Study abroad is one of the most transformative experiences you can have as a Harvard College student. Through international study, you will become a more informed global citizen and gain important skills that you can apply in the professional world and throughout your life.
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.
The Office of International Education (OIE) advises Harvard College students on all aspects of study abroad.
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.
Financial Aid travels with you for semester-time study abroad and covers everything from airfare and visas to books and ground transportation. For more information, visit the OIE financial aid webpage or contact the Griffin Financial Aid Office.
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:
Semester Time
Summer
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.
In most cases it will not cost more to study abroad. With a few exceptions, most study abroad programs cost less than a semester at Harvard. Students who receiving financial aid from Harvard can bring their aid with them to their study abroad program or host institution meaning that they will pay the same amount they would have paid to study at Harvard. Students who do not receive financial aid from Harvard will simply pay for the cost of the study abroad program (and won’t be charged for the semester that they are away from Harvard).
Harvard’s financial aid program is only available for term-time for-credit study. Funding for summer experiences is available from a wide variety of offices and programs at Harvard. Good places to start include the Mignone Center for Career Success, the CARAT funding sources database, and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships.
