Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I study abroad?
Who can help me decide whether study abroad is for
me?
Where do I begin my search for a study abroad
program?
What is the difference between an exchange program
and a study abroad program?
What is ISEP?
When can I study abroad?
When should I apply to study abroad?
Can I use my financial aid while abroad?
Can I fulfill my Change and Tradition requirement
by studying abroad?
How do I get credit for my courses
abroad?
Where should I have my overseas transcript
sent?
How long does it take to obtain a
passport?
Why should I study abroad?
There are many reasons to study abroad. Most past participants
have said that studying abroad helped them focus their academic and
career goals, taught them about living and working with people of
different cultures, and even taught them more about themselves.
Study abroad provides an opportunity to develop your leadership
skills and gain new skills. Studying abroad also enhances your
preparation for living in a culturally diverse social environment
and working in a global marketplace.
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Who can help me decide whether study abroad is for
me?
- The study abroad advisor, an experienced professional in the
field of international education.
- Faculty members, many of whom have extensive international
experience and advised other students on reasons to take some of
your courses in a foreign environment.
- Study abroad program/university representatives, who can point
out the particular features of what they offer.
- Butler students who have returned from study abroad
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Where do I begin my search for a study abroad
program?
The first place to begin searching for study abroad
opportunities is Butler's list of Approved Programs for
Overseas Study. Butler's approved list of overseas study
opportunities offers a wide variety of options. All programs on the
list meet Butler's high standards for academic excellence. The
programs fall into two broad categories: study abroad and
exchanges. After meeting with your academic advisor and completing
the Goals Assessment Worksheet, you can begin researching the
programs' websites to determine which program might best fit your
needs.
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What is the difference between an exchange program and a
study abroad program?
Exchanges provide an opportunity for a limited number of Butler
students to enjoy an independent, full-immersion experience by
attending selected partner universities abroad while students from
those universities attend Butler, on a one-for-one basis. Some of
these exchanges have been developed by Butler; others are available
through the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP). The
approved study abroad programs are administered by respected
professional organizations or other colleges and universities. All
provide a wide range of student services and give careful attention
to safety and security issues. These programs represent a broad
range of geographic regions. Educational opportunities may be
classroom based or experiential, including internships or service
learning.
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What is ISEP?
The International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) is a worldwide
network for international education, consisting of over 250 member
institutions. Through ISEP, you have access to over 100 study sites
in Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and the South
Pacific for a full academic year, or a semester. Through ISEP, you
can study in English or in a foreign language. It is best to
research ISEP's extensive list of exchange opportunities through
their website at www.isep.org to
get detailed information about each member institution's structure
and course offerings.
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When can I study abroad?
Students can study abroad during the sophomore, junior or senior
year for a semester or for the entire academic year. There may be
some residency requirements that seniors need to fulfill, so all
seniors should check with their academic advisors for details.
There are also hundreds of opportunities for summer study abroad
that can be researched on-line at www.studyabroad.com or www.iiepassport.org.
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When should I apply to study abroad?
Every program has its own deadline. You should check with the
study abroad program, or the Center for Global Education for
exchange programs, to determine when your application is due.
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Can I use my financial aid while abroad?
Yes, but there are restrictions on the type of aid you can use
while abroad. Regardless of the type of program you choose, you
will continue to pay Butler tuition for the semester you are
abroad. If you choose to study on a study abroad program, then 50%
of your Butler financial aid will apply toward the cost of tuition.
If you select a reciprocal exchange program through Butler or ISEP,
then 100% of your Butler financial aid will apply toward the cost
of tuition. Your federal, state, and outside
scholarships/grants/loans will continue to apply as allowed.
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Can I fulfill my Change and Tradition requirement by
studying abroad?
Students who study abroad during the academic year or summer
period and successfully complete a minimum of 9 credit hours while
abroad are eligible to waive one semester of the Change and
Tradition requirement.
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How do I get credit for my courses abroad?
First, you must participate on a program that is approved by
Butler University. Second, you will need to complete the study
abroad pre-departure paperwork by obtaining signatures from various
offices on campus, including your academic advisor who will help
you get your coursework pre-approved. Once you submit this form to
the Center for Global Education, a copy will go to Registration and
Records to be reviewed again once your overseas transcript arrives
upon completion of the program. Registration and Records, along
with the Center for Global Education, will evaluate your overseas
transcript and post the credit to your Butler transcript. Students
must pass courses with a grade of 'C-' or better in order to
receive credit. Students may also take a Pass/Fail course, but it
cannot fulfill core or major requirements.
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Where should I have my overseas transcript
sent?
An official unopened transcript should be sent directly to the
Center for Global Education, Butler University, Jordan Hall 212,
4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
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How long does it take to obtain a passport?
Ordinarily, you should receive your passport within 6 weeks. For
detailed information regarding application procedures, commonly
asked questions or emergency situations regarding passports, please
visit the U.S. Department of State's website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/
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