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FAQs: Students

Below you may find answers to FAQs related to study away: locations and courses, eligibility, preparation for study away, financial aid, applying for NYU semester study away, registration for NYU semester study away, Gallatin travel courses, and preparing for your return to Washington Square.


Locations & Courses

Q: Where can I study away?

A: NYU students have the option of studying at NYU’s sites in Abu DhabiAccraBerlinBuenos AiresFlorence (La Pietra), LondonMadridParisPragueShanghaiSydneyTel Aviv, and Washington, D.C. You can learn more about each site at the NYU Study Away Web site.

NYU students also have the option of studying at specific foreign and domestic universities with which NYU has partnered. For more information, visit the NYU International Exchange site and the Domestic Exchange Program site.

For shorter-term options away, see Gallatin's travel courses, the NYU Summer Study Away website, and the NYU January Term website.

Additionally, Gallatin students who believe their concentrations would benefit from study outside of NYU’s global network may seek approval to take courses at other institutions, domestic or abroad, while matriculated at Gallatin. They must be pre-approved, and approval is by no means guaranteed. For more information, including the required application, visit the International External Study page or the Domestic External Study page.

 

Q: What’s the difference between NYU semester-long study away and the NYU international and domestic exchange programs?

A: In addition to maintaining its own academic centers abroad, NYU has relationships with universities in 10 countries and with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-serving institutes (HSIs) in the US. NYU students may apply to study away at one of these partner institutions.

Many of the foreign universities offer course work in English, but some require advanced knowledge of a foreign language. For more information, visit the NYU International Exchange site and the Domestic Exchange Program site.

 

Q: Can I enroll in one of NYU’s exchange partner universities without applying to the NYU International Exchange Program?

A: For the fall and spring semesters, NYU students must apply for the NYU International Exchange Program if they wish to study at any of NYU’s exchange partner universities. The exchange program is not offered for the summer term, so students may apply directly to these universities as visiting students assuming this is allowed by the universities and assuming that students meet the universities’ application requirements. This would be considered external study; you would have to also submit a Gallatin International External Study application for approval.

 

Q: Is it possible to study away in a non-NYU (external) program?

A: If you believe your concentration would benefit from study outside of NYU’s global network, you may seek approval to take courses at other institutions, domestic or abroad, while matriculated at Gallatin. You must be pre-approved for such external study, and approval is by no means guaranteed. For more information, including the required application, visit the International External Study page or the Domestic External Study page.

 

Q: Where can I find information on NYU courses offered away?

A: You may use NYU's Global Study Planner to explore the full range of course options at NYU's global academic centers. For information about Gallatin courses offered at NYU's global academic centers, you may also visit Gallatin's Course Offerings Away web page.

 

Q: Are credits from the NYU exchange programs considered transfer credits or NYU credits?

A: Courses taken at NYU exchange programs count as NYU credit in terms of bursar, financial aid, and residency requirements.


Q: Can my non-Gallatin study away course fulfill Gallatin requirements?

A: Gallatin students must petition for non-Gallatin study away courses to be used towards a Gallatin foundation requirement. You should first discuss this with your adviser and should complete Gallatin’s online foundation requirement petition form (a course description and syllabus are required).


Q: Can a Gallatin SASEM course fulfill the IDSEM requirement?

A: No. Gallatin's faculty have reviewed SASEM courses and have determined that they do not meet the requirements of IDSEM courses. However, some SASEM courses might fulfill other Gallatin requirements. See Gallatin’s study away course descriptions for more information.


Q: Is it possible to complete a Gallatin individualized project (Independent Study, Tutorial, Internship, Private Lesson, Senior Project) while studying away?

A: No, Gallatin’s faculty has deliberated this question and determined that individualized projects cannot be completed abroad. However, some NYU sites offer a 4-credit Gallatin course, Internship Seminar and Fieldwork INDIV-UG, which is permitted. This course requires a 90-minute weekly seminar and a minimum of 10 hours fieldwork a week at an approved internship field site.


Eligibility

Q: When can I study away?

