FAQ: Studying Abroad at Carleton

As I covered in a recent post, my study abroad in Copenhagen with DIS was phenomenal. But how does one study abroad? In this post, I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about studying abroad at Carleton.

How common is it for students to study abroad?

~70% of students study abroad, making it an essential part of the Carleton experience! Moreover, some students study abroad more than once (especially common to study abroad during a term and a break).

What are your options for studying abroad?

Studying abroad is split into two categories: Carleton programs and non-Carleton programs. 

Carleton offers ~20 programs a year exclusive to Carleton students. Each program is sponsored by a department and tailored by Carleton faculty. There are many super interesting Carleton programs I wish I could have participated in. Some Carleton programs my friends have participated in include Economics in Cambridge, Studio Art in the South Pacific, and Globalization and Local Responses in India. 

Non-Carleton programs, as the name entails, are run directly by Carleton. It could mean direct enrolling in a local college/university as a student, or participating in a program that caters specifically to study abroad students. There are several non-Carleton programs that Carleton students frequently participate in, such as the one I did (DIS). Luckily for us, the Off-Campus Studies (OCS) Office is super helpful in finding good fit programs for different students and ensuring study abroad credits transfer (and apply to major requirements!).

So, when can you study abroad, then?

You can study abroad both during the academic year (Fall, Winter, Spring terms) or any of the breaks (Summer, Winter, Spring) usually after your first year. Fall term is probably the most common time to study abroad since it lines up well with the many non-Carleton programs on the semester schedule. Many students also choose to study abroad during their junior year, after official major declarations in the spring term of sophomore year.

All of this sounds great. But what about tuition and costs?

Carleton makes sure that no matter your financial situation, you can have the life-changing experience of an off-campus study. 

Your financial aid package (which Carleton’s generous financial aid will match 100% of your demonstrated need) will apply towards your study abroad tuition/housing and food, just as it does with any other Carleton term, even if you are participating in a non-Carleton program. 

Beyond your financial aid package, Carleton provides study abroad-specific need-based scholarships to offset any additional expense from your study abroad. The OCS office also is knowledgeable about program-specific scholarships and other external scholarships. I’ll have to give them another shoutout, as they helped me get an additional scholarship from DIS which was very clutch for me.

Bottom line: Studying abroad is a life-changing experience, something Carleton truly supports all students to seek out. 

Kai is a junior excited to be back at Carleton after studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. He is a Political Science & Psychology major and prospective Public Policy Minor from Charlottesville, Virginia. He loves working in the Lutsky Social and Personality Research Lab, volunteering for Project Friendship, playing piano at the Weitz, hanging out at Sayles, taking walks around the Lakes or in the Arb, and pitching/playing infield for the baseball team.