Frequently Asked Questions about Study Away
Select a category below to find answers to frequently asked questions about study away. If you do not find the answer to your question on this page, please
contact the Office for Study Away and International Education so that we can assist you.
General Questions
Application Questions
Accepted Student Questions
Financial Questions
Affiliate Program Questions
Exchange Program Questions
Non-Furman Program Questions
What is the difference between Study Away and Study Abroad?
Furman offers Faculty-led Semester and May Experience programs both abroad and within the United States, so by participating in one of these programs, you might not be abroad, but you will be ‘studying away’ from Furman.
How do I find out what study away programs are offered each year?
A list of Furman's study away programs, including Faculty-led, Affiliate and Exchange Programs can be found on the Study Away Programs page. Faculty-led programs for the May Experience and the following academic year are typically announced in late October.
What types of study away programs does Furman offer?
Furman’s Study Away opportunities range from three week intensive May Experience courses to semester or yearlong programs, both domestically and abroad. Students can choose from Furman faculty-led programs, study away programs through affiliate or exchange organizations, or a non-Furman program. Some of these study away opportunities may include internships, language immersions, interdisciplinary courses, or enrollment at partnering universities abroad.
Do I have to apply to a program that is in my major?
No, Furman’s study away programs are open to all majors, but some programs have other prerequisites to acceptance. Check with the program’s faculty director if you have questions.
Can I do more than one study away program over my four years at Furman?
With careful planning, it is possible for students to study away more than once. Furman does not limit the number of study away programs that students can go on; however students should consult with their academic adviser to be sure that their study away plans will still allow them to meet all of the academic requirements necessary to graduate on time.
Where do I find information about specific program details?
The program’s faculty director will have the most detailed, and up to date information.
How do I apply to study away? What is the application deadline?
The deadlines differ between programs, but applications are usually due between November and January of the year preceding the program. Please go to How to Apply for a study away timeline and more information.
What is the maximum numbers of programs to which I can apply?
You can apply to as many programs as you would like. If you are accepted into more than one program, you’ll have the option to choose in which program(s) you want to participate.
How competitive are Furman’s Study Away programs? How many students are accepted?
Most programs accept 8-25 students, with the majority averaging around 17 students. Depending on the program, they can be quite competitive. Some programs always have a large number of applicants. We recommend talking to the faculty director about a specific program to gauge the competitiveness. Students are not guaranteed to be accepted to any program.
How do I find out what courses are offered in each Study Away program?
Ask the program’s faculty director. Furman Faculty-led programs include 4 courses in a Semester or 2 courses for a May Ex program. Some study away programs include courses enrolled through another university…
I have a major that doesn’t allow for a semester away from Furman. What are my options?
You have a few options. May Experience programs are a good way for students to have an experience abroad if they are required to be on campus for specific courses, sports, or any other reason. You could also participate in a summer program that is not affiliated with Furman.
Does GPA affect whether or not you will be accepted to a program?
Some faculty directors use GPA to choose students for their program, but it is not the sole factor which leads to acceptance or rejection from a program.
What should I do if I’ve been accepted into more than one program?
You will have to decide which program(s) you are going to participate in before the deposit deadline. Keep in mind that some programs may require a decision earlier than others. Once you have confirmed your program selection, you should inform all the faculty directors of your choice right away and withdraw your application from the other programs on Horizons.
I’m on the waiting list for a program. When will I find out if I’ve been accepted?
Ask your program's faculty director. He/she will be able to give you the most accurate timeline.
When are the Consent Form, Financial Agreement, and deposits for my program due?
You will find the confirmation due date on the Financial Agreement for your program. All three of these materials must be turned in to Office for Study Away and International Education.
Where do I find the Consent Form and the Financial Agreement for my program?
These forms are found in the post-acceptance information steps in Horizons.
Will you accept a scanned or faxed signature on the Consent Form or Financial Agreement?
No, you must provide original (not scanned or faxed) signatures on both the Consent Form and the Financial Agreement. If you are unable to obtain an original signature before the deadline, a scanned copy of a parental signature may be accepted temporarily but you must contact the Study Away office in advance to discuss your situation.
Can I stay in a destination before or after the program dates?
Check with your program’s faculty director. He/she usually books the flights and makes these arrangements. If you are allowed to extend your travel, you will not be associated with Furman during these times and you will be responsible for acquiring your own travel health insurance.
How much does it cost to study away?
For faculty-led semester programs, the cost is generally equal to semester tuition, room and board on campus (international airfare, tuition, lodging, most meals, and course-related travel are included) and financial aid applies as it would on campus. For May Experience programs, tuition is covered in the comprehensive semester fees, so students are charged the actual program costs which can range from $1,500 to about $5,000. Costs for Affiliate, Exchange, and Non-Furman programs vary. Additional information about study away costs, financial aid, and available scholarships can be found under resources For Students and Parents.
How will I be billed for this program?
