It is most important that students attend a program where their courses will be approved and fulfill required Quinnipiac curriculum. Some students have the opportunity to take major and or minor courses abroad, while others are encouraged to fulfill UC courses and open electives. Students should plan course scheduling with their academic advisors and research our approved programs for the best fit for them.

While searching for a program, students should also consider what goals they want to achieve through this experience. Encourage your student to think of education study not as a vacation but as another aspect of their education. These programs provide an opportunity to develop holistically, both personally and academically.

We maintain contact with our providers abroad and receive regular updates from government and nonprofit organizations (U.S. State Department) to assess the safety of our program destinations. Finally, students themselves receive further information from their program provider or host university upon their arrival in-country or any concerns that might be present. This office is prepared to interrupt a student's study abroad placement if there is any problem or situation that warrants concern in a program. In addition, this office is responsible for insuring that in such a situation, students will graduate on time. This may take the form of late registrations for classes, creating independent studies, or administering final examinations (depending on the point in the semester). Regardless, student safety is the highest priority both of this office and Quinnipiac University and all appropriate actions will be taken without academic penalty for the students to maintain continuity within their 'four-year plan.'

1. Quinnipiac University adopted a tuition policy governing its semester study abroad programs. Under this policy. A student’s study abroad charges include, but is not limited to: QU's tuition/fees and standard room (QU meal plan is not charged and the student is responsible for this separately).

A. If a student is selected for a QU exchange program abroad, charges include: QU's  tuition/fees (housing fees will be paid by the student directly to host institution) (QU meal plan is not charged), and an obligatory overseas emergency and medical insurance and security assistance fee

B. When studying through a QU approved study abroad and/or exchange program, the student is expected to cover the cost of additional expenses, including but not limited to airfare, refundable security deposit, application fee, withdrawal fees, visa, meals, academic materials, lab fees, public transportation, personal travel, internet usage, etc. Inclusions and exclusions vary by program. Keep in mind, though, that several factors have to be taken into consideration, such as geography, travel, expenses, and fluctuating exchange rates when calculating additional costs.

C. Please note that the above tuition policy does not affect non-QU summer/winter study abroad. All non-QU summer/winter program fees are paid directly to the program. All summer/winter and semester students are required to pay QU’s overseas emergency and medical insurance fee.

Yes. Financial aid, loans, and scholarships are applied to "Quinnipiac study abroad tuition and housing" with the exception of campus jobs such as Residential Assistants and Work-study students. For more information contact the Office of Financial Assistance at 203-582-8750 / 800-462-1944 or email at finaid@qu.edu.

All students regardless of major can study overseas as long as they meet the requirements of a 3.0 cumulative GPA and in good conduct standing. Students must also get their study abroad courses approved prior to participation.

Some majors may find certain semesters easier to travel abroad, while others may not be able to fit a semester-long trip into their scheduling and will opt to travel in the short term: winter, spring break, summer.

Quinnipiac's direct program is to University College Cork in Cork, Ireland. We also partner with numerous program affiliated around the globe. This allows students to travel anywhere they want to go with our approved programs and trusted partner affiliates. Therefore, it is important for students to know their goals before choosing a location.

Quinnipiac accesses programs regularly, especially safety protocol, and adheres to the State Department Travel Warnings.

Quinnipiac's Cultural and Global Engagement oversees numerous types of education abroad programs.

1. Semester or Academic Year Abroad Students have the option to study abroad for a semester or a full year at various study abroad Quinnipiac approved programs. Students must be full time, taking 12-16 credits in approved courses with grades transferring back into the students’ GPA. Most disciplines of study have the opportunity to take courses within their major or minor, open electives, and UC courses while abroad. Early academic planning is key as some disciplines are selective to timeframe and location.

2. Short Term Partner Programs. Students can travel with Quinnipiac approved program partners, taking up to 7 credits, traveling to different countries or cities while focusing on a specific course topic and having the opportunity to learn the history, culture, language. These programs travel in the summer or winter breaks.

3. Credit-Bearing/Faculty Led Short Term Students will take a course during the semester and travel with their professor and classmates during or at the completion of the course. They will learn about the place they are going as well as the specific course topic. These trips travel in the Summer, Thanksgiving break, Winter break, and Spring Break.

4. Global Solidarity Programs Students have the opportunity to work with our global partners in sustaining mutually beneficial relationships, exchanging culture and history, as well as exploring the country. Some programs are specific to major as they offer hands-on experience in specific fields.

Nicaragua Nursing Trip in January nursing students has the opportunity to expand their clinical, hands-on knowledge, internationally, participating in home visits and other clinical settings.

Occupational and Physical Therapy in Other Nations (OPTION) in Guatemala and Nicaragua during winter break, OT and PT students have the opportunity to put their classroom learning into practice, alongside trained professionals, and fellow students, working in clinical settings, as well as home visits, for a full hands-on experience. Students may also stay with host families during the trip, providing an opportunity for further cultural immersion.

The STEM Education Trips during spring break students with majors related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics or education have the opportunity to travel for one week, observing and learning from local teachers in numerous backgrounds, and presenting topics to students in area schools. Students have the opportunity for full immersion by staying with host families. These are just to name a few.

Graduating on time is a goal for studying abroad and that is why early academic planning with advisors, approving courses, and earning acceptable grades for credit transfer is key. Specific majors might need to manipulate their course scheduling or take courses outside of their semester to stay on track.

Yes, click here for the insurance policy. World Class Coverage Plan Designed for Quinnipiac University

Because of the multitude of destinations our students choose, we cannot answer these questions for all students. Most students will be given this information by their program provider or host university upon acceptance. We provide the students with helpful tips and useful information on the student portal.

Prior to departure, we encourage students to create a plan with their families on how often they will be in contact. Students are going through a major change that can be intimidating, liberating, and exciting all at once, which makes communication important. Given the close contact that we maintain with our overseas partners, this is a 'no news is good news' situation. However, in emergency cases, we reach out to the program providers as well as students to ensure their safety. 

First, remind your students of the quote by Clifton Fadiman, “When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.” Although we hope these situations do not occur since we hold our programs to the highest accountability, both on-site Resident Directors and host university International Offices exist exclusively to help students in these situations. Though it is stressful to hear of your student in a situation that may not be ideal, there is little that we can do from Connecticut; instead, encourage your student to contact the people 'on the ground.'

Also, keep in mind that these complaints arise regularly in the first few weeks of any program. Culture shock is a very real phenomenon and takes many different forms. The stress of living in a different place, taking classes in a different structure, and speaking a different language can manifest itself in many ways. Many of the differences that cause the student's anxiety are simply cultural nuances that will be easily adapted to. Encourage your student to show some patience and question the reasons for those differences, not just assume that they are 'wrong.'

However, if your son or daughter is in a situation that you feel is unsafe, we will follow up with their host institution immediately. Contact our office at study.abroad@quinnipiac.edu or 203-582-8425.

For QU students studying abroad, the credits and grades for approved courses taken abroad become part of the students’ academic transcript, and all grades will be included in the calculation of the students’ GPA. Grades are the exclusive prerogative of the faculty members teaching the courses. If students have questions about grading in any particular course, they must consult the faculty member teaching that course. Questions involving grades issued for study abroad course undertaken through other institutions should be directed to those institutions. QU will not change grades issued by another institution. Students may not take classes for a pass/fail. A student who has not completed the Study Abroad Course Pre-Approval Form and complied with QU’s study abroad policies and procedures will not receive transfer credit and will be ineligible to study abroad through QU. It usually takes 2-3 months for the registrar to receive and process your study abroad transcripts.