Study Abroad FAQs

No. Many study abroad programs offer courses taught entirely in English, including programs in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Students interested in language immersion may also choose programs that include language study opportunities.

Yes. Students participating in approved UNC Asheville exchange, non-exchange, and faculty-led programs may use eligible federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans. Please note that winter break faculty-led programs are not eligible for financial aid.

Yes. UNC Asheville offers several funding opportunities to help students afford study abroad, including the International Experience Grant, a need-based award for approved international experiences lasting at least one week. Students are also encouraged to explore external scholarships such as the Gilman Scholarship, Boren Scholarship, Fund for Education Abroad, and ISEP Scholarships. Scholarship opportunities and deadlines vary by program and term; the Office of Study Abroad can help students identify opportunities and track deadlines.

Students need to maintain a full-time status for semester-based study abroad. The exact number of courses varies by country and institution, but most students take the equivalent of 12–15 UNC Asheville credit hours per semester. All courses must be pre-approved through the course equivalency process to ensure they count appropriately toward degree requirements and full-time enrollment.

The Office of Study Abroad supports students throughout the entire study abroad process, from initial program research to returning home after the experience, including exploring destinations and programs, application requirements and deadlines, course planning and transfer credit, financial aid and scholarship guidance, visa advising, pre-departure preparation and orientation, and re-entry support. We also support international exchange students studying at UNC Asheville, working with the Office of Admission and the Director of International Student Services on admissions, academic advising, orientation, and adjustment to campus life.

Students must complete at least one year on campus before studying abroad and must be enrolled on campus during the semester prior to graduation. Students may study abroad during a semester, an academic year, a summer session, or a short-term program, such as the December break. Most programs require a minimum GPA of 2.50, although some programs require a 2.75 or 3.0 GPA.

First-year students are generally not eligible to study abroad during their first academic year. However, many students participate in faculty-led or summer programs after completing their first year at UNC Asheville. Students who have transferred credits from another institution may be eligible to study abroad during their first year.

Students apply through the UNC Asheville online study abroad application system. Some programs, including ISEP and affiliate programs, also require a separate application through the organization or host institution.

Visit the Deadlines section on our “Why Study Abroad” webpage for specific deadlines. In general, spring study abroad deadlines are typically in mid-September or October; summer and fall deadlines are generally in February or early March; some programs may have earlier deadlines. All study abroad applications must be submitted through the Office of Study Abroad.

Students work closely with their academic advisor and the Office of Study Abroad to select appropriate courses before departure. Courses completed abroad may transfer back as direct UNC Asheville equivalent courses, departmental core and elective courses, or general education/elective credit. A Course Equivalency Form is required during the application process. Courses with grades equivalent to a C or higher transfer back as passing credit; transfer credits appear on the transcript but are not calculated into the UNC Asheville GPA; courses below a C will not receive transfer credit. Final determinations are made once official transcripts are received. Courses required for major competency must be completed at UNC Asheville, and independent study courses completed abroad are generally not accepted for transfer credit.

The Office of Study Abroad works with Student Accounts to ensure students are billed correctly. UNC Asheville Exchange participants are billed UNC Asheville tuition and fees; ISEP Exchange participants are billed UNC Asheville tuition, fees, room, and board; ISEP Direct participants are billed directly through ISEP; Affiliate programs are billed directly through the program provider; Faculty-led participants are billed directly through UNC Asheville.

Students register for future semesters while abroad using their UNC Asheville email account and online registration system. The Registrar’s Office will contact students regarding registration dates and procedures. Students should obtain their RAN from their academic advisor before registration begins.

Students who complete all degree requirements before their study abroad semester begins generally have two options: graduate as planned and reapply as a non-degree student for the study abroad program, or delay graduation until after returning from study abroad. Students who delay graduation but wish to participate in commencement should complete the Commencement Participation Form through the Registrar’s Office, and should discuss possible financial aid implications with Financial Aid before making a decision.

After completing a study abroad program, students must arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly to the UNC Asheville Office of Study Abroad: 1 University Heights, CPO #1560, Asheville, NC 28804, USA. Electronic transcripts may be sent directly from the host institution or approved provider to drhein@unca.edu.

ISEP enrolls you directly into your choice of ISEP Direct program. It is not dependent upon available exchange space at your host institution.

The cost of Direct program tuition could be more or less than your home institution’s tuition. It is listed on each program page and appears once you select the semester in which you intend to go abroad. Accommodations and meals vary from program to program.

Depending on your home institution, you may be able to use Federal aid for ISEP Direct programs. Set up a meeting with your home institution’s financial aid office to learn the details.

Chances of placement for Direct programs is always “Guaranteed” as we are able to guarantee your placement (as long as you meet the minimum academic and program-specific requirements).

It is not necessary to list more than one Direct program on your application as we are able to guarantee Direct placements, so long as you meet program requirements.

Direct deadlines vary from program to program, and in some cases are open later. Make sure to apply by the deadline indicated on the program page!