Frequently Asked Questions

Each location in the Butler Overseas program is selected based on factors such as the prevalence of hands-on learning opportunities, intercultural engagement activities, travel safety data, climate at the time of the semester, and more. The locations are designed to work together as a whole to provide a culturally diverse, intellectually compelling experience. Butler and IFSA regularly monitor each region alongside the recommendations of other global education experts.

Studying abroad every semester in college is not an option at traditional, campus-based U.S. colleges. To date, only Butler Overseas, Minerva University, and a handful of other programs in the world offer a truly global degree where the curriculum is designed to integrate with long-term travel and immersion every semester. Butler Overseas is the first to use a hybrid of online and local instruction.

Yes, the Butler Overseas program results in a Butler University degree—you will be a Butler student with the same degree requirements as students at Butler’s Indianapolis campus. If you major in Environmental Studies you will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and if you major in International Business you will receive a Bachelor of Science degree from the Lacy School of Business.

The Butler Overseas program takes place over nine semesters and three years.

We realize that life happens and that there may be many reasons why a truly “overseas” experience may no longer work for your lifestyle or career goals. In these cases, you have the option to take a leave from the program or transfer to one of Butler’s Indianapolis campus-based programs. If you choose to continue in your Butler Overseas major, you will be right on track for graduation.

Each location has different living arrangements—and that’s by design—to ensure the highest levels of independence and immersion in each local community. Apartment living, homestays, and single room options are all part of the Butler Overseas experience.

Learn Details About Housing Here

Butler Overseas students do not have meal plans while abroad—they will either eat out, grocery shop and cook, or rely on their homestay families for meals. 

View Meal Cost Estimates Per Semester Here

View More Meal and Lodging Details Here

Butler Overseas, in partnership with IFSA, has comprehensive safety and risk mitigation measures in place both from a high level program standpoint and with specific considerations for each location. IFSA sites also provide 24/7 emergency response with support from local, on-the-ground staff who understand the nuances of the community, culture, and health and safety services in their area, pre- and post-arrival orientations, and more.  

Learn More About Health and Safety Here

Students will be responsible for obtaining their own passport in advance of the program start. Butler will provide information and resources to guide this process. IFSA will provide travel support and visa assistance for abroad locations, while Butler’s Center for Global Education will assist non-U.S. passport holders with their visa for the summers on Butler’s campus.

It is possible a program location will change. While unlikely, this can happen as a result of a variety of factors, including weather-related or geopolitical events. Should a change be necessary, Butler will re-route the program to another established and supportive IFSA site and continue all courses on schedule. This ability to make necessary adjustments is a key benefit to collaborating with a reputable, worldwide study abroad organization.

All students will arrange their flight to arrive to Butler for the first summer start date. From there, students will be booked in a group to their first international location for the first fall semester in London, England. The cost of this flight will be added to the student’s account.

After that, students will typically be given the start dates for each semester and can book their own flights to arrive on time. This will allow students the flexibility to make their own arrangements, which could include travel home during the program breaks. All flights are the financial responsibility of the student.

Butler Overseas is unique in its hybrid approach to instruction, with a blend of online learning and in-person classes, as opposed to programs that are 100 percent online. Summer courses are taught by Butler faculty on campus, and in-person courses abroad are taught by IFSA faculty.

Learn More About Academics Here

Yes. Summer courses are taught in person by Butler faculty. Online courses while abroad are taught by Butler professors following the best practices in online learning, using asynchronous learning complemented by online meetings and office hours. In-person classes while abroad are taught by IFSA faculty using syllabi approved by Butler. IFSA faculty are experts in their fields of study who will teach Butler required courses while taking advantage of the unique educational opportunities available at each site.

Yes, students in both the Environmental Studies and International Business majors will have access to internships, as well as research opportunities, place-based educational excursions, and intercultural experiences. These will be offered both on Butler’s Indianapolis campus and while abroad so students learn while immersed in different cultures and places.

Every Butler Overseas student receives dedicated support from both an academic advisor and a career mentor, ensuring guidance not only in coursework but also in professional development. Built into the three-year program are career-focused resources like global internships, strengths assessments, and access to Butler’s worldwide alumni network. 

Learn More About Butler Overseas’ Career Development Programming Here

You do not need to speak other languages to join Butler Overseas. The language of instruction is English.

As part of Butler’s academic requirements, every Butler Overseas student will need to complete a course in a foreign language at each of the four IFSA sites where English is not the primary language. Some courses taught in Spanish will be available during the semesters in Mexico and Argentina for students whose preparation allows it.

Butler will evaluate dual credit, transfer credit, test credit and credit for prior learning using the same standards it does for all Butler students. Earning college credits means you may be able to skip certain introductory classes, which will leave room for alternate courses or a lighter course load. You will be able to discuss this with your academic advisor who will work with you on a personal level to evaluate your options.

Butler Overseas’ immersive curriculum does not leave room for students to complete all of the courses required for Butler’s Honors Program, but students will be able to earn other honors distinctions. Depending upon GPA and other requirements, students will be eligible for earning distinction or high distinction in their major. Students who elect to complete an honors thesis will be eligible for consideration for highest distinction.

Learn more about honors and distinction.

FAFSA filers will be reviewed for state and federal aid eligibility. Additionally, Butler Overseas offers scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $10,000–20,000/year*. Students must apply by November 15, 2026, through a separate scholarship application to be considered. Students should apply for Early Action Admission (by November 1, 2026) to receive maximum award consideration.

Review a Full Breakdown of Costs Compared to Butler’s Traditional Four-Year Degree Here

Yes, students from around the world are welcome and encouraged to apply to Butler Overseas. 

Learn More About Admission Requirements for International Students

If you aren’t sure whether you’d like to study Environmental Studies or International Business, you can enroll in Butler Overseas as an exploratory student. The exploratory option allows you to spend your first two semesters with Butler Overseas discovering your interests and strengths, with coursework blended between both majors. 

The exploratory option is possible due to the intentional course work and connection between the two majors. Students will earn a major in one area and a minor in the other (for example, students who major in Environmental studies will earn a minor in International Business and vice versa). This interconnectedness allows for overlap in classes the first year of study. 

At the end of your first year, you will choose between the two majors for the remaining part of your coursework.

We anticipate welcoming 30-40 students for our first-year cohort.