Information for Students Applying to Study Abroad
Winthrop students can participate in more than 20 semester or academic year programs abroad. For most of these programs, students pay regular Winthrop tuition, room and board and are able to use their scholarships, grants and loans. Students can also apply for additional financial aid for their semester abroad. More information for applying students can be found in the sections below.
Winthrop Study Abroad Requirements
The Application Process and Deadlines
Credit Transfer Policies
Financial Aid Transfer Policies
Scholarship Opportunities
International Health Insurance
International Studies Minor (INTS)
Winthrop Study Abroad Requirements
Winthrop University students must have Sophomore status, have a 2.5 minimum GPA, and be in good standing with the University (financially, academically, and disciplinarily) in order to study abroad.
Typically, students study abroad during their sophomore or junior years. Freshmen are not allowed to participate in semester long study abroad programs but can go on short term programs. We also do not encourage students to study abroad in the semester before they graduate due to the time it takes for transcript processing.
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The Application Process and Deadlines
Students must complete a Winthrop University Study Abroad Application Packet, as well as the application for their chosen study abroad program, and submit them to the International Center by the following deadlines:
- For study in the Spring Semester: October 1
- For study in the Fall Semester: March 1
- For study in the Summer: April 15
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Credit Transfer Policies
When studying abroad, students earn credit that will transfer back to Winthrop and count toward their normal degree progress. Therefore, most students who plan ahead are able to still graduate on time. To ensure a smooth transfer of credit, students will work with their academic advisor prior to departure to determine couse equivalencies. Students must earn the equivalent of a C or better on all courses taken abroad in order to earn credit. Grades from abroad do not affect overall GPA, but are taken into consideration for financial aid and scholarship eligibility and honors designation at graduation.
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Financial Aid Transfer Policies
In general, students who are accepted to study abroad on a Winthrop-affiliated program during the academic year may use their federal, state, and institutional scholarships and financial aid for their study abroad program. Students should always consult with the Office of Financial Aid in 119 Tillman Hall to inquire about their particular financial aid package and inquire as to whether they may qualify for additional aid for study abroad. Upon acceptance, the International Center will provide students with necessary forms to complete the financial aid transfer process.
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Scholarship Opportunities
Students are generally able to use their existing scholarships toward study on Winthrop-affiliated programs. Additionally, students can apply for supplemental scholarships for study abroad, some of which are listed below. Award amounts, application processes, and deadlines vary for each scholarship, so please look into each one individually.
- The Iva Gibson Endowed Scholarship- Annual scholarship awarded to Winthrop University undergraduate/s participating in a semester or academic year program who demonstrate merit and financial need. For more information, contact the Study Abroad Office.
- Scholarships through program providers- Several of the organizations which run Winthrop-affiliated programs offer their own scholarships for students participating on their programs. Examples of these include:
- The Winthrop Office of Nationally Competitive Awards (ONCA) also maintains a list of national scholarships for study and research abroad including the Benjamin A. Gilman Award, Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, and Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Award to name a few.
- DiversityAbroad.com Scholarships- $1,000 scholarships for students participating in programs through providers affiliated with DiversityAbroad.com (including ASA, AIFS, Amizade, AustraLearn, CC-CS, CIEE, Deakin, DIS, IES, IFSA-Butler, ISA, Organization for Tropical Studies, etc.). "Economically disadvantaged students, African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic/Latino, Multiracial/ethnic or Native-American undergraduate students as well as student who study in non traditional locations (Outside western Europe & Australia ) are strongly encouraged to apply."
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International Health Insurance Information
All Winthrop students participating in a study abroad program must have health insurance that covers them while abroad. Winthrop has worked with Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) to offer comprehensive international health insurance to Winthrop students for a $40/month. The insurance has no deductible. You may download more information about the policy by clicking here. Students can get further details and enroll in the CISI policy at the Winthrop International Center.
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International Studies Minor (INTS)
Consider incorporating international experience formally into your academic career by becoming an International Studies (INST) minor. This interdisciplinary minor is designed to complement just about any major and studying abroad fulfills the minor's "Engaging a Foreign Culture" requirement. Many students find that most if not all of the coursework completed abroad counts towards the INTS minor. For more information, see the International Studies Minor website, or descriptions of the Interdisciplinary Minors.
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