Getting Started

Deciding when to study off-campus is a crucial decision that will be shaped by your major, athletics, internships, and other commitments. Planning is important.

Meet with your academic advisor each semester to ensure you can complete your major requirements on campus. For most programs, you will not be able to finalize your course registration until you arrive on the program, so it is important to build as much flexibility as possible into your semester(s) abroad.

Program Search by Majors

Start the process by searching for study abroad programs that align with your academic area(s) of study.

Visit the Global Course Equivalency Database

See how recent courses have transferred back to Dickinson. This database is a guide and not exhaustive.

Tips

Read about transfer policies specific to your program/major in the program’s brochure. CGSE staff are also available to answer questions about transfer policies.
Prior to leaving campus, talk to your advisor(s) to understand the department(s) approach to approving courses to fulfill requirements. Some departments may require extra work, especially for advanced-level credit. It is your responsibility to inquire about any extra work needed.
Please be mindful that you must enroll in a full course load while abroad, which is defined by CGSE. When planning your semester abroad, it is important to be aware that you can only enroll in courses with your abroad program and cannot simultaneously enroll in courses at the Carlisle campus or with another institution, even if they are remote. Therefore, if there is a course on campus needed to graduate that is only offered during your planned semester abroad, you may want to reconsider going abroad that semester. This also applies to independent study courses.
Courses that don’t fulfill major, minor, or distribution requirements count towards graduation requirements. It's ok to take classes outside your major area, especially if it gives you greater insight into living in a different culture!
The official process of transferring credit back to Dickinson occurs after you return to campus. See Transfer Credit Policies to learn more.