Summer Study Abroad FAQ

All students who are rising Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors (i.e. completed their Freshman year) may study abroad over the summer.

Providence College requires students to be in good standing in order to participate in summer study abroad. There is no minimum GPA requirement for College approval. However, each study abroad program will have its own set of eligibility requirements. This could include GPA requirements, course pre-requisites, and language requirements as well. Be sure to carefully check these before applying to a program!

Summer programs vary in length. In order to receive academic credit, students must participate in a program that is at least three weeks long. However, some programs can be as long as eight to twelve weeks (exceptions to the minimum number of weeks are made for Providence College approved faculty-led short-term programs). The average summer program length is four to six weeks.

This varies by program and depends upon location. Most programs cost an average of $1,350 per week (e.g. a four week program will probably cost around $5,400). It certainly is possible to find programs that are more or less expensive than this.

All tuition and program fees will be billed to the student directly by the program provider. Studens will need to pay their program (not PC) for their summer abroad experience. However, students receiving academic credit for their summer abroad will be billed a $200 short-term study abroad fee by PC. For more information on this fee, please visit our Study Abroad Costs page.

Almost anything! You can study a language, a specific topic, or participate in an internship, a research project, or a service-learning opportunity. Every program is different and there are hundreds of opportunities available.

Yes, as long as you meet the following conditions:

• Submit all application materials by the deadline.
• Obtain prior approval for summer study abroad by Providence College.
• Take all classes abroad for a letter grade and receive a “C” or higher.
• Pay the $200 summer study abroad fee

The course(s) will appear on your PC transcript, and the grade(s) will appear as a “T” for transfer credit. The credits you earn abroad will contribute to your total credit count. However, the grade will not impact your cumulative GPA.

Throughout the PC summer study abroad application process, you will also submit a Course Pre-Approval Form. On this form, you will list all potential courses you are considering taking on your program. You will also include how you would like each course to count (e.g. core curriculum requirement, major elective, minor elective, etc). The courses will then be reviewed by the appropriate academic departments for approval.

Please note that all internships are subject to individual student review and cannot be pre-approved.  Final approval for internships will be granted by after the program is completed. The student must then meet with his or her academic department chair.

The Center for Global Educaiton does not maintain a list of approved summer programs. There are countless options offered by our various program providers. Visit the Recommended Summer Programs page to start your search!

The Center for Global Education staff will be helpful in assisting you throughout the summer study abroad process here at PC. If you would like to speak with your specific study abroad advisor about additional questions, please consult our Book an Appointment page for more information on next steps.

Applications open in January for summer study abroad in the same year.

Summer study abroad applications are typically due mid-March prior to the summer of departure.

Please be sure to consult our Horizons database for the current deadline of summer study abroad applications and to submit your application by that date.

Yes! Each year, there are several short-term international programs coordinated and led by PC faculty members. Check out our PC Faculty-Led Programs page for more information.

Please note that these programs can change each year and depend upon the faculty. Summer options may or may not be available.