Summer Study Abroad

Studying abroad during the summer offers numerous benefits, and OWU encourages students to explore their options for earning academic credit at a partner institution or program.

Why Study Abroad in the Summer?

Our institutional partners provide a wide range of pre-approved programs that offer both academic and co-curricular experiences. Programs typically last four to six weeks, allowing you to:

• Earn credit for one, two, or three courses across various subjects, including internships.
• Immerse yourself in a new culture and gain valuable international experience.

Since summer study abroad programs are considered non-term (outside the regular academic year), the application process is streamlined and straightforward. However, with the possible exception of Pell-Grant awards, your OWU financial aid does not transfer to the cost of summer study abroad. This means that students should carefully way the potential pros and cons of summer vs semester study abroad. 

Step 1: Explore

Drop by Slocum 311 and chat with an IOCP Mentor (mentors@owu.edu) about the study away experience -- available options, getting prepared to go, etc. 

Attend a Phase One: Study Abroad 101 meeting, which highlights key points and will answer most of your questions. Click here to register for a Phase One meeting.

Explore all your options using the OWU Study Away Programs & Application Site.   

Seek out other on-campus resources for more information:

• Meet with your academic advisor to discuss which semester might be best for your study away plans, and what classes you would need to take while abroad to stay on track for graduation.  
• Meet with representatives of partner programs/institutions that frequently visit campus. 
• Connect with study-away alumni who have participated in the program that you are considering.  
• Review Eligibility Requirements for study away
• Review the Cost, Billing, and Financial Aid for study abroad

Step 2:  Complete an OWU Leave Application

Submit a leave application using the OWU Study Away Programs & Application Site. This step is to obtain permission for study away and must be completed by our application deadline. You can find the OWU application deadlines for Fall & Spring/Summer programs here.

How to Apply:

1. Choose a program from one of OWU's institutional partners.
2. Once you have selected your program, click on the "Apply Now" button located on towards the top of the page and complete the application.
3. Once the application is created, complete the required forms before the semester deadline. 

3. Apply to Your Program

• Once your OWU Summer application is submitted, you may apply directly through the program provider's website. Be mindful of deadlines—they vary by program, so be sure to check and track your application deadline.

Step 4: Prepare

Once you have been accepted into a program you will attend a Phase Two: Next Steps Meeting to prepare for off-campus study, both academically and financially. In this meeting, we will go over the additional steps and paperwork you need to complete for both OWU and your study abroad program (such as submitting your Permission to Transfer Credit Form and attending in-person Pre-Departure and Cross-Cultural Essentials workshops.

Academic Planning & Credit Transfer

• Every student must complete a study away academic plan prior to departure, including a Permission to Transfer Credit Form. This are approved by the chair of the department of the student's major, and the Registrar's Office, to ensure that students know prior to departure how their coursework completed while away will transfer back and apply towards their degree requirements.

• Students must advise the Registrar's Office if they deviate from their established plan while away.

Billing & Financial Aid

• OWU facilitates billing for all summer programs, allowing federal aid to be applied toward your off-campus costs.
• After paying any required application fees and deposits, your remaining tuition and housing costs will be billed through your OWU student account when summer billing is processed.
• See if you qualify for any Summer Study Abroad Scholarships!

Need Help?

For additional information or guidance, schedule an appointment with an IOCP mentor or Assistant Director, Hanna Burr.