Why Study Abroad?

Study abroad affords students a unique opportunity to study with scholars of a different intellectual tradition, experience another culture, see the world from the perspective of another people, think independently, view one’s own society more critically, and gain an informed appreciation of oneself and others as part of a broader humanity in the world environment.

Students who study abroad do so for one or more of the following reasons:

Cultural Exposure

To seek cultural exposure through a study abroad experience, learning about the language, history, and arts of another culture.

Language Experience

To gain an in-depth exposure to language and literature unavailable in the same way on a home campus.

Major Concentration

To fulfill requirements for the student’s major. For some majors, an international experience may be required. Students should check with their faculty advisor if they have questions about the requirements for their major.

As the world becomes increasingly interdependent, an understanding of cultures other than one’s own, an appreciation of the world beyond one's borders, and an ability to engage in meaningful discourse with diverse populations is paramount in the development of the leaders of our societies.

Program Information

Additional information about SPU study abroad programs, application procedures, credit transfer, and financial aid can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Links to SPU and non-SPU study abroad programs can be found in the column to the left. Review the information on this web page and in the Undergraduate Catalog.

• Generally, students study abroad during their junior year and occasionally a student may be approved to study during their sophomore year.
• Students may study on university sponsored programs or third-party programs during their senior year only with approval from Student Academic Services, because studying abroad may affect compliance with the University's residency requirements.
• Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 to be eligible for most study abroad programs. Individual programs may require a GPA of 3.0 or higher. A student with a GPA lower than 2.7 may receive a waiver from the program leader.
• Some study abroad programs may have minimum foreign language requirements.
• Seattle Pacific University has granted transfer credit for certain study abroad programs.
• Matriculated students at SPU are eligible for Seattle Pacific-sponsored study abroad programs. Non-SPU students may apply by permission only and must register as a non-matriculated student at SPU.

Information About Study Abroad Programs

There are two kinds of programs approved for credit transfer: affiliated programs and third-party programs:

SPU Programs (Faculty-led, SPU Partner programs, Best Semester and Exchange programs)	Non-SPU Programs (Third-Party Provider and direct enrollment)
Students pay Seattle Pacific for tuition and fees. The courses and credits appear on the SPU transcript.	Students pay tuition and fees directly to the sponsoring study abroad organization and will receive transfer credits from an accredited foreign or U.S. institution.
Students may use some or all SPU, federal, state grants and scholarships, and loans for which they are eligible. Work-study may not be used.	Normally, students may use federal and state grants, scholarships, and loans for which they are eligible. Work-study may not be used. (The SPU Employee Education Scholarship and the CCCU Tuition Exchange Discount generally do not apply.)
Students may study on affiliated programs during their junior or senior year without the need to petition for an exception to the "15 final credits in residency" policy.	Students need to consult with their faculty advisor and one of the designated academic counselors for approval. Students who wish to use study abroad credit toward their last 15 units in residence must make a formal petition to waive the residency credit requirement and receive approval prior to undertaking their study.
A $200 administrative fee is charged to students who register to study abroad on SPU sponsored programs. This non-refundable fee contributes to a broad range of services before, during, and after the abroad program.	A $400 administrative fee is charged to students who register to study abroad on non-SPU quarter or semester programs or $200 for summer programs. This non-refundable fee maintains a student's full time status while taking courses abroad, ensures transfer of credits that can be applied toward SPU degree requirements, and if eligible allows for application of financial aid. It also contributes to a broad range of services available to students before, during and after the the study abroad program.

Need help finding the right program? Contact Brittany Carlson, Study Abroad Program Assistant/Advisor

 

Applying the Academic Credits

For information about how the credits from your chosen study abroad program can enrich your area of study, contact one of these student academic counselors:

 

If your last name begins with A-K

Contact Jim Kim at 206-281-2255 or jimkim@spu.edu.

 

If your last name begins with L-Z

Contact Debbie Crouch at 206-281-2446 or dcrouch@spu.edu.