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-affiliated study abroad programs, application procedures, credit transfer, and financial aid can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Links to the lists of affiliated and third-party study abroad programs can be found at the end of this page. Review the information on this web page and in Study Abroad in the Undergraduate Catalog, before moving on to the list of study abroad programs.

• Students usually study abroad during their junior year.
• Occasionally, a student might be approved to study during the second or third quarter of his or her sophomore year.
• Students may study on university affiliated 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.
• Seattle Pacific University has granted transfer credit for certain study abroad programs.
• Only matriculated students at SPU are eligible for Seattle Pacific-sponsored study abroad programs.

Information About Study Abroad Programs

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

Affiliated Programs	Third-Party Programs
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
Students may use 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.

 

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 Ben Weins at 206-281-2661 or benweins@spu.edu.

 

If your last name begins with L-Z

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

Have unanswered questions? Check out the Contact page.