Frequently Asked Questions

The Center for Global Education and Fellowships oversees the study abroad process. Click here for our steps to studying abroad.

Salve Regina and the Center for Global Education and Fellowships require students to complete our application process. Once approved by Salve Regina, students can then apply to the program abroad. Most of the time students do not need to speak a foreign language, but this depends on the program. If the program’s primary goal is language acquisition, lower levels of language preparation are considered standard. It is better to have some prior knowledge of the host country language prior to departure.

Students must first complete the Salve Regina application in their ViaTRM traveler profile. Students approved by Salve Regina must then apply to the program abroad. Application procedures may vary based on the type of program offered. For example, a resume is necessary when applying for an internship abroad, while students applying to an art program need to submit a portfolio.

All credits are approved by faculty and staff prior to the study abroad experience. Grades will come in from abroad as "A" through "F" as appropriate and will be factored into the cumulative GPA. Students should consult with their advisors to determine the applicability of credits earned abroad to their major, minor, Core Curriculum and elective courses. Students should select alternate backup courses in the event that they find changes in course offerings after arriving overseas. In addition, students who participate in a Salve Regina study abroad program may also take up to three transfer courses from other institutions.

The cost of a summer, semester or year abroad varies based on program fees, location and each student's individual financial aid package. Salve Regina uses a home school tuition policy. This means that students are required to pay regular Salve Regina tuition directly to the University as well as a $650 study abroad fee, but pay all other fees such as housing, meals, etc., directly to the program. These other fees vary by program, location and length of study. Please use our budget sheet to estimate your total expenses for the abroad semester.

Students may be able to apply the majority of their financial aid related to the cost of tuition to the study abroad program. Because students are not being charged for room and board through Salve Regina, financial aid related to room and board costs may be reduced. Students should meet with a financial aid advisor during the application process to review their package.

The Center for Global Education and Fellowships offers scholarships each semester to help offset travel expenses. In addition to these scholarships, many others are available online. Certain program providers, such as International Studies Abroad and Academic Programs International, offer their own scholarships as well. Students are encouraged to get creative and ask their family and friends for airline miles, fundraise in their community and ask their parish for donations. Scholarships are one way to fund the study abroad experience; however they are minor and are to be looked at as a supplement to payment. Visit the study abroad scholarships webpage for more information.

Yes. The Center for Global Education and Fellowships conducts assessments throughout the year in the form of surveys and focus groups. We can connect interested students with past participants of their program.

Students are housed in dormitories, apartments or home stays based on the program and location. Classes will be offered at the host university or program center based on the abroad program or location.

Support staff will be available 24/7. Support staff at universities and program centers abroad act very much like an American residence life staff. On-site orientation is provided and resident directors and assistants are on hand to answer academic, personal questions. Students who are accepted into programs abroad will be able to contact on-site staff with any questions or concerns prior to departure.

All programs are equipped with emergency plans that cover medical needs, natural disaster or acts of terrorism and/or violent crimes. Students should ask program providers about their emergency plans in advance and get 24/7 contact numbers for program providers abroad (Salve Regina will provide our Office of Safety and Security number in pre-departure materials). The Center for Global Education and Fellowships is in contact with staff at these sites in the event of an emergency, at home or abroad. Effective and timely communications between students, parents, home and host institutions and/or third party providers is a reasonable expectation. However, we cannot absolutely guarantee your safety while abroad.

Depending on the destination country, students may or may not need a visa. Individual consulates change requirements frequently. Once students are approved for a program they may contact the Center for Global Education and Fellowships for more information.

Students are encouraged to conduct their own research using country websites, such as the international travel section of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs. General information can also be found on each program page in ViaTRM.

The Center for Global Education and Fellowships, in partnership with Salve Regina's academic departments and faculty, facilitates and develops study abroad programs for students in support of the University's strategic goal of "fostering a diverse, globally-aware and inclusive community" and academic vision. All of Salve Regina's credit-bearing programs abroad are administrated by the center. The center endeavors to uphold the Forum on Education Abroad's Standards of Good Practice for Short-Term Education Abroad Programs and the Code of Ethics for Education Abroad (copies available at the Center for Global Education and Fellowships).