(973) 761-9072
Fahy Hall, Room 128
http://academic.shu.edu/oip
Studying Abroad with SHU
If you are studying abroad on a program run by a Seton Hall faculty member, you will work with that faculty member and the Office of International Programs to prepare for your program. For a list of programs offered by Seton Hall visit the Office of International Programs Study Abroad page.
Studying Abroad Through Another Institution
If you are planning to study abroad through another university or study abroad organization you will need to work closely with the Office of International Programs (OIP). Feel free to come to the OIP to discuss your study abroad options and plans. We can help you with resources to research and explore various programs. Once you have identified the program you would like to attend you should apply to the program directly through that institution. Please note that many study abroad programs have competitive admission, therefore it is important that you apply within the deadline and have a strong application.
Once you have already identified and/or applied to the study abroad program of your choice, then the Office of International Programs should be your first stop. We will explain the paperwork you must complete to ensure that everything is in order for your program, including transferring credits, financial aid, Mobile computing and more.
Transferring Credits from your Study Abroad
One of your primary concerns when studying abroad is what academic credit you will receive from the program and how these credits will apply to your degree. Seton Hall grants credits for any courses you have taken at an accredited institution for which you have earned a C or better (note an official transcript must be sent to Enrollment Services to transfer the credit at the completion of the program). However, getting the credit may not be enough as you need to make sure that it will apply to your degree in the best way possible. That is why it is important to you meet with the appropriate academic departments before you study abroad. In order for your credits to be accepted back into Seton Hall you must meet with these individuals and have them sign off on the Permission to Study at Another institution form.
Who has to sign the form?
- First you will need to meet with your academic adviser to discuss the program. You should have already researched the course offerings on the program and be prepared to discuss the options with your adviser to help you determine which courses you should take on your study abroad program.
- Then you will need to meet with the Chair of each department from the discipline(s) in which you have decided to take classes. For example, if you plan to take an Art class while abroad then the Chair of the Art department must sign the form to provide the Seton Hall equivalent for the course you intend to take.
- Then the Dean or Associate Dean of your College must sign off on the form
- And lastly, you should bring the form to the Office of International Programs after you have received all other signatures. We will sign the form and provide you with a copy which you should retain for your records. The OIP will then forward the forms to Enrollment Services for processing. Upon your return your transcript should be sent to Enrollment Services and they will place the pre-approved course equivalents and credits on your record.
Please note, since you may not be able to take all of the courses you anticipate due to over enrollment or course cancellation, it is wise for you to get prior approval for 2-3 alternate classes so you have assurance about the transferability of these courses.
Why do you have to get approval from all of these people?
- To determine the Seton Hall equivalent of the course you will be taking abroad
- To determine how the courses can fit best into your course of study
- To ensure that the content of the courses you are planning to take are not redundant with already earned credit.
- To determine how/if this will affect your ability to graduate on schedule
- To ensure that you are not missing any required courses which may not be offered again before you graduate.