A non-refundable/non-transferable deposit is due by the program confirmation deadline. If an interim payment is required, it will be specified in the program's Financial Agreement. The remaining balance for Furman faculty-led programs will be billed through your student account. Billing arrangements for Affiliate, Exchange, and Non-Furman programs vary. Please see the relevant sections on this page for more details about these types of programs.
How can I pay the deposit or make another payment?
The initial deposit must be brought to the Study Away Office. All remaining payments should be directed to the Student Business Center. Payments may be made by check (made payable to "Furman University") or electronically through a student's MyFurman portal.
My plans have changed and I need to back out of the program. Can I get my money back?
Your deposit is a sign of your commitment to a particular study away program. As such, the deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Refunds of any interim or final payments will be determined based on what may be recovered from prepaid airline tickets, from prepaid services abroad, and any recoverable fixed expenses. The refund might be zero.
Do I have to pay for housing at Furman while I am on a study away program?
Please see the housing office's website for housing options during your study away program.
Are there any Study Away scholarships available?
Scholarships are available for Furman’s faculty-led May Experience and Semester programs and for semester Exchange programs. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic performance, and student’s rationale for study away. Students intending to apply for a scholarship should be sure that they have a FAFSA report on file with the Financial Aid office for the previous year. Additional scholarship information can be found here.
What’s the difference between a Faculty-Led program and an Affiliate Program?
Affiliate programs are third-party providers that Furman has partnered with to offer more opportunities to Furman students who are seeking to study abroad. They are not led by a Furman faculty member.
Do I have to apply through Furman to participate in an Affiliate Program? What is the deadline?
Yes, you must apply on Horizons by the set deadline each year, which is usually the last Friday in January. Check Horizons for the exact date. After acceptance through Horizons, you will apply directly to the affiliate program.
How competitive are the Affiliate Programs?
Depending on the affiliate program, it can be quite competitive. Check with the contact listed on the semester study away programs page.
How much does it cost to participate in an Affiliate Program? Can my financial aid apply?The affiliate program will cost whatever the price of the program (tuition, room, and board) that is listed on the affiliate program’s website. Federal and State Aid is transferrable if you fill out a Consortium Agreement (found in the post-acceptance steps in Horizons). You will not pay Furman tuition, room, or board for the semester that you are away.
How do I get credit for classes that I take while on an Affiliate Program?
You must have the courses pre-approved before taking them in order for them to transfer back in and receive credit by filling out the Transfer Course Authorization form. If you are seeking to receive major credit, you must have the Dept. Chair sign the form. If you would like credit for a GER, you must indicate which GER you are trying to fulfill on the form.
How am I billed for an Affiliate Program?
The affiliate program first bills Furman for the cost of your tuition, room, and board. Furman then bills you, the student, for the cost of the program minus federal or state aid (if you have filled out the Consortium Agreement.) You will pay Furman directly.
What’s the difference between a Faculty-Led program and an Exchange Program?
Furman is partnered with four exchange universities. When participating in an exchange program, you will enroll directly into one of these universities and take courses that are offered to all students through the university.
Who should participate in an exchange program?
Students who are very confident in their ability to travel alone and feel comfortable in a new setting making friends and attending a new university.
What is the deadline to apply for an exchange program?
The deadline to apply on Horizons for an exchange program is usually the last Friday in January. Check the Horizons website for exact deadlines.
How competitive are the Exchange Programs?
Depending on the year, the program can be quite competitive. There are also fewer students that apply to these programs, though, because it is a very individualized experience.
How am I billed for an Exchange Program?
You will be billed through Furman for the cost of Furman tuition, and possibly room and board, depending on the agreement. Some agreements only include tuition, and you would be required to pay room and board directly to the exchange university.
Non-Furman program Questions:
What is a non-Furman program?
A non-Furman program is any study abroad program which is not faculty-led, an affiliate, or an exchange program.
I’ve found a program online in which I’m interested, what should I do?
You should email study.away@furman.edu to set up an appointment with someone in the Office for Study Away and International Education to discuss the steps of participating in a non-Furman program. Please try to attend a Study Away 101 Session to understand the general requirements for participating in study away before setting up an appointment.
Do I need to apply through Furman to participate in a non-Furman program?
No, you will apply directly to the program.
How much does it cost to participate in a non-Furman program? Can my financial aid apply?
You should contact the study away provider for current costs. You must pay the provider directly for the cost of the program. You will not pay Furman tuition, room, or board when participating in a non-Furman program. Furman, federal and state aid do not apply.
How am I billed for a non-Furman program?
You will not be billed through Furman. You will pay the program provider directly.
How do I get credit for classes that I take on a non-Furman Program?
You must have the courses pre-approved before taking them in order for them to transfer back in and receive credit by filling out the Transfer Course Authorization form. If you are seeking to receive major credit, you must have the Dept. Chair sign the form. If you would like credit for a GER, you must indicate which GER you are trying to fulfill on the form.
I have a form that needs to be filled out by a study abroad advisor. Whom should I contact?Email study.away@furman.edu to ask about meeting with someone to fill out this form.