A third-party provider is an independent organization that facilitates study abroad programs for U.S. students. These providers offer programs all over the world, giving students many options when choosing how to globalize their education.
What is offered by each provider can vary greatly, but they generally have staff both in the United States and at your study abroad destination to assist you with all steps of the process.
CU Denver Global Study programs are valuable, enriching experiences led by CU Denver faculty, but they do not meet the needs of every student. This is especially true for students that wish to study in a country where we don’t currently have a program, or for students that wish to study for a semester or longer in a country other than China.
There are two websites that we suggest students use in their search:
www.goabroad.com and www.iiepassport.org
You can search by country, term, subject, or a combination of all of these. Please keep in mind that all programs must be approved by the Office of Global Education in order for you to receive credit.
Choosing a provider is a decision that is ultimately up to you. When choosing a provider, consider the following:
- What are your academic & personal objectives?
- What kind of credit do you need? (Major, Minor, Core, etc.)
- Do you want to learn a language? Do you want to learn about a specific culture?
- What kind of living arrangements do you want? A host family? A dorm with local students?
- How much does it cost? Do they have any scholarships?
- What is included in the cost?
Looking at what is offered by different providers that go to the same city or university can help you decide which one fits your needs.
The cost for the programs offered by these providers can vary greatly depending on location, length, and what is included. It is important to carefully review and compare what various providers include in their fees.
Program fees will be paid directly to your provider and you will not pay CU Denver tuition. The Office of Global Education charges a $400 study abroad application fee. This keeps you registered at CU Denver and is the only fee paid to the University when you are away.
Yes! In general most of the financial aid that you use to study at CU Denver can be used toward your study abroad program.
Please see our Funding section for more information.
Yes, you will receive credit for approved programs. How your credit is transferred back to CU Denver is decided by your academic advisors. Students complete our course approval form before they depart to determine whether or not courses will count towards their major, minor, core, or as electives.
Direct enrollment can be the right choice for students in very specific situations. Many times students will consider this option because it appears to be a better value, but keep in mind what you will be responsible for if you do directly apply: finding housing in a foreign country, applying to classes at an institution you are unfamiliar with, securing a student visa, and all of this in a language that you may not speak.
When deciding whether or not to go with a provider, take a look at the cost of the program and what they include with that cost. Most students find that providers are worth the cost for the assistance and excursions they provide, and for the time saved not having to plan everything on their own.
Not so fast! Before you apply, confirm your choice with the Office of Global Education. In order for you to receive credit towards your degree at CU Denver, the foreign institution you attend must be accredited. Once we have approved your program, you will be all set to apply!