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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I study abroad?
2. Where can I study?
3. When can I study abroad?
4. What can I study abroad?
5. What are the requirements/deadlines for studying abroad?
6. Will the credits count and will my GPA be affected?
7. What will it cost to study abroad?
8. Is financial aid available while studying abroad?
9. Is studying abroad safe?
10. How do I begin the application process?

1. Why should I study abroad?

Studying abroad can be an incredible learning experience. The "momentous memorable moments" that most impact our lives often occur while in transition. Studying abroad offers many challenging "momentous moments". Luther's primary study abroad goals are promoting "intercultural understanding" and "international awareness". However, the single most consistent benefit that students experience is personal growth. You will be challenged to examine your most fundamental values and convictions. Many values will be strengthened as a result of careful reflection and your world and thinking process will expand.

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2. Where can I study?

You may choose from a wide variety of year, semester, January term and summer study abroad experiences around the world. Students are encouraged to study on a Luther-sponsored program or Luther-approved program. Luther's own programs operate in over 40 nations on a five year rotation. On a Luther approved program students can study in most regions of the world.

To read more about specific study abroad programs available, return to the study abroad home page and select "semester and year programs," "summer programs,"or "January programs."

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3. When can I study abroad?

Traditionally, study abroad has been a junior year experience. For semester and year long programs most students are still encouraged to study during their junior year. However, in recent years more students have been accepted for the spring semester programs during their sophomore year. Studying abroad during the senior year is quite difficult because students are busy planning for the future with resume development, graduate school applications and interviews. However, some students will choose to do so in the fall semester of their senior year.

January term study abroad courses offer the opportunity to study abroad during the senior, junior or sophomore year. Priority is often based on seniority. In a few cases first year students can participate in a January term if they receive faculty leader approval, meet course requirements and space exists. Few students choose to study abroad during the summer months as this is prime time to work. Several summer programs are available.

Note:

It is extremely important that students meet with Terry Uhlenhake, Study Abroad Adviser, their first semester on campus. Early planning allows students to find the study abroad experience that best fits his or her degree, program of study and time table.

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4. What can I study abroad?

Students can study almost any discipline. The humanities and social sciences provide the most opportunities. The sciences are also a possibility but require careful planning, preparation, and accurate information on courses available in the program. The type of courses students want to take determines the type of program they will choose. There are many options.

Language Majors

Students, especially language majors, want an in-depth cultural immersion in the language, literature and life of a particular nation or culture. These students select a semester or year program that emphasizes language instruction and the opportunity to take other courses in the host nation language. These programs involve direct enrollment in a university or may be available in study abroad programs offered by an institution, based in the US, that works closely with the host university.

Programs with Courses in Your Major Taught in English in English Speaking Nations

Other students are more interested in taking a semester or year program with courses in a particular discipline, usually their major, but also want to have an in-depth cultural immersion in the host nation. These students, usually non-language majors, select programs that rely on the English language for instruction at the host nation university. There are a variety of programs, including direct enrollment, in universities located in England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, or in one of several nations that were former colonies of England. Programs are available in most disciplines.

Discipline or Topical Based Courses Taught in English in Non-English Speaking Nations

There are an increasing number of study abroad programs, taught in English, but located in a host nation where English is not the mother tongue. These programs have special courses developed for international students. They tend to create a small American enclave rather than offer an in-depth cultural immersion experience. These programs offer courses in a wide variety of disciplines or topics.

Regional Based Luther Programs

Luther College semester and year long programs either emphasize a language (for language majors) or the study of a region. The following programs: "United Kingdom", based in Nottingham, England; "Scandinavia and the Baltic", based in Lillehammer, Norway; and "Malta and the Mediterranean", based in Sliema, Malta offer courses related to the region. These programs offer courses designed to fulfill Luther graduation requirements, including religion, Paideia II, and global studies.

January Term Courses

During the month of January, Luther offers 18 to 24 courses that are discipline based. Courses are offered by faculty in most disciplines over a three year cycle. Students have the opportunity to study a topic in depth with a Luther College faculty leader. Students can also study with a January intensive month program offered though one of the Luther approved providers.