A: If you entered Gallatin directly from high school or following a gap year, you can study away for a full semester beginning in the sophomore year. If you entered Gallatin as a transfer student, you can study away for a full semester starting your second semester at Gallatin (you must spend your first full semester as a Gallatin student in New York).

First-year and new transfer students may be eligible to participate in short-term J-Term and Summer Programs. Please see specific program applications for eligibility requirements. New transfer students may begin their study at Gallatin by taking a Gallatin travel course, if eligible, but they should first consult with Gallatin Admissions to verify that these courses will count towards their degree.

If you plan to study away early in your Gallatin career, the experience can help you conceptualize your concentration. If you study away as a junior or senior, study away may represent the culmination of your Gallatin concentration.

A REMINDER TO JUNIORS AND SENIORS: Confer with your primary and class advisers regarding scheduling your semester away so that it does not interfere with your rationale and booklist development, colloquium, or graduation plans. If you are a senior planning to study away in your final semester, realize that you may have to miss graduation and commencement ceremonies, as classes at some study away sites start and end later in the year than do classes in New York.


Q: Do I need specific academic requirements to be eligible for study away?

A: In general, students who want to study away should have a 3.0 GPA and no Incompletes (other than the IAPC).


Q: How many times can I study away?

A: There’s really no limit to the amount of times you may study away, but you should work closely with your adviser to make sure you fulfill all your degree requirements in a timely way. Also, some students who study away for multiple semesters encounter difficulties forming a community with their peers and faculty here at Washington Square. This circumstance may not apply to you, but be sure to consider it.


Preparation

Q: What should I do to prepare for study away?

A: Consider learning the language! Although it’s not required for NYU semester study (unless you choose a foreign language track program), it might be required for some NYU international exchange programs and for some non-NYU programs. Regardless, students generally have a more fulfilling experience away if they have at least some knowledge of the local language.

Explore the NYU study away websites, including course descriptions and faculty bios. Think about how the site’s academic offerings will enhance your Gallatin concentration, and talk to your adviser about your plans.

Make sure you have a passport that’s valid until at least 6 months after your planned return from study away. You’ll need it several weeks (or sometimes months, depending on visa requirements) prior to traveling, so don’t wait until the last minute! For more information on obtaining or renewing your passport, visit the NYU Global Passport page and the U.S. Department of State web site.

Lastly, if you are accepted to study away through NYU, read ALL the emails NYU’s Office of Global Programs sends you!


Q: Do I need to study a foreign language before studying away?

A: Prior foreign language study is not required for NYU semester study away, but it might be required for some of NYU’s international exchange universities and for some non-NYU programs.

However, even for programs that do not require it, we encourage it! Having a background in the language of the host country will enable you to have a more immersive experience. In addition, it will open up opportunities for internships at NYU sites, along with the possibility of taking courses taught in a foreign language at a local university (if the NYU site where you will study offers that option).


Q: Will I be required to take a foreign language course while studying away?

A: If you study at the NYU site in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Florence, Madrid, Paris, Shanghai, or Tel Aviv, you will be required to take either a language course or a content course taught in the language of the host country. Language instruction is offered but not required at NYU Abu Dhabi, Accra, London, New York, and Prague. (Sydney and Washington, D.C., do not currently offer language courses.)

Foreign language study requirements vary for NYU international exchange programs and for non-NYU programs.


Q: I am concerned about studying away due to a health issue. Who can I talk to for more information?

A: If you have any questions or concerns regarding your ability to travel or study abroad, you may email Zoe Ragouzeos, LCSW, NYU Student Health Center.


Q: I am receiving ongoing treatment for a health issue. How will this affect my study abroad plans?

A: NYU requires that students studying away as part of their education program be covered under an NYU-sponsored health insurance plan. Students must continue to maintain health insurance coverage in their home countries in the event they need to return home.

If you are currently receiving treatment that is essential to functioning, you should identify a medical practitioner PRIOR TO departure. If you are considering taking a hiatus from treatment, you should have a plan in the event you need to see someone while abroad. In regards to counseling/therapy, note that attitudes toward these treatments vary from one country to another, and the availability of resources and quality of services may be different from what you are accustomed to in your home country.

