Butler Overseas is a premier international degree program hosted by Butler University in partnership with the Institute for Study Abroad (IFSA). 

The program is a cutting edge pathway for students seeking to graduate in three years while learning in the context of immersive international and intercultural experiences. Students will receive holistic support personally, academically, and professionally as they gain real-world experience and complete internships locally and abroad. 

• Degree duration: 3 years
• Majors: Environmental Science and International Business
• Minors: Environmental Science, International Business, Spanish (optional)
• Destinations: Indianapolis, London, Rome, South Africa, Buenos Aires, Merida, Sydney, Kandy

Butler Overseas is a premier degree experience designed for curious, adaptable students who are eager to make the world a better place.

These students:

• Desire to see the world as they prioritize their education
• Intend to pursue a degree in either Environmental Studies or International Business 
• Seek to complete their college degree in as little as three years 
• Demonstrate curiosity for new perspectives while critically examining their own
• Want a sense of both independence and belonging from their college experience
• Have adventurous, adaptable, and resilient personalities ready to navigate the challenges of change and culture differences
• Aspire to influence change in the world by gaining unmatched international experience.

Do you know a student leader who’s passionate about climate justice? Who’d be excellent at analyzing global economic trends? Who’s known for being open-minded, ambitious, and eager for adventure? Nominate a prospective student here.

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies major provides a multidisciplinary approach to studying the human population and our interactions with the natural world. Paired with a minor in International Business, the Environmental Studies curriculum empowers students to become agents of change while exploring the economic, political, cultural, technological, and scientific facets of sustainability issues facing the planet today.

Bachelor of Science in International Business

The International Business major quips students to meet the challenges and opportunities of our interconnected world with curiosity, tenacity, and a spirit of innovation. Paired with an Environmental Studies minor, students will emerge with the ability to identify developing trends in the international business landscape and adapt business strategies accordingly while developing skills in finance, economics, marketing, and more.

Prospective Butler Overseas students are expected to have the following academic preparation: 

English: 4 years 

Mathematics: 3 years 

Laboratory Science: 3 years 

Social Studies/History: 3 years 

World Language: 2 years of the same language 

Application checklist

Below is a summary of what students will need to apply. The Butler Overseas admission team must receive all required materials before their application can be reviewed.

While requirements may vary for domestic and international students, all applicants are expected to submit the following:

Online application

Students applying to Butler Overseas must complete an online application with a $50 non-refundable application fee. Other supporting materials can be added after submitting the online application. 

The application for 2027 will become available on August 1, 2026.

Writing supplement

As a part of the online application, students will be asked to respond to short answer writing prompts.

Official high school transcript

Students must request that your school counseling office or registrar send us their official high school transcript electronically. Include all high schools previously attended. Transcripts should reflect coursework completed through their junior year.

U.S. passport and U.S. citizenship or dual citizenship status

The Butler Overseas program is currently designed for students who hold a U.S. passport or are U.S. citizens (including U.S./dual citizens). Applicants must be eligible to live, travel, and study abroad under U.S. citizenship (or dual-citizen) status.

If your student is interested but does not meet these citizenship criteria, please explore our other undergraduate programs or contact the Office of Admission for guidance.

Letter of recommendation

Applicants will be asked to provide the name and contact information of someone who can submit a recommendation on their behalf. Once submitted, the recommender will receive a set of specific questions and prompts to answer.

OPTIONAL: Test scores

Your students are more than the sum of their standardized test scores. That’s why we’ve made them optional.

If they choose to apply with standardized test scores, they can submit them in three different ways: submit self-reported scores on the application for admission, submit official scores directly from testing services, or ask your high school to send an official transcript, if you include test scores on transcripts. We accept the SAT (code 1073) or the ACT (code 1180).

If they self-report their scores, they are required to have official scores sent from the testing service or provided on an official transcript from their high school before beginning classes.

OPTIONAL: Résumé

Students’ résumés are a great for giving us a snapshot of how they spend their time and what matters to them. They don’t have to be formal—keep them simple and straightforward. Encourage them to include things like school activities, clubs, personal interests, volunteer work, and any jobs or family responsibilities they’ve taken on. Those all help paint a fuller picture of who they are.

See full timeline on our Admission Deadlines page. 

Key Dates:

• August 1: Application opens
• November 1: Early Action Application Deadline
  • Students must apply by this date for their best shot at admission. Early Action decisions are released by mid-December.
• November 15: Butler Overseas scholarship deadline
• December 15: Early Action admission notifications released
• April 1: Application closes
• May 1: National Candidates Reply Date
  • Students secure their spot in the class by submitting a $1,000 non-refundable enrollment deposit.

Questions? Contact overseas@butler.edu.

Butler Overseas is a premier, three-year global degree program with a comparable cost to Butler’s traditional four-year degree offerings. Meal plans are not available while abroad and costs for meals are out-of-pocket and vary by semester, as meal and housing arrangements will depend on the location and IFSA site.

View all cost estimates here based on 2026–2027 Butler costs and estimated tuition, housing, meal, and travel expenses.

Butler Overseas offers scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $10,000–20,000/year*. To be considered, students must apply by November 15, 2026, through a separate scholarship application. Students should apply for Early Action Admission (by November 1, 2026) to receive maximum award consideration.

*Tuition remission and all Butler gift assistance (including the Academic Scholarship) are not available for the Butler Overseas program.

Butler Overseas Brochure

Butler Overseas Admission One Sheeter

Emily Grubbe

Associate Director of Admission, Butler Global Degree

📞 Call: 317-940-5972

✉️ Email: egrubbe@butler.edu

Pronouns: she/her

Hometown

Seneca, South Carolina

High School

Seneca High School

Education

Clemson University ’10
Bachelor of Arts, History

University of Kentucky ’14
Master of Science, Higher Education
Graduate Certificate in International Education