5. What are the requirements/deadlines for studying abroad?

Generally, sophomores (second-semester), juniors, and seniors with a GPA of 2.5 or higher are eligible to participate in semester and academic year programs. Some programs, however, will require a higher GPA. Applications for study abroad must be completed by March 1 for summer, fall, academic year, and spring programs. For Luther approved programs offered by other colleges, universities and institutions there may be different requirements and deadlines. It is important to work closely with the Study Abroad adviser.

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6. Will the credits count and will my GPA be affected?

Luther College accepts credits for all semester or year long study abroad programs in accordance with regular transfer policies:

• for college work from other accredited institutions.
• for successful completion of courses (grade C or above) for which students register which are in subject areas taught at Luther.

To earn credit for courses in the major or minor, students must receive approval, prior to taking the course, from the appropriate department at Luther.

Credit granted for non-major / minor courses may be used to fulfill all College general education requirements if the course taken off-campus is equal to or greater in semester credit value than the stated requirement.

Grades and semester credit hours earned will be entered on the student's transcript but will not be included in the calculation of the Luther cumulative GPA. The Luther Munster Spring Semester program is the only exception to this policy, and the grades earned will be calculated into the Luther GPA.

Luther January term and summer courses are offered only on a A-F scale and are included in the Luther cumulative GPA.

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7. What will it cost to study abroad?

Costs vary with each program. Examples follow.

Luther Programs

In order to make study abroad a realistic option for most students, Luther has designed its own programs which keep costs affordable and meet several graduation course requirements. For all Luther semester and year programs students pay their comprehensive fee to Luther. Students may be eligible to receive some or all of their financial aid (refer to the finanicial aid website for details: http://www.luther.edu/financial-aid/). The additional costs include airfare, book rental, housing deposit and personal expenses.

Luther Approved Programs

Detailed information on all Luther approved year, semester, January term and summer programs, including financial assistance and scholarships, is available in the office of the Study Abroad Adviser, 123 West Larsen. For some of these programs, costs can be found by returning to the study abroad home page and selecting "semester and year programs," "summer programs"or "January programs."

Luther January Term Courses

Luther January term study abroad course costs vary. Each January the prices range from $2,675 - $4,675. Students pay only for travel, accommodations, and academic program (guest lectures, site visits, entrance fees...) The course tuition fee is included in the annual comprehensive fee.

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8. Is financial aid available while studying abroad?

Students will work with the Finanical Aid Office to determine their eligibility. For current and detailed information regarding aid eligibilty for various study abroad programs, please visit their website: http://www.luther.edu/financial-aid/ ands refer to the section "Current Students."

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9. Is studying abroad safe?

There will always be risks associated with any travel. Luther has developed policies to address risks with the intention to reduce them as much as is feasible. The decision to offer study abroad programs is based on input and the experience of study abroad staff, faculty, local resource people, and the US State Department and British Foreign Ministry reports on safety. Programs are not conducted in nations where the US State Department has a travel advisery.

It is Luther policy to have faculty who lead programs visit all program sites before the program commences in order to have first hand knowledge of the area. Students attend an orientation session on "safety and risks" and sign a responsibility form agreeing to behave in a manner that reduces risk.

There are also health risks. The Luther Health Service staff works with each student, the Study Abroad Staff and the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta to provide accurate information and advice on health issues, disease and inoculation guidelines.

The staff at Luther has written two documents designed to reduce risks. Both involve participant behavior and cooperation. The first covers alcohol and drug policy. The second covers student behavior that is disruptive to the group and invites increased risks. If students, while studying abroad, violate these policies a policy for due process is in place to deal with the problem, possibly dismiss the student and hopefully protect the student and group.

In case of individual crises such as serious illness or injury, emotional or psychological stress, or victim of a crime or in case of group crises such as a natural disaster or political instability, Luther has a detailed "Crisis Response Plan".

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10. How do I begin the application process?

During your first semester at Luther students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Terry Uhlenhake, Study Abroad Adviser and International Links Coordinator (123 West Larsen), to discuss study abroad options.

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