If you are currently taking ongoing medication, you should meet with your prescribing physician to discuss plans to receive enough medication to last until the return, if possible. Prescriptions from American doctors cannot be filled abroad, so you should obtain a referral to a psychiatrist or medical doctor abroad who can follow you and write prescription refills.

Should you have more questions or concerns regarding your ability to travel or study abroad, you may email Zoe Ragouzeos, LCSW, NYU Student Health Center. NYU Global has also made some informative health and wellness videos to help students prepare for study away and to educate them about resources abroad.


Financial Aid

Q: How does financial aid apply?

A: For NYU semester-long programs, financial aid applies just as if you were studying here at Washington Square. Full-time tuition and fees are the same for a semester spent at an NYU global campus as they are for a semester in New York. NYU students with a current FAFSA on file with the Office of Financial Aid may apply for additional financial aid for their semester away.

For school-based and short-term programs, financial aid varies. Please contact the NYU Office of Financial Aid and/or the sponsor NYU school for more information.

For non-NYU study ("external study"; see International External Study or Domestic External Study), please note that NYU-specific financial aid will not transfer to the external program, but some non-NYU aid might be applicable. Please contact the NYU Office of Financial Aid for more information.


Q: Do scholarships exist for study away?

A: Financial aid, grants, and scholarships are available to NYU students who study at NYU global academic centers. For more information about scholarship opportunities for NYU study away, visit the NYU Global Scholarships & Financial Aid web page.

See the Additional Funding page for more funding options for NYU and non-NYU study away. 

Need-based scholarships exist for Gallatin Summer and January Term Travel Courses. For more information, visit Gallatin’s Travel Courses web page.


Q: Where can I get assistance with writing scholarship statements?

A: Students may consider visiting the Gallatin Writing Center or the NYU Writing Center for assistance with formulating ideas for and editing statements. NYU Global also offers scholarship writing workshops on occasion; contact them for details. Students may also contact Gallatin Global Programs for scholarship statement tips.


NYU Semester Study Away: Applying

Q: When should I apply?

A: Priority application deadlines are Sept. 15 for the Spring semester and Feb. 15 for the Fall semester. Students who apply by the above dates will receive the NYU Office of Study Away's decision about two weeks later. You can apply after these dates, but the decision may be delayed, and fewer spots are available.

We strongly encourage you to apply by the priority deadlines. Usually, some sites fill by the first priority application deadline due to limited capacity.

To see a complete list of study abroad deadlines, please visit the NYU Global Applying page.


Q: Do I need to study a foreign language before pursuing NYU semester study away?

A: No, but we encourage it! Having a background in the language of the host country will enable you to have a more immersive experience. In addition, it will open up opportunities for internships at the sites, along with the possibility of taking courses taught in a foreign language at a local university (if the NYU site where you will study offers that option).

However, you CAN study away even if you have no foreign language knowledge, as elementary-level language courses are offered at all non-Anglophone sites.


Q: How do I apply to study away through NYU for a semester?

A: It’s easy! You simply need to fill out the online application, which includes a personal statement. You may also be required to submit information about second language ability, when relevant. A letter of recommendation or adviser approval is not required.

To access the online application, log into Albert. Under the "Student Center" heading, click on the "Application Center" link. This will take you to a new page where you will select the "Create" option next to the "Global Programs Application" link. You can find additional information on NYU Global's Applying page.


Q: Is a letter of recommendation required when I apply to study away at an NYU site for the semester?

A: No letters of recommendation, faculty references, or adviser approval forms are required for semester-long study at NYU sites. Only the online application and a personal statement are required.

For the NYU exchange program, however, two reference letters are required.


Q: How can I strengthen my personal statement?

A: Address your academic reasons for wanting to study away at the site to which you are applying. You may want to research course offerings and faculty members who teach at the site. Tying your knowledge of the site to your concentration or academic reasons for studying abroad will always enhance your application! The application process can be competitive especially for the Spring semester due to increasing student interest, so address why you must study away during the term you’re requesting.

