Study Abroad Programs in The United States

The study abroad programmes in this section are run from the United States: they are organised by U.S. universities and by independent providers so that students, mostly from U.S. colleges, can spend a summer, a semester or a year studying in another country. The U.S. Department of State says it is committed to expanding study abroad opportunities for American students, and Boston University notes that it was one of the first American universities to offer international education programmes.

This directory lists 46 study abroad organisations based in the United States, with the largest groups in Austin, Chicago and Miami. Many run programmes in Spain and Latin America, so this is also the side of the exchange that brings U.S. students to cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Salamanca, Valencia and Toledo.

How U.S. study abroad programmes work

There are three main kinds of organiser:

• University programmes: a U.S. college runs its own centre or courses abroad. Boston University lists more than 150 programmes in over 30 cities and 20 countries, with more than 2,300 students abroad each year; Hamilton College's Academic Year in Spain in Madrid is in its 53rd session
• Consortia: groups of universities share programmes; the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), a non-profit since 1982, offers more than 50 programmes in 26 countries
• Independent providers: organisations such as IES Abroad in Chicago or AIFS in Stamford arrange courses, housing and excursions for students from many colleges

Formats vary. Some programmes give on-site support, housing and internships, while others are built around direct enrolment at a foreign university; at Boston University, 66 percent of students take an internship while abroad. Language programmes may require full immersion: participants in Hamilton's Madrid programme pledge to speak only Spanish at all times, in and outside class, and can enrol directly in Madrid's university system. Lengths range from short summer programmes and high school summer camps to a full academic year.

Credit, accreditation and admission

For a U.S. student, the key question is whether the courses count towards the degree at home. Programmes run by a student's own university usually do; Boston University, for example, states that many study abroad courses fulfil requirements of its general education programme. Programmes run by another college carry that college's credit and accreditation, such as Hamilton's Madrid programme, which is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). With independent providers, the student's home college decides which credits it accepts, so approval should be obtained before departure.

Admission is set by each programme. University and consortium programmes are often limited to students enrolled at a U.S. college or at member institutions. Some providers and summer programmes accept high school students or applicants from any college, so eligibility should be checked on each programme's page.

Costs and funding

Programme fees are set by each organiser and usually differ from tuition at the home campus; they may include housing, excursions and insurance, or only tuition. The U.S. Department of State's StudyAbroad portal lists financial resources for U.S. students, including the Gilman and Critical Language scholarships and foreign government scholarships. The study abroad office of the home college is the first stop for advice on funding.

How to choose

• Credit: whether the home college accepts the courses, and in which subjects
• Format: a programme centre with its own classes, direct enrolment at a local university, or a mix
• Language: courses in English, in the local language, or a language pledge
• Support and housing: homestay, residence or flat, on-site staff and internships
• Length and cost: summer, semester or year, and what the fee includes

Frequently asked questions

Who can join a U.S. study abroad programme?

Most are designed for students enrolled at U.S. colleges, and some are limited to a university's own students or to consortium members. Some providers also accept high school students or students from any college; check each programme's eligibility.

Do study abroad credits count towards a U.S. degree?

Usually, if the home college approves the courses in advance. Programmes run by the student's own university normally count directly, and programmes run by another accredited college carry that college's credit.

Are there scholarships for studying abroad?

Yes. The U.S. Department of State's StudyAbroad portal lists funding for U.S. students, including the Gilman and Critical Language scholarships and scholarships offered by foreign governments.

Which U.S. programmes go to Spain?

Several in this directory, including Hamilton College's Academic Year in Spain in Madrid, the University of Minnesota's programme in Toledo, the University of Virginia's Hispanic Studies in Valencia and IES Abroad centres in Madrid, Barcelona and Salamanca.