Studying abroad is an academic opportunity for students to study in another country. Study abroad programs range from short-term (approximately 2 weeks) to a year.
By studying abroad, students can earn credit toward their degrees at the University of Colorado Denver. There are different kinds of study abroad programs offered at UC Denver and through program providers.
Studying abroad is an experience that enhances a student’s personal and educational growth. Today’s students need to be knowledgeable about the global community. By studying abroad, students not only learn a foreign language—an invaluable skill—but they learn compassion, understanding, camaraderie and collaboration.
Furthermore, international study increases confidence and gives students an advantage when looking for employment as well as when applying for graduate school.
Study abroad will not necessarily keep students from graduating in four years. In fact, research shows that students are more likely to graduate on time if they participate in a global study program. Your student can earn credit toward her or his degree while studying abroad—provided all the required documents and authorizations are completed on time and according to due process.
Costs vary from program to program. Just like when you are traveling, some locations are more expensive to travel to than others. And just like different universities, they all have different tuition costs. In studying abroad, there are some locations that cost more than others. This could be because airfare to get there is very expensive, it is a private university so tuition is higher, the exchange rate is poor, the location is more highly traveled, etc. Europe tends to be more expensive than Latin America. This could be for any number of reasons such as airfare, and exchange rate.
Some programs are comparable, for example the cost of a semester at the UC Denver International College in Beijing is extremely similar to the financial estimate of a semester on the UC Denver campus in Colorado.
Choose a program that fits your budget
Apply for scholarships
Use federal, state, and/or institutional aid (e.g. Pell Grants, institutional grants, Stafford loans, PLUS loans, etc.)
If your child is on the Pell Grant and maintains a 3.0 GPA then they are eligible for the Gilman Scholarship where they can receive up to $5,000 towards study abroad.
Apply for private loans, etc. Check the Financing Study Abroad section for more information.
Check out our own faculty-led Global Study programs that are reasonably priced and short-term (2-3 weeks) to accommodate a busy student’s schedule.
Absolutely! For, UC Denver Global Study programs, all financial Aid can be taken towards study abroad. Students on other program provider programs are eligible to take their loans and any federal grants. We also encourage students to apply for outside scholarships.
Your student should go abroad when it best fits her or his academic planning. Most students study abroad after their sophomore year and before their senior year. Have your student inquire with their academic adviser for recommendations on when studying abroad is possible.
UC Denver students are unique in that the majority of our students that go on global study programs are graduate students.
The personal safety of your student while she or he is studying abroad is a top priority to both to you and to the Office of Internationalization and Global Education. We prepare students through pre-departure orientations. Students are provided with counseling on potential risks, necessary precautions and contacts abroad.
UC Denver does not approve student participation in programs located in countries where the U.S. Department of State has flagged a Travel Warning.
The Office of Global Education works closely with International SOS – the world’s leader on international healthcare, medical assistance and evacuation services.
In addition, the Office of International Affairs and Global Education monitor the updates on health and safety issues around the world that are issued by the U.S. Department of State.
It has never been cheaper to communicate with one another overseas! Postal mail, telephone, Vonage, Skype, email, and many internet services are all available means by which to communicate with students abroad. While rates may be higher to connect overseas, the services work very similar to those here in the United States. We encourage students to purchase a local cell phone where incoming calls are free. Be sure to find out the appropriate access numbers for the United States as they vary from country to country.
It is also important to remember they may not have access to a phone or computer when they first arrive. It is best to agree upon a time with your student to check in. While it is important to check in periodically, please keep in mind that part of the study abroad experience is to immerse one's self in the local culture and disconnect from home a bit. Please encourage your student to do so. It will help the transition immensely.
Make sure to talk to your student first as they may have the information you are seeking. If you have any further questions, you can call the UC Denver’s Office of Global Education at (303) 315-2230 or email us at Study.abroad@UCdenver.edu
For more information about safety abroad, please look at the following resources:
“Advice for Parents: Frequently Asked Questions” by Bill Hoffa at the SAFETI Clearinghouse
“Study Abroad Parents Information and Guide to International Study” at DiversityAbroad.com