AUB students may study abroad at any accredited university which accepts students for a summer, semester or year.  However, in order for the courses to count at AUB, you must be able to persuade your advisor and your department chair that specific courses at a specific university will count towards your AUB degree.  In order to accomplish this, you must complete five easy steps.  They are shown below in a list for easy reference and then described more fully, with links to get you started.

Steps to Study Abroad

1. Formulate Academic Objectives
2. Research Programs that meet those objectives (and decide on one)
3. Understand Eligibility Requirements of the program and of AUB
4. Fill out Applications (for the program and for AUB course equivalency or credit transfer)
5. Wait for the good news!

Step One: Formulate Academic Objectives

Without focused academic objectives, it can be very difficult to make sense of the many study abroad possibilities available around the world.  Some sample academic objectives which can be met by AUB's current agreements are :

• To study a new language, such as Spanish.
• To get a French perspective on European Politics.
• To get some hands-on training to enhance the AUB diploma program in Media Studies.
• To fulfill "Criterion 3h" (global perspective) of ABET's professional requirements for Engineering Education.

Step Two: Research programs that fulfill your objectives

At this stage your task is to narrow down the options to at least one and at most three programs that meet your academic objectives.

• Review the list of AUB exchanges and agreements. Please note that places on each exchange are limited and competitive.  Most AUB students who study abroad go on a program which is not an exchange.
• Explore other reputable programs which AUB students and the OIP recommend.
• Talk to your advisor or other faculty members about where they have sent previous AUB students successfully.
• Talk to international students who are here for a semester or year about what their university is like.
• Talk to AUB students who have returned from study abroad.  (Be sure to ask them about their courses!)

Before proceeding to the next step, pick the one program that best meets your objectives and has your advisor's enthusiasm.

Step Three: Understand the requirements for study abroad, at AUB and of your chosen program

• Read the AUB policies and procedures for undergraduates or for graduate students. Please note that AUB regulations do not allow study abroad during your final semester of a degree program here, that you must be in good academic standing at the time of applying to study abroad, and that undergraduates must have completed at least 24 credits at AUB prior to study abroad, while graduate students must have completed at least 6 credits.
• You should be aware that most (but not all) study abroad programs require a minimum of a "B" average or a 3.0 on a four point scale to be admitted, or the equivalent. This is approximately a 78.5 in the AUB grading system.  It is your responsibility to make sure that you meet the minimum GPA and other entry requirements (such as foreign language proficiency) of your chosen program.  It is rare to find a reputable study abroad program which will accept a student with a GPA of less than 2.75 on a 4.0 system or about a 75.2 on the AUB grading scale.

Step  Four : Fill out the Applications as below

There are two application processes for study abroad which you will need to complete. You are allowed to apply to and get acceptance from the study abroad program before you finish collecting all needed signatures for AUB credit transfer. (You can usually postpone or reject your acceptance to a study abroad program if you can't get departmental approval for course transfer.)

• The  application process of your "host university" (the place where you want to study). You can find the forms and instructions on the website of your host university or program.  Sometimes these are listed under a title such as "Abroad at Host University Name" or "Visiting International Students" or "Information for Exchange Students." Please note that it is your responsibility to find out when the appropriate application deadline is set at your intended host university, and also your responsibility to meet it.
• The AUB  process, which ensures that you will get credit and make progress towards your AUB degree.  The AUB process works in one of two ways:
• Exchange programs only: You must first fill out an Exchange Nomination Request form, usually due about 6 weeks earlier than the AUB deadlines below; if selected for the exchange you fill out the AUB application form.
•  All other study abroad programs, including summer agreements: Go directly to the AUB application.

AUB Deadlines!  You must submit your completed AUB study abroad application to OIP no later than the following date.

• For Fall Semester 2013: Noon on Monday, April 1st, 2013
• For Summer Term 2013:  Noon on Wednesday, May 15, 2013
• For Spring Semester 2013:  Noon on Friday, November 8th, 2013

Step Five: Wait for the good news!