offer a range of models for Syracuse students—from enrolling in small programs sponsored by other U.S. universities (in Germany, South Africa, and India, among others), to enrolling in foreign universities where most of your classes are with international students (Israel, Japan, and Korea), to directly enrolling in university courses alongside local students (Australia, Ireland). Individual programs have specific requirements, but in every case, it is the student’s responsibility to identify appropriate courses and get approvals for Syracuse University credit from academic advisers.
What is a Signature Seminar?
A Signature Seminar is a traveling 3-credit course, offered at Syracuse center programs. In London, Madrid and Florence, the Seminar is an optional course and can be taken at the beginning or the end of your semester. In Santiago, the Seminar is required, and students begin their semester abroad with their Seminar. The course travels over a 10-14 day period, introducing students to themes that will be reinforced throughout their semester abroad.
What if I want to study somewhere else—at a non-affiliated program?
Transfer credit will not be granted for courses that Syracuse University undergraduate students take through a semester or yearlong non-affiliated program. Syracuse undergraduate students who can document a strong academic rationale for wanting to go abroad on a non-affiliated program may use a special petition process. Please note: this does not apply to non-affiliated programs students wish to pursue during the summer.
Will credits count toward my major/degree?
All Syracuse Abroad students receive Syracuse University credit for courses taken abroad, even when taken at host/partner universities. For Syracuse students, this credit is applied toward major or elective requirements. Visiting students receive credits either as home-university credit or as transfer credit, and should confirm their home school policy with their study abroad adviser.
Does Syracuse Abroad offer programs for graduate credit?
Yes. Many summer programs have courses and internships for graduate credit. Students who participate in these programs are typically enrolled in graduate degree programs, but students with undergraduate degrees who are not yet admitted to graduate programs are also eligible to apply. Syracuse Abroad Law Programs are only open to students already matriculated in law school.
There are also graduate semester programs. Master’s degree programs in architecture and in Renaissance art history are offered in Florence, in architecture in London, and students in Master’s programs in public policy studies have options at many of Syracuse Abroad’s center-based program in Santiago and for Syracuse students, at World Partners.
Is there an Syracuse Abroad language requirement?
There is no language requirement for admission to most of Syracuse Abroad’s center programs (the exception is Santiago, where three semesters of Spanish language or the equivalent are required for the fall semester). However, once admitted, most students enroll in language courses and/or courses taught in the host language. Enrollment in courses not taught in English at foreign universities have language requirements.
Is there a GPA requirement?
A 2.5 GPA* (on a 4.0 scale) is required for admission to Syracuse center-based programs. A 3.0 minimum GPA is required for enrollment in courses at foreign universities. For some limited-enrollment programs (such as Acting at Shakespeare’s Globe or Design in London), the minimum GPA may be higher than 2.5, and priority enrollment may be given to those with a GPA of at least 2.75.
For most World Partner programs, the required GPA is 3.0, based on the program’s published GPA requirements and/or Syracuse Abroad’s evaluation of the program’s academic expectations. There are some World Partner programs whose GPA requirement ranges from 2.5-3.0. Please refer to each program’s page for its exact requirements. Note: Syracuse Abroad reserves the right to adjust the requirements for World Partner programs as it deems appropriate.
*Center-based semester long program applicants who do not meet the 2.5 GPA requirement can petition for conditional acceptance. View petition details here.
How will my judicial record affect my ability to study abroad?
As part of its admissions procedures, Syracuse Abroad reviews each applicant’s judicial standing. For Syracuse University students, this review is completed in cooperation with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Visiting students must submit a completed Study Abroad Approval Form either confirming the absence of or disclosing a student’s judicial record. To be eligible for Syracuse Abroad programs, students must not be on disciplinary probation (or campus equivalent) during their time abroad and/or have any outstanding judicial sanctions. Detailed information about the Syracuse Abroad judicial standing requirements can be found here.
Does Syracuse Abroad give scholarships and grants?
For SU students, Syracuse Abroad works with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs. There are need-based grants, and named scholarships available for Syracuse students. Visiting students should check with their home study abroad offices for institutional grants that apply. All students should visit the Grants & Aid section of our website for more information and outside scholarships for additional opportunities.
What do I do once I’m accepted to an Syracuse Abroad program?
The Accepted Students section of our site will walk you through the process. The most important steps you can take right away: start applying for your visa (should you need one), and begin completing your post-acceptance forms.
What if I have more questions?
If you’re interested in learning about a specific program, schedule a 15-minute appointment with an International Program Advisor to receive more details. If you’re not sure where or when to go, or what steps to take first, schedule a virtual general advising appointment.
For general questions, Syracuse Abroad is also available via email at suabroad@syr.edu. Visit the staff list to get in touch with a specific Program Advisor for Center, Summer or World Partner programs.