Although this list could be endless, here are the top benefits of study abroad. 

• Personal growth and development- including gaining a greater understanding of other cultures, communicating across language barriers, becoming a better global citizen, and increasing cultural competence 

• Enhance your resume – These are the types of experiences that employers in today’s society are looking for. Study abroad is a great way to stand out from other job applicants.

• Learn a foreign language – The best way to learn a language is to be fully immersed in a culture that speaks that language.

• Make new friends – Study abroad allows students to make friendships that span the globe.

• See the world - What better way to learn about the world than to experience it first hand?

• And much, much more! 

Participation in study abroad/away is an opportunity for which students must have institutional approval. There are established criteria for participation and a process for applying for a program.

Criteria for Participation

1. Students must have completed at least one semester at Viterbo. 
    
2. A completed study abroad application is needed in order to be considered for a specific Viterbo sponsored study abroad program.
    
3. Upon review of a student’s application, the Study Abroad Office reserves the right to require an interview with the applicant and program leaders to determine final student approval.
    
4. Students on academic or conduct probation generally may not participate in an off-campus study program. Exceptions to this policy may be granted after the Study Abroad Office consults with offices such as the Director of Student Success, VP of Student Affairs, the student’s advisor(s), and their academic department.
    
5. Students are expected to conduct him/herself in a responsible and mature manner at all times. This includes being sensitive to members of the group, to the group as a whole, to program leaders, and to cultural norms and behavior.
    
6. The Student Code of Conduct applies while students are off-campus, including disciplinary sanctions for inappropriate conduct. Any conduct, before or during the study abroad experience, which, in the sole judgment of Viterbo University, demonstrates a lack of the good judgment and responsibility required of students studying abroad/away, may result in one or more of the following:
   1. ineligibility for the program
   2. suspension or expulsion from the program
   3. payment of relevant cancellation fees d. eligibility for participation in future programs.
       
7. Exceptions to requirements for participation may be granted at the discretion of Study Abroad Office staff.

You can study abroad all over the world! 

• Our faculty-led trips have previously visited places like China, South Africa, Belize, Costa Rica, Italy, England, Jamaica, Alaska, and more!
   
• If you want to study abroad on a non-Viterbo sponsored program, you may do so anywhere, as long as there is a reputable program provider in that location and the location is not on a “Do Not Travel” travel warning list from the US Department of State.
   
• The Study Abroad office can help you narrow down places and providers that are right for you and your education goals!

It doesn't have to! Our goal at the Study Abroad Office is to find you a program where you can study abroad without having it impact your graduation plan.

• Our short term programs are amazing for students that have fairly rigorous and full schedules.
   

• Some majors make it easier to study abroad for a full semester, where others do not. Typically nursing students do not take a full semester to study abroad, without adding an additional semester to their program. However, other majors we have had study abroad for a full semester include education, business, biology, theatre, arts, history, Spanish, religious studies, and more! 
   

• The best way to ensure that you won't get you off track for graduation is to start planning for study abroad early in your college career.

No! Not only are there study abroad programs in English-speaking countries, but there are also programs in non-English speaking countries where classes are taught in English! Having world language skills is not a requirement for study abroad.

If you have an interest in learning a world language, studying abroad is the perfect opportunity to start!

This answer varies, depending on your program. Different factors will affect the cost, such as length of program, location, number of credits taken, type of housing, etc. The Study Abroad Office can help you find a program that fits comfortably in your budget.

• It is not uncommon for a semester abroad program fee to cost roughly the same (or less!) as Viterbo University tuition.
   
• Our Viterbo-sponsored, short-term study abroad generally costs between $1,000 and $5000 depending on the program.

This depends on your program and the type of financial aid you receive.

• On our Viterbo-sponsored programs, the program cost gets added to your tuition bill. Financial aid may help cover these expenses. 
   
• For semester, year-long, or summer programs, it will vary student to student.
   
• For more details on financial aid for study abroad, visit the financial aid web page, or contact the financial aid office.

Great question! There are lots of scholarships available to students wanting to study abroad. Please visit our Study Abroad Scholarships page for more information!