NYU Global recommends not mentioning personal travel you plan to pursue. As of now, students do not receive a separate statement prompt for second- and third-choice options, so you are strongly advised to address them in your application statement in case you are not admitted to your first choice site.

Students may also consider visiting the Gallatin Writing Center or the NYU Writing Center for assistance with formulating ideas for and editing statements.


Q: How will studying away affect my NYU housing?

A: If you study away in the spring, you will follow the same steps as if you were studying here at Washington Square. Once accepted to study away, you will be prompted to inform NYU Housing, who will then cancel your housing for the term you are away.

If you study away in the fall, the process is a bit different. While away, NYU Housing will contact you with instructions for securing housing upon your return to Washington Square for spring. You are able to submit housing preferences, but your preferences are not guaranteed since you will be placed in open spaces vacated by those students studying away for the spring term.


Q: Where can I find more information on policies for NYU semester study away?

A: Visit NYU Global’s Policies and Procedures page for details on policies such as academic requirements abroad, add/drop, course withdrawals, and refunds. 


Q: Will my adviser be notified when I apply to an NYU semester program?

A: No. Since students may apply on their own, your adviser might learn not learn about your plan for NYU semester study away until you submit the Plan of Study for that semester. However, you are encouraged to discuss study away with your adviser early in your academic career.


Q: When will I find out if I’ve been accepted?

A: Applicants will be notified via e-mail on the notification deadline (usually about 2-4 weeks after submission). To see a complete list of all study abroad deadlines, please visit the NYU Global Applying page.


Q: If I apply to study away, am I required or committed to go?

A: No, applying for a semester away does not commit you to attend.


Q: How can I confirm my participation?

A: Accepted students must confirm by submitting a nonrefundable $500 reservation fee. You should submit the reservation fee immediately upon receiving admission notification, as enrollment is not guaranteed until the reservation is received. Reservations will be accepted as long as space remains available. If your program reaches capacity before NYU Global Programs receives your reservation, you will be placed on a waitlist.

If you can't pay the fee online, you can mail or deliver a money order or personal check made out to New York University to the NYU Office of Global Programs, 383 Lafayette Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10003.


Q: Can I talk to someone or get more information about the program I was admitted to?

A: Of course! You can talk to a representative at NYU Global Programs and also ask to be put in contact with students who have recently returned from the site to which you have been accepted; email global.admissions@nyu.edu with your request.


Q: I didn't get into my first choice program or wasn't accepted at all. What can I do?

A: NYU Global Programs tries very hard to ensure that every qualified student who submitted an application by the priority application deadline is offered either their first or second choice location. However, some programs (NYU London and NYU Paris, for instance) are very popular, and not every qualified applicant can be offered a place. You may elect to be on a wait list, but if no place opens up, you may not be able to get back into your second choice location given the timing and necessary immigration procedures.

If you were not admitted at all and disagree with this decision, you may write a letter of appeal to the admissions committee. The letter should detail why you feel the semester of application is the best time for you to study away and should include information about how or why you haven't met the admissions criteria. Letters of appeal can be directed to global.admissions@nyu.edu


Q: I applied to study at an NYU site and received this message: "Enrollment capacity is limited; if the program reaches capacity before we receive your reservation, you will be placed on a waitlist." What does this mean?

A: Not every student who is offered admission will accept the invitation to study away, and NYU Global Programs uses historical data to determine the appropriate number of admission offers they can make to yield a class. While they’re pretty good at anticipating how many students will confirm, if students behave differently and more students confirm than they expect, there is a chance that admitted students confirming later in the process may be placed on a waitlist. If you are sure that you intend to study away, you should confirm as soon as possible after receiving the acceptance email.


Q: I would like to switch programs or cancel enrollment. What should I do?

A: If you have already applied, been admitted, or confirmed to study away for an upcoming term and wish to switch programs, you should submit NYU Global's program change request form. Change requests will be reviewed on a space available basis.

Students who have previously confirmed their intent to enroll in study away (meaning they've accepted their offer of admission through Albert) but who have decided to cancel their enrollment, should submit NYU Global's cancellation request form.


NYU Semester Study Away: Courses & Registration

Q: Do I need adviser clearance to register?

