A Guide to Global Learning

Studying away is one of the most talked-about yet least understood parts of college. With many options like J-Term trips and partner programs, and questions like financial aid and deadlines, the whole process can feel more complicated and overwhelming than it should be.

We spoke with staff at Luther’s Center for Global Learning (CGL) to get simple, reliable answers to common student questions.

What scholarships are available, and does financial aid transfer?

It depends on the type of program, and each one works a little differently.

• J-Term programs have approximately $250,000 in Luther scholarship funding available, with most students receiving awards based on financial need.
  

  Bella Bamlett ’25 and Elena Conklin ’25 in Norway

• College-run semester programs cost about the same as a regular semester on campus, and institutional aid still applies since these are Luther programs. Luther offers programs of this type in Nottingham, England; Malta and the Mediterranean; Münster, Germany; Rochester, Minnesota; and Washington, D.C.
• For partner programs, institutional aid does not transfer, but federal financial aid typically does. Students pay the college a small administrative fee to keep their enrollment status, then pay the partner program separately.

Studying abroad is more financially accessible than most students assume, so it is worth exploring your options before ruling it out. A key part of accessing that support is filing your FAFSA every year, which is how financial aid offices determine your eligibility for need-based awards.

What are the application deadlines, and when should I start?

Earlier than you might think.

Key dates for the semester programs:

• The main deadline for semester programs is March 1 each year. If you want to go abroad during your junior year, you need to apply in the spring of your sophomore year.
• A second round opens in August until mid-September for programs that still have open spots.
• For Nottingham, nominations are not due until October, so your most recent semester grades can still count toward eligibility.

Key dates for the J-Term programs:

• First-round applications are open in April, and a second round in August until mid-September.

If you are not sure which round applies to you, it is worth checking in early. The CGL office publicizes deadlines through study away fairs, social media, and an email newsletter, but you can always stop in to the office to talk through your options.

What GPA do I need, and how does credit transfer work?

Luther has a baseline, though some programs set their own requirements on top of that.

• The minimum GPA for most programs is 2.5. Exceptions: Nottingham requires a 3.0 set by the university itself, with no flexibility, and Malta has a similar requirement.
• For Luther-run programs, grades transfer and count toward your GPA just like on-campus courses.
• For partner programs, your credits transfer, but your study away grades do not affect your GPA, just like transfer credits from another school.

Before you go on your study away, your advisor will help you fill out forms to make sure your courses count toward your major, minor, or general requirements.

Is housing included, or do I need to find my own?

Students on Luther’s Malta and the Mediterranean semester abroad enjoy the view.

Housing arrangements vary by program and are almost always included as part of any study away program, so that you do not have to find your own housing.

For Luther-run programs, housing is fully arranged for you. For example:

• In Washington D.C., the apartments are in the same building as classes, which keeps daily logistics simple.
• In Nottingham, students live in a flat that Luther has rented for about 50 years, with multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and a full kitchen.

For partner programs, housing is typically included by the organization. Norway is one exception; students find their own apartments through the partner university’s housing office.

What is a partner provider, and how does support work?

A partner provider is an outside organization that runs study abroad programs in places where a college does not have its own setup. Partner programs provide their own on-site staff, and you can also reach a Luther representative through the Center for Global Learning via email at any time.

For international Luther-run programs, a Luther faculty member travels with you and remains your main point of contact for the semester.

What does a realistic budget look like?

For Luther-run semester programs, you pay about the same as a normal semester on campus plus a $2,500 fee, and many students get scholarships to help cover the cost. You will also need to take into account other factors, such as meals and personal travel.

• For the Nottingham and Malta programs, Luther provides about $70 per week for groceries, which will cover your meals — but not eating out regularly.
• Expenses for personal travel tend to catch students off guard. Being in Europe makes affordable weekend trips hard to pass up, and they add up quickly.

Partner program costs vary by organization and destination, so it is important to request a full cost breakdown before making a decision.

How do I find a program that fits my major and goals?

Biology major Sara Gehling ’23 spent J Term on Luther’s Roatán: Ethical Engagement in a Changing World course. “There was a lot of diving into the unknown,” she says, “and not just into the ocean when we were scuba diving. Most of us didn’t know each other very well if at all when we started the trip, but by the end of it we had formed some really great friendships.” Steven Conradt ’23 stares up at a capuchin monkey on a suspension bridge at Gumbalimba Park. Sara writes, “This picture was moments before the monkey stole the Pringles in his hands—one of our funniest memories.”

The global learning staff will work with you directly based on your major, language preferences, budget, and goals.

• Through the Via TRM portal, you can search more than 1,000 programs by academic field, location, language, and program type before your advising session.
• The staff member who manages Luther’s partner portfolio knows the programs well and will make recommendations based on your specific situation, whether that is an internship, language immersion, or research.

What does the application look like, and how competitive is it?

Applications go through the Via TRM portal, and there is no application fee for Luther’s programs.

• Most programs require a statement of purpose, two recommendation letters, and approval for an academic and disciplinary background check.
• Competitiveness varies. The University of Nottingham program takes around six students per year, but many other programs have more available spots, and the office works to accommodate as many students as possible.

If you miss the March deadline, check again in September, and it is always worth reaching out directly.

How will studying abroad help my career?

Research shows that students who study abroad for a full semester graduate at higher rates, finish faster, and earn more in their first jobs compared to those who do not.

• Employers value study abroad because it shows adaptability and resilience, qualities that are difficult to demonstrate through coursework alone.
• The Rochester program places students directly in research labs at Mayo Clinic, and nursing students have been doing clinical rotations there through a partnership that has been running for over 30 years.
• In Washington, D.C., students find internships in many different fields, and some of these opportunities can strongly shape their careers.

Will studying abroad affect my graduation timeline?

With the right planning, it does not have to. The key is starting the conversation early.

• Before selecting a program, you complete an academic planning session with an advisor at the Global Learning office.
• The office works with your department faculty to make sure the credits you earn abroad count toward your degree, not just as electives. Starting early with your advisor and department helps you choose the right courses and stay on track.

Learn More