How to Study Abroad

As a NCC/SUNY student, you have the option to study abroad with your home campus (NCC) or with another SUNY campus. It’s important for students to always communicate with both the home campus and administering campus. NCC’s contact info is studyabroad@ncc.edu.


1. Home Campus - This is the college/university you are currently enrolled in.
2. Administering Campus - This is the institution that is hosting the study abroad program. It may be your home campus, or another SUNY. This college/university runs and manages all program details.

You can begin looking for programs at suny.edu

Study Abroad Semesters

Summer

These programs usually occur during the summer term from the end of May to early August. Programs can vary in length, but most programs are between 2 and 6 weeks.

Winter

These programs usually occur during winter break in late December or January. Programs can vary in length but are usually 10 -21 days

Semester / Academic Year

These programs take the place of a semester/academic year at your home campus. Note, semester dates can vary around the world and might not match the semester dates of your home campus.

Spring Break

These programs’ dates match your home campus’ spring break, which can vary by campus. Spring Break programs can either be embedded in a semester course or stand-alone.

Study Abroad Program Types

The term study abroad (or education abroad) is means to have an experiential learning experience in a different country, while earning credit. There are different “styles” which influence the structure and cost.

Faculty led

Faculty-led programs vary in length but are on average one to three weeks long and travel in conjunction with a course. Travel typically occurs at the beginning or end of the semester or during a college break. You are abroad with a faculty and a cohort of other students.

Non-Exchange

Terminology for these types of programs can vary - you may find your home campus calls these programs Direct-Enroll, Partner Programs, Provider Programs, or simply Study Abroad.  Non-exchange programs are more expensive than exchange programs because of the program differential.

Exchange

Exchange Programs allow you to study at a university abroad and directly enroll in coursework as a visiting international student. Exchange programs tend to be affordable programs because you only pay SUNY tuition and not tuition to the overseas university. Typically, the same state, federal, and institutional aid can apply to your semester abroad.

Internships

Internships are work-related learning experiences intended to develop hands-on skills within a certain occupational field. Internships can be part-time or full-time, depending on the chosen study abroad program. Traditionally, internships are credit-bearing and thus not paid.

Volunteer/Service-Learning

Service learning is a process by which you learn by doing and experience personal development through organized volunteer activities. When actively participating in projects driven by local community priorities, you apply your skills and knowledge in real-life situations, while gaining valuable hands-on work experience. Service learning abroad or global community engagement relies upon ongoing open dialogue and partnership with participating communities.

Students should check with the administering campus to identify if their desired program is exchange or non-exchange.

Choosing a Program

Timing

Students should consider how long they want to study away and the time of year that is best for them in terms of course scheduling, club and activity obligations, as well as the climate of the location. To study abroad in winter session or spring, you should apply in September or October the semester before.  To study in Summer or Fall, you should apply in February or March.  Each program has slightly different application dates, and it will be written in their description.   


Location

Thoroughly researching your program's location is crucial. Consider the country, region, city, and university, as well as factors like climate, population, language, history, culture, and healthcare accessibility. Evaluate the potential for interacting with both Americans and locals, and explore any travel opportunities or unique experiences offered by the program or location. Ultimately, choose a location that aligns with your personal preferences and goals.

Cost

Study away programs vary in cost depending on factors such as program length, location, included services, and the type of institution. It's essential to determine your budget before applying. Financial aid may be applicable to study away programs, but please consult your financial aid office for specific details. Most study abroad website will include information on the program costs.

Academics

International programs often have different educational systems, teaching styles, course/credit structures, and offerings compared to the U.S. Carefully consider how these factors align with your academic goals, such as completing major requirements or general education courses. Speak with an advisor at the study abroad office who will help you by looking at your degree evaluation to figure out what courses you can take abroad and how it will transfer back to help your degree at NCC.

Application Process

Application instructions can be found on the website of the administering campus. Make sure to check the program description to see that you meet the eligibility requirements of the program before applying. Some examples of eligibility requirements are:

1. Minimum GPA (varies by program but usually 2.5)
2. Course prerequisites
3. Language prerequisites
4. Class standing

Check deadlines. Typically, you will apply at least one semester in advance. For example, a common deadline for winter and spring programs is October 1 and a common deadline for summer and fall/academic year programs is March 1.
Apply! Some typical requirements include:

1. Official/unofficial transcripts
2. Study statement
3. Academic reference(s)
4. Additional requirements (if any)

Once accepted to a program, notify your home campus’ study abroad office