A: Yes. All NYU students who would normally require clearance from their academic adviser must get clearance before registering for NYU study away classes. For Gallatin students, this means completing the Plan of Study form as usual.


Q: When should I register for classes?

A: NYU students who have been admitted to a study away site register at their regularly assigned registration time, assuming they have received adviser approval and clearance beforehand. Registration typically occurs in mid-late November for the spring term and mid-late April for the fall. Students will be able to view their exact appointment time in Albert. See more on registration FAQs


Q: The course I wanted is full, or I didn’t get into a class I really wanted. What can I do?

A: NYU Global cannot guarantee a spot in any course for any student. Some courses do run waitlists, but waitlists cannot guarantee a spot in the course either. If you want to take a course that is closed, NYU Global recommends that you join the waitlist if possible in Albert (making sure to use the Swap function when signing up, or Edit Swap to set up a swap after the fact.) Many courses have a waitlist limit of five students. When this waitlist limit is reached, waitlisting for the course is no longer possible. If you would like to inquire about your position on the waitlist, you should not contact the instructor directly but should rather email global.academics@nyu.edu.

Q: Can I use the pass/fail grade option for NYU courses abroad?

A: Yes, unless it’s a language course. Language courses cannot be taken pass/fail.


Q: How do NYU study away courses appear on my transcript?

A: Your courses and credits will appear on your transcript just as if you were here at the Washington Square campus. For the semester you were away, a note will identify the site you attended.


Gallatin Travel Courses

Q: Will my adviser be notified when I apply to a Gallatin travel course?

A: Yes. Your adviser will receive an automated email notifying him/her that you have applied, along with a copy of your application.


Q: How will I be cleared to register for a Gallatin travel course?

A: If you apply to a Gallatin J-Term or Summer travel course, your adviser will receive an email notifying him/her to contact Gallatin Global Programs regarding his/her decision about your plan. Once we have received the approval, we will contact Gallatin Student Services to request that you be cleared for registration for the travel course. Note that students are informed to consult with their advisers if they change their mind and decide to pursue an alternative plan of study, or if they plan to take additional courses during the term of the travel course.


Preparing for Your Return

Q: How should I register for courses for the following semester while away?

A: Students studying away through an NYU or international external program are assigned an adjusted registration time on the same day of their regularly appointed time based on their earned credits. Times are adjusted earlier to compensate for time differences, connectivity issues, and the inability to visit their New York-based advisers in person. Students should be able to view their appointment time in Albert as usual. If you have questions about the adjusted time or think an error has been made, you should email global.academics@nyu.edu if you are studying on an NYU program or gallatin.global@nyu.edu if you are studying on an international external program.


Q: How can I sign up for housing for the following semester while away?

A: If you study away in the spring, you will follow the same steps as if you were studying here at Washington Square. Once accepted to study away, you will be prompted to inform NYU Housing, who will then cancel your housing for the term spent away.

If you study away in the fall, the process is a bit different. While away, NYU Housing will contact students with instructions for securing housing upon their return to Washington Square for spring. Students are able to submit housing preferences, but preferences are not guaranteed since students will be placed in open spaces vacated by those students studying away for the spring term.


Other Questions?

For NYU semester-long study away, NYU Global Programs can answer general questions about admissions, operations, academics, and preparing to go abroad. Site representatives are available in New York to answer questions about all academic centers abroad, please contact NYU Office of Global Programs. You may find more regarding registration on registration FAQs.

For other study away questions, please feel free to email Gallatin Global Programs at gallatin.global@nyu.edu. You may may also contact us individually for an appointment (we are located at 411 Lafayette, 3rd Floor):

Mehmet Darakcioglu (general study abroad)
Assistant Dean, Gallatin Global Programs
md155@nyu.edu

Aricel Brion (general study abroad, Gallatin travel courses, international external study)
Assistant Director, Gallatin Global Programs
aricel.brion@nyu.edu, 212.992.6311


Contact Info

NYU Gallatin Office of Global Programs
411 Lafayette St., 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10003
1 (212) 998-7133 phone
1 (212) 995-4265 fax
gallatin.global@nyu.edu


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