There are study abroad programs available for all students (freshman - graduate) in all academic programs. While participating in study abroad or study away programs offered by BSU Study Abroad, students are to comply with the university rules and regulations as described in this handbook. All study abroad/study away students must conduct themselves in accordance with BSU guidelines, host institution policies, and in accordance to all laws of the host country.
Study Abroad Program Types
BSU Travel Courses
BSU Travel Courses are faculty-led, short-term 3-credit courses open to all BSU students offered during winter, spring and summer with travel during university breaks. Travel Courses focus on specific academic disciplines and each course incorporates lectures, excursions and field trips to give students the opportunity to explore and learn about the host country/culture and academic topics. As program requirements and space permits, BSU visiting students and BSU community members are welcome to apply. Students pay a program fee which includes course credit, accommodations, some meals, program related activities and airfare (some programs may not include airfare).
Semester Abroad Exchange Programs
Students study for a semester, academic year or summer session at one of BSU’s exchange partner universities overseas. Exchange programs are available for all majors with opportunities to take classes in specific disciplines, both in English and the local language. Students earn BSU transfer credit for their successful coursework abroad with relevant departmental approvals. For semester and academic year terms, students pay tuition and fees to BSU and living expenses to the host university. Students are responsible for paying for flights, housing, books, food, travel, etc. in addition to BSU tuition and fees. For summer sessions, students are responsible for paying program fees to the exchange partner. Students must apply and have BSU Study Abroad approval to participate.
Bridgewater IN Programs and Affiliate Study Abroad Provider Programs
Students study at one of BSU’s affiliated universities or programs overseas. These programs are offered for summer sessions, semesters and the academic year with courses taught in English and the local language. Students earn BSU transfer credit for their successful coursework abroad with relevant departmental approvals. Students pay a program fee to the affiliated university or program, not BSU, to cover their tuition and fees. Students are responsible for paying for flights, housing, books, food, travel, etc., in addition to tuition and fees. Students must apply and have BSU Study Abroad Office approval to participate.
BSU International Student Teaching Programs
Students participate in a 7-8 week student teaching experience at one of the BSU College of Education and Health Sciences teacher placement locations. Each placement site is different but students typically work Monday through Friday and follow the BSU Student Teaching Schedule. Fall international teaching placements occur during the 2nd quarter and spring international teaching placements occur during the 4th quarter. Students pay tuition and fees to BSU and living expenses on site. Students are responsible for paying for flights, housing, food, travel, etc., in addition to tuition and fees.
BSU National Student Exchange (NSE) Programs
Students study a semester or an academic year at one of BSU’s partner universities throughout North America: United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. NSE programs are available for all majors with opportunities to take classes in specific disciplines. Students earn BSU transfer credit for their successful coursework with relevant departmental approvals. Students pay tuition and fees to BSU or the host university, and their living expenses on site. Students are responsible for paying for flights, housing, books, food, travel, etc. in addition to tuition and fees.
BSU Virtual Programs
BSU institutional partners and organizational affiliates offer various types of intercultural virtual programing, including one-time collaborative sessions, courses ranging from two weeks to two months long, to full semester virtual course offerings. These virtual offerings may be offered free of charge or at cost, and may or may not include the option to transfer credit to BSU.
Application Process
There are study abroad programs available for all students (freshmen – graduate) in good academic standing at BSU: a minimum GPA 2.5 for travel courses, a minimum GPA 2.75 for semester, academic year or summer programs, and a minimum GPA 2.8 for International Student Teaching. Application requirements vary by program and some programs have additional requirements and prerequisites. Specific program information is available on the Study Abroad website and at the office.
- Attend a Study Abroad 101 Session in the Study Abroad Office. Sessions are offered weekly, in-person and online, during the academic year. The updated Study Abroad 101 schedule is available on the Study Abroad website.
- Research available study abroad programs (http://bridgew-horizons.symplicity.com/) and select one that best meets your academic, personal and professional goals. Be sure to meet with your academic advisor to discuss your course plan.
- Complete a program application and meet with a member of the Study Abroad staff for an advising session.
- Once approved and accepted, submit your enrollment paperwork and required materials. The enrollment process varies depending on the study abroad program type.
Costs
Fees and payment schedules vary depending on the study abroad program. Specific program costs and expenses are available on the Study Abroad website and at the office.
Funding Your Study Abroad Program
Consider these funding sources to pay for your study abroad program:
- Financial Aid: Contact BSU Financial Aid (finaid@bridgew.edu 508.531.1341) to discuss your individual aid package and what may be applied toward a study abroad program.
- Scholarships: There are several BSU study abroad scholarships and a variety of off-campus scholarships available. The Study Abroad Office offers support to students in searching for and applying any type of study abroad scholarship. Scholarships are often available based on financial need, academic merit, the host country, language study, heritage, or increasing diversity in study abroad.
- Personal Savings: Your savings, earnings from work, and family are a significant source of funds for these educational experiences. Students should plan ahead and start saving as soon as they have been approved for a program. Student may also choose to crowdfund online or discover other creative funding methods.
Contact Information
- Study Abroad Office
- Minnock Institute for Global Engagement
- 25 Park Terrace, Bridgewater, MA 02325
- Email: studyabroad@bridgew.edu
- Website: www.bridgew.edu/studyabroad
- Phone: 508-531-6183
Revised 8/2022 by Mike Sandy, Study Abroad Office