Currently Abroad

Obtaining Course Approvals While Abroad

Did you end up taking a course or two abroad that you did not get pre-approved before you left campus? That’s okay – we understand that sometimes things can change on-site. Please report the change to your academic advisor, confirm that you are in at least 12 U.S. credits with your new schedule, and determine if you need to submit a new electronic course approval request.

Before you seek a new study abroad course approval, ask yourself: Do I need this course to count towards major, minor, elective, or Core requirements?

  • If the answer is YES: You must submit new electronic approval requests. If you have questions, review this video: Electronic Approvals: New Course Approval Request (10:10).
  • If the answer is NO: You do not need to seek an approval for this course! All study abroad courses are automatically approved as General Elective Credits (credits towards your total credit count, but not counting towards your major, minor, elective, or Core requirements).

If you decide to seek electronic approval upon your return to Butler (not recommended), hold on to your syllabus and coursework, as you will likely need to submit the course description and other materials to the department head for his/her use when considering approval. The department head is not required to approve your course without appropriate documentation.

Registering While Abroad

While you are abroad, you will likely need to register for the semester you will return to campus.

Before your departure, you should:

  • Select preliminary courses you wish to take during the semester of your return in consultation with your academic advisor.
  • Ensure all encumbrances (any holds) are cleared at Butler or you will be unable to register.

While you are abroad, you should:

  • View the upcoming semester’s course schedule on Butler’s website.
  • Register for classes online.

Securing On Campus Housing For Return

Students who want to live on campus upon return need to contact the Office of Residence Life to get updated information on the housing process. Details on the housing lottery and updated housing policies can be found on their website, as well.

Preparing For Your Return

Several weeks before your return home, you may wish to start preparing for re-entry, or the return to the U.S. culture. We recommend that you catch up on local and national news by reading various news sources, including The Collegian. Catching up on local issues will speed up your adjustment to life at home.

Take time to properly say goodbye to your friends abroad. Spend time with them and enjoy your final weeks/days abroad.

Don’t wait until the last morning to take pictures—especially of your neighborhood and your friends. The things that seem mundane now, like your walk/ride to school, will be fun to reflect on in future years.

Aside from preparing yourself mentally, you should also begin to consider re-packing and how you intend to bring home all of your belongings that you have accumulated. Excess baggage fees are often expensive, sometimes $150 U.S. per extra piece of luggage (up to 70 lbs.). You may wish to ship items home.

Request a final official transcript be sent to the Center for Global Education and a copy for your own use in the future or to keep as a record. You can have your transcript sent to the following address:

Butler University Center for Global Education
4600 Sunset Ave.
Jordan Hall 133
Indianapolis, IN 46208
USA

Keep all coursework, syllabi, and related documents to complete any outstanding course approvals when you return to campus. Check out our Returning to Campus webpage for more information on how to adjust back to life in the U.S.