Planning for Study Abroad

Explore Programs

Citadel Global Scholars Semester Programs

Citadel semester-long programs, also known as our Global Scholars Programs, are an initiative to make semesters abroad feasible for all cadets at The Citadel. We have various semester-long program opportunities for cadets at The Citadel; read more about these opportunities by clicking the link.

Citadel Short-Term Faculty-Led Programs

Students can participate in faculty-led study abroad programs over spring break and during the summer. On these programs, students will travel abroad with a Citadel faculty member and will earn Citadel credit towards their degree. Spring-break programs are associated with a specific section of an on-campus spring semester course which will travel abroad together as a class over spring break to bring the course curriculum to life. Summer programs provide students with up to 9 credit hours of Citadel course credit. If space allows, Non-Citadels students are eligible to apply for Citadel faculty-led summer programs. Spring & Summer 2024 programs are not yet open for application. All programs and application materials will be posted by January 2024. 

Independent Programs

Independent programs provide students the opportunity to study abroad for a summer term or a semester in locations that are not normally available through summer programs. With an independent program, students pay program fees directly to the provider and receive transfer credit for approved coursework upon successful completion of the program. If you are interested in a program that is not currently available through the CISP, please contact us and we will look into the program to determine if it is a good academic fit. You can email us at studyabroad@citadel.edu. 

NOTE: When applying for independent programs, please make sure to apply for the program through our Online Application Portal FIRST (before applying to the external program or paying any deposits, etc.). 

Planning Tips

  • Meet with your academic advisor about your academic plan. Be sure to keep in mind the classes you take abroad will need to fulfill course requirements for your major and for graduation.
  • Research scholarship opportunities and ways to finance your study abroad program.
    • Students receiving financial aid for study abroad programs will need to follow the protocol from the Citadel’s Office of Financial Aid. Please reference the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship’s Study Abroad & Study Away Financial Aid Checklist. 
  • Get your passport! Resources for passports can be found here.
  • If you are applying for an independent program, make sure to apply through our online application portal first, before applying to the independent program or paying any program deposits

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to participate in a Citadel study abroad program, students will need to meet the following criteria: 

  • Must be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior at The Citadel.
  • Must be in good academic standing:
    • Minimum 2.75 GPA for independent and Citadel semester programs.
    • Minimum 2.0 GPA for Citadel spring break or summer programs.
  • Must be in good disciplinary standing:
    • Students must pass a conduct review, which is required at all stages of the study abroad application process and while participating in the program.
    • A recommendation from the Assistant Commandant for Discipline is required as part of the study abroad application (see the “Conduct Approval” form).
    • Students who have received a Class I Offense within the two semesters prior to the study abroad term are automatically ineligible to participate.
    • Conduct will be initially reviewed during the application process, and a final conduct approval will be given before departure.
  • Must be in good financial standing:
    • Students must not owe for a prior or current term and must not have any financial holds on their account.

Please note: If a student is accepted into a program but subsequently fails to meet any of the above requirements, their study abroad status will be revoked.

Apply to a Program

Specific program applications will be posted on our website and within our Online Application Portal. Check back each semester for more information.

If you have any questions about this process, please email us at studyabroad@citadel.edu.

Prepare for Departure

Please keep in mind that a majority of this information applies to our semester study abroad students. Students participating in spring break and summer programs will receive a majority of their information from their program directors and the Study Abroad Office directly. 

Academic Considerations

For students studying in Citadel semester programs:

  • You will be registered in a Citadel course placeholder
  • You must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours at your host institution
  • Make sure to pay any fees on your Citadel e-Bill account prior to departure
  • Discuss your course selection and schedule with your academic advisor for the semester you return home

For students studying in independent programs:

  • Please pay your program fee to your provider
  • You must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours at your host institution
  • Complete your Transient Permission Form. The Office of Study Abroad is more than happy to help you if you have any questions 
  • Update the Citadel’s Office of Study Abroad, International, and Domestic Programs with any new course approvals
  • Discuss your course selection and schedule with your academic advisor for the semester you return home

General

  • Be sure that your passport will be valid six months after returning from your term abroad. If not, apply for a new passport now – Passport Resources can be found in the “Plan for Study Abroad” section of this page
  • If you are on a Citadel program, your Citadel study abroad program advisor will inform you about your program’s visa requirements
  • If you are on an independent program, you will need to research visa requirements and take the necessary steps to obtain one; your program advisor through your third-party provider is a great resource for this as well 
  • Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the State Department 
  • Research your host country for current events, government figures, currency, and culture
  • Gather copies of the following information into two files, and leave one copy of this information with someone at home:
    • Airline tickets
    • 2 copies of passport and visa (email a copy to yourself)
    • Driver’s license
    • Blood type
    • Eyeglass prescription
    • Credit card information for cards that you will be carrying while abroad
    • Medical contact information (doctor, dentist, specialist)
    • Medical prescriptions
    • Medical insurance
  • Provide a copy of itinerary, travel plans, and contact information to a friend or family member
  • Notify bank and credit card companies of your plans to travel abroad
  • Attend all mandatory meetings and carefully review the information provided
  • Review our online pre-departure orientation information 

Cadet Notes

  • Rings – Orders for rings are placed during the spring semester for rising seniors
    • If a student is a rising senior and studying abroad during the spring semester they are advised to submit their ring applications prior to departure 
    • If you have any questions about this process please contact the specific point of contact at the Citadel Foundation
  • Rank: If you are interested in applying for rank for the next academic year please make sure that the Commandant’s Office is aware of your interest and plans before you go abroad

Additional Resources

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