Study Away Resources
Eligibility
To be eligible to enroll in a Roanoke College study abroad semester program, students must
- have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- meet the requirements of the study abroad program
- be in good academic and disciplinary standing
- complete all application documents and requirements
- abide by the study abroad participation guidelines.
Finances and Financial Aid
Roanoke College Exchanges & Affiliate Programs
Students who enroll in Roanoke College exchanges pay Roanoke College tuition and fees. In some cases, students will pay room and board fees to Roanoke College. See individual program information for details. All financial aid is automatically applied as long as you follow all standard financial aid procedures at RC.
Policy on Beard and Bittle Scholarships for Study Abroad
Beard Scholarships (tuition, room and board) can be applied: in full toward one or two terms on a Roanoke College international full exchange program (ISEP exchange, Kansai Gaidai University, University of East Anglia), Tuition only to one or two semesters on any other Roanoke College exchange program, Tuition only to one semester on any Roanoke College affiliated study abroad program. Bittle Scholarships (tuition) can be applied: in full toward one or two terms of any Roanoke College international exchange program, in full toward one term of a Roanoke College affiliated study abroad program As with all other Roanoke College institutional financial aid, Beard and Bittle Scholarships cannot be applied to study abroad programs which are neither Roanoke College exchanges nor Roanoke College affiliated programs.
Policy on Tuition Exchange and Tuition Remission for Study Abroad
Students enrolled at Roanoke College through the tuition exchange or tuition remission programs may apply their tuition exchange or remission benefits to study abroad on Roanoke College exchange programs and Roanoke College extension programs. Tuition exchange and remission benefits cannot be applied to study abroad with Roanoke College affiliate programs. Depending on their family circumstances, students wishing to enroll in affiliated programs may be eligible for Roanoke College financial aid and should consult with a financial aid counselor.
Roanoke Travel Scholarship
Roanoke College is now offering need-based scholarships. The amount of the scholarships varies but generally does not exceed $2,000. If you would like to apply for one of these scholarships please complete the scholarship application. Completed applications must be received by April 1 for Summer, Fall, and Yearlong programs; and by November 1 for Spring semester programs.
External Sources of Funding
The Associate Director for Global Engagement is prepared to assist students interested in applying for external competitive study abroad scholarships such as the Gilman, Boren, and Freeman-Asia scholarship programs. All students are highly encouraged to consider applying for these awards. Learn more about them here
Passport and Visa Information
The Office of Global Engagement offers guidance in passport and visa acquisition, though these important travel documents are ultimately the responsibility of the traveling student. In many cases, you will be required to travel to the U.S. regional consulate (usually in Washington, D.C.) of the country in which you wish to study. Each country has unique student visa application requirements, and for some countries, a visa is not required for summer programs.
Safety and Health
The Roanoke College Coordinator of Global Engagement monitors the U.S. State Department travel bulletins and we encourage you to do the same for countries in the region where you intend to study abroad.
Health, Travel, and Trip Cancellation insurance for overseas travel
Roanoke College students participating in study abroad have overseas insurance provided by EIIA. Students may need to supplement this insurance due to program or visa requirements. Roanoke College does not endorse or recommend any specific insurance provider. When searching for coverage for participation in international programs, please carefully review all documentation regarding specific plans before you purchase. Students may discuss other options for insurance coverage abroad with the Associate Director for Global Engagement.
Culture Shock and Readjustment
Part of the reason a student should study abroad is to engage directly with another culture, or another way of thinking. Inevitably this will lead to culture shock, the realization that one's own way of thinking about the world may be flawed or otherwise unsustainable. The greatest culture shock, however, typically strikes a student first after several weeks in their host country... and again within a few days of their return to the United States. The Coordinator of Global Engagement provides resources and counseling for all students struggling with culture shock and any difficulties in readjusting to life in the United States.