Study Abroad
Georgetown University College of Arts & Sciences students have the opportunity to study abroad all over the world.
Student studying at GU-Qatar
Students may choose a university-sponsored program or propose an independent program. Independent programs must be pre-approved by the dean’s office. Students may also apply to one of two Georgetown centers overseas: Villa Le Balze in Florence, Italy, or the School of Foreign Service in Doha, Qatar.
Most students matriculate directly into the foreign university, enrolling in the host university’s courses with native students who are pursuing degree programs. By being fully integrated at the host university, Georgetown students are better able to make the most of the overseas experience.
Applying to Study Abroad
Students should begin their research by visiting the Office of Global Education (OGE) website to identify countries and programs of interest. Prior to meeting with a Study Abroad Advisor, students are required to attend Study Abroad 101, to learn about program choices and the application process. Students should sign up to attend Study Abroad 101.
Students must also meet with their dean to discuss how potential study abroad plans may fit with their degree plan and requirements. Some departments place limits on the number of courses that may be transferred to the major or minor. See Study Abroad Transfer Credit for department-specific information.
Students will be required to prepare a formal application for their program of interest. See the Office of Global Education for detailed application instructions. Before final submission, the study proposal is reviewed by the student’s major department, the dean, and the Office of Global Education.
While Abroad
Once abroad, students finalize their registration and select courses. Students should also remember to bring copies of coursework and syllabi back to Georgetown.
Back at Georgetown
After returning from abroad, students must provide a transfer credit evaluation form—with approval signatures from their major and minor department overseas study advisors—to their dean. Once the deans receive an official transcript from the host university, they will post transfer credit to the student’s MyDegree audit and indicate any credits that may count toward majors, minors, or core requirements.
Study Abroad Stories
News Story
Check out the testimonies of STEM study abroad students in years past. C‘20 graduates Lilia Darrow and Sean Melville, who studied Biology and Mathematics & Economics respectively, can both attest to not only the possibility of studying abroad as STEM students but also the advantages of doing so.
October 20, 2024
News Story
Unlocking the World through SIT Study Abroad Programs
Isabel Powell (C’24) studied abroad on the SIT India Public Health, Gender, and Community Action program in Spring 2023. Empowered by her experience, she conducted research relevant to her interests and future career goals.
May 20, 2024
News Story
Returning from Abroad Part Three: Featuring Ryley Zapien’s Journey Home from Australia
Ryley Zapien (C’21) from Bellingham, Washington only had a short time to adjust to her new life on the other side of the world in Sydney, Australia where she was studying abroad before she was sent home due to COVID-19. Though the junior had only been in the country for a month and a half, she is greatly appreciative for the time she had there and is already looking forward to returning.
April 20, 2020