From a full year, semester, or even just a summer abroad, there are many ways to experience international study. Over half of Harvard College students participate in an international experience during their time as an undergraduate.

Harvard students travel with the benefit of exceptional support. From preparation prior to your departure and on-the-ground resources, to funding support and academic advising, students can be confident that their experience will be rewarding and valuable.

• You must be in good academic and disciplinary standing to study abroad.
• Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible for semester-time study abroad.
• All students, except for graduating seniors, are eligible for summer study.

Planning is key to a successful study abroad experience. It is never too early to begin integrating study abroad into your individual academic plan, seeking advice from advisors and your concentration, and visiting the Office of International Education for guidance. 

To start planning your study abroad experience, you can meet with an Office of International Education advisor during drop-in hours (Monday-Thursday 2:00-4:00 p.m.). You can also meet with a student advisor who has already studied abroad for at least one semester. Student advisors represent a variety of academic disciplines and include athletes, first-generation students, and recipients of financial aid.

Program information and application processes can be found on the Office of International Education website.

To study abroad, you must do both of the following things: 

• Apply directly to your study abroad program or university for admission
• Apply to the Office of International Education for transfer credit

Applications Deadlines for Transfer Credit

Semester Time

• October 1 for Spring Semester study abroad
• March 1 for Fall Semester study abroad

Summer

• Mid-February (for students applying for both funding and credit)
• April 1 (for students only seeking credit)

Important Approvals

To participate in semester-time or summer study abroad, you must have advising conversations with your academic department and Resident Dean. The Office of International Education advisors will help you to understand the process and answer specific questions.

Students receiving financial aid from Harvard can transfer their financial aid from Harvard to an approved semester-time study abroad program.

Students seeking to study abroad in the summer can also apply for competitive summer grants and funding available at the College from a variety of sources. To begin searching for funding for summer study abroad, visit the Harvard College Funding Sources Database for available options.