Frequently Asked Questions
on Study Abroad for
Monmouth University Students

When can I go and what are the requirements?

• You must have sophomore status
• Minimum GPA of 2.75
• Write a 500-word essay on why you want to study abroad and what you expect to learn from the experience.
• Study Abroad during the fall (recommended as there are many available spaces and generally better weather in Europe and Australia), spring, or summer

Where can I go?

Monmouth University currently offers three semester programs. You can choose to study abroad in London, England, at Regent’s College, and/or in Sydney, Australia, at Macquarie University and/or in Florence, Italy at Lorenzo de' Medici. The England & Italy semesters run along similar times as our own. In Australia, the fall semester begins in late July and runs through early December; the spring semester begins in late February and ends in late June.

During the summer (typically from mid-June through July), we offer a six-week Cádiz, Spain, program. Students take 6 credits while receiving excellent instruction in Spanish courses, ranging from beginner to advanced level. Classes are kept small and intimate for optimal language learning. See available courses on the Application Packet.

We also offer in summer a four-week program in Florence, Italy through our affliation with Lorenzo de' Medici. Students take 6 credits in courses ranging from the Arts, Social Science, Business, and Italian Language. See available courses in the Application Packet.

The College Consortium of International Studies (CCIS) also provides study abroad in 80 programs offered in more than 30 countries. Monmouth University is a member of this highly respected partnership of colleges and universities.

How much will it cost?

• Monmouth University semester programs have the same tuition and fee costs as on-campus. Room and board rates also are similar.
• Your current financial aid travels with you for the Monmouth semester programs. This means you can use your Monmouth grants, merit awards, and scholarship money.
• Athletic scholarships cannot be used toward a study abroad semester but can be used for the summer Spain/Italy program.
• If you go through CCIS or any other outside study abroad program, you can apply all financial aid, except your institutional aid.
• Airfare and spending money will make up the bulk of your expenses outside of tuition and room and board.
• Airfare and spending money are considered legitimate educational expenses, and students are usually able to borrow for them, if necessary.

Why would I want to do this?

• Not only will you be continuing on your way to a Monmouth University degree, but you will greatly enhance you sense of independence and self-confidence.
• You will probably have one of the most memorable and best experiences of your life!
• You will gain an international dimension and a global perspective in your personal and professional life.
• You will have the opportunity to travel extensively and see parts of the world you may have only dreamed about!
• Your resume will have that extra something that makes you "stand out" from the pack. The courage and decisiveness that propel a student to study abroad are very important components in his or her marketability.

Who helps me plan this?

Robyn Asaro, Assistant Director of Study Abroad, located in The Rebecca Stafford Student Center, First Floor, and your academic advisor can assist you.

Can a student of any major participate in a study abroad semester or summer program?

Yes, a student of any major can participate in a study experience. For some students, however, it may require more careful planning. For example, if you are an education major, it may be better to go during your sophomore year when you are still taking many of the General Education requirements. Or, you can "save" a few elective credits or General Education requirements, such as the aesthetics or social science requirements. Generally these types of courses are easier to find abroad than your major requirements. Although many students do take major requirements abroad, it can be more difficult for some majors.

How far in advance do I apply?

You should begin the academic planning for study abroad from the time you enter Monmouth University as a first-year student. It’s important to speak with your advisor and the Assistant Director of Study Abroad in the Student Center, First Floor, regarding available courses well before the departure semester. Attend a "First Step Meeting," which is held at various times throughout the first few weeks of each semester. Check your student e-mail account and The Outlook for details.

How will I be graded?

All grades earned in study abroad will appear on your Monmouth University transcript but will NOT factor into your Monmouth GPA. Although grades earned abroad will not affect your GPA positively or negatively, it is still very important to manage your time well and work hard while abroad. If you apply to graduate schools, law schools, and medical schools, they will be interested in your grades earned abroad and may decide to factor them into your overall GPA. So doing well academically is always important.

Does study abroad satisfy my Experiential Education requirement?

Yes, provided that you enroll in and pass a minimum of 6 credits. Please be aware that many majors have specific EXED requirements> Check your curriculum chart with your academic advisor if you are unsure.

What types of classes can I take?

Just about anything you need to fulfill your curriculum requirements for your Monmouth degree. You can take General Education courses, as well as major and minor requirements.

How can I find out more?

Read the Outlook student newspaper. There are usually study abroad articles written by overseas correspondents with very current and interesting information. Read the Student Stories under the "Student Feedback" section on the Study Abroad home page to get an excellent idea about how your peers viewed their study abroad experience. Check out the photo gallery that is also accessed from the home page with all the former group photos as well as pics from the various countries the students studied abroad in and visited.

How much additional traveling can I expect to do?

This depends on your desire, energy, and pocketbook! Most students do a lot of traveling on weekends and breaks. In the London and Florence programs, the school week is Monday to Thursday, and with so many excellent destinations within short proximity to these locations, students often fly all over Europe on weekends. You also get a 10-day mid-semester break. In Australia, you also get a lot of time to travel on the two-week mid-semester break. For the Italy and Spain programs, students will have ample time to visit other cities and/or countries.