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Study Abroad

USC Upstate’s study abroad programs

USC Upstate’s Center for International Studies helps students become Global Spartans through affordable and accessible study abroad programming for all majors. Taking part in a study abroad program provides an opportunity to build necessary and relevant career skills to be successful in the global and local economy. Unsure where to start? An in-person or virtual advising appointment may be scheduled by emailing studyabroad@uscupstate.edu.

The following includes brief descriptions of the main pathways Global Spartans use to study abroad.


Getting Started

Begin Your Process Here!


1) Research the destination and type of program you want to take part in.
No matter your global goals, there is a program which will help you reach them! There are three pathways for study abroad:

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  • USC Upstate is proud to be the only ISEP Exchange Partner in South Carolina! As part of the ISEP consortium, Global Spartans have access to over 280 programs in 55+ different countries. ISEP Exchange programs allow students to pay for tuition, housing, and a meal plan at the same rates as they would if they were on-campus in Spartanburg making these semester and year-long programs accessible and affordable!

    Visit the ISEP Exchange Page.

  • Germany is at the heart of the Upstate ecomony as our region is home to almost 150 Germany owned companies including the largest BMW manufacturing plant in the world. Gain the global skills needed to pursue a career abroad or in our local economy by spending a year in Landshut. Our unique partnership with the University of Applied Sciences Landshut allows USC Upstate students to pursue a second bachelor’s degree in only 1 year while also providing valuable work and language experience to enchance your resume! Additional details are found below.

    Visit the UAS Landshut Dual Degree Program page for additional details.

  • USC Upstate offers a growing number of faculty-led short-term programs for groups of students. Programs are carefully planned by our faculty in consultation with, and the support of, our partners abroad. Program duration varies from 10 days to 4 week long international engagement that may include some pre-and-post travel work. Such programs may be interdisciplinary, discipline specific, or include service learning, offer academic credits, or of these combinations. Participants engage in cross-cultural and immersive activities. Program cost is fixed and typically includes travel costs, faculty and international office support, most meals, tuition, housing, insurance. Such programs are tailored for American students abroad with increased student support services. 

    Visit our Faculty-led Programs page to explore these exciting opportunities!

  • USC Upstate students may be eligible to take part in study abroad programs through other UofSC campuses. Select a campus below to find additional information. 

    Participants should speak with their Upstate academic advisor regarding credit transfer if they wish to receive credit for their program.

    • UofSC Columbia
    • Upstate students may qualify to take part in programs through UofSC Columbia. To explore these exciting options, please visit the Education Abroad Office Program Directory using the link below and filtering the results by Global Classroom Program. Find a program you are interested in? Please reach out to the program contact listed. Participants will need to receive approval from the program contact and complete a Non-Degree Seeking Application with UofSC Columbia’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
    • EAO Program Directory


 
2) Meet with a study abroad advisor.
Individual advising appointments are a great way to discuss plans for studying abroad!  Please email studyabroad@uscupstate.edu to schedule an advising appointment. In-person and virtual meetings are available. The Center for International Studies is located in the Burroughs Building on the main campus. Please refer to the campus map for assistance locating the Burroughs Building.

3) Consider funding opportunities.
Speak with an advisor with the Office of Financial Aid to determine how your aid may be used towards a study abroad opportunity. Most financial aid options are eligible! Also, apply for additional funding with study abroad specific scholarships and grants.
 
4) Apply to study abroad.
After identifying the program you wish to apply for, email studyabroad@uscupstate.edu to request access to the study abroad application. Instructions on how to complete your specific type of application will be provided with the required documents.
 
5) Prepare for go abroad! 
In preparation for traveling abroad, there are several important details to attend to. The mandatory Pre-departure Orientation meeting(s) are a great way to learn not only from presenters, but also from questions and recommendations from other students who will be traveling abroad. When you are a student, you will find additional information about preparing to go abroad on our pages on the Spartan Hub. We will help you be ready for a great experience and know what to expect during your travels.

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  • Welcome Parents!

    Thank you for supporting your student in their international education journey! Study abroad is a high impact experience that challenges participants to grow personally and also develop career competencies that enhances preparedness for effective engagement and successful future in diverse communities.
     
    The information in this page is intended to help parents become familiar with study abroad as a holistic, diverse, and complex experience, as well as what to expect before, during, and after participation in such programs. The following informational links are intended to help inform questions and provide resources related to international engagement.

    Resources for Parents:

    “A Parent Guide to Study Abroad” – available in English and Spanish.
     
    Go Overseas: The Study Abroad Guide for Parents.