Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do HWS students go abroad?

• The Center for Global Education maintains a diverse menu of approximately 50 different semester program options in a wide range of countries, spanning six continents. Short-term summer and J-term options are often based in locations that are not part of our regular semester menu, further expanding the opportunities available to our students.

What is the application process like?

• We recruit students about one year in advance for our programs and the CGE hosts HWSabroad Information Sessions early each semester to start the recruitment process. Students have about one month to submit applications and they are strongly encouraged to apply to multiple programs as the application process is competitive. Students receive notification about their admission status within a few weeks; semester students receive their decisions in advance of Registration for the following semester so they may enroll in any required or recommended courses. For further information on eligibility requirements and the admission process see the Student’s Guide to Semester Programs. Information on short-term programs is available here.

How are students selected?

• Program participation is a privilege to be earned through solid academic achievement, demonstration of maturity, and strong motivation for program participation. To be considered for admission, students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (though some programs have a higher GPA requirement). In addition to prior academic performance, those reviewing applications look closely at social/disciplinary records and application essays in which students must articulate how a program would meet their academic needs and why they are a good candidate for the program. As most locations have a limited number of places, even qualified students should identify and apply to multiple programs that are a good academic fit. Students on academic or social probation are ineligible for off-campus study.

What happens with the credits and grades students earn while abroad?

• The HWS curriculum has been designed to integrate off-campus study into the academic program. An HWS global education program functions in many ways just like an on-campus semester: grades and credits for courses taken abroad appear on the HWS transcript and all grades will factor into the GPA. Students may receive credit toward their major, minor, or other graduation requirements with approval from the appropriate department or program chair and their academic adviser.

How much does it cost to study abroad? How does financial aid work?

• Students participating in semester-long HWS off-campus programs are charged tuition and associated fees at the same rate as on the HWS campus (with the exception of the Student Activities fee, which is not charged), plus an administrative fee of $600. Room and board charges vary, depending on what is provided as part of the program; costs will typically be comparable to those on campus, or slightly less in some cases. Students are responsible for airfare and visa expenses, where applicable. Consult the individual program pages on the CGE website for more specific information on costs.
• Financial Aid: students participating in semester-long HWS off-campus programs receive financial aid on the same basis as previously awarded (with the exception of work study) as determined by merit or demonstrable financial need. In addition, students may apply for a variety of internal and external grants and scholarships to assist with travel expenses (airfare, visa, etc.).
• Short-term Programs: The CGE offers a wide range of short-term program options, including our own faculty-led programs and others offered through affiliate providers. Costs vary depending on program location and duration; see the short-term program pages on the CGE website for further information. While regular financial aid does not apply to short-term programs, students may apply for need-based assistance through the CGE and a variety of external sources of aid are also available. Due to how financial aid is administered, study abroad for a full semester may be a more cost-effective option for some students.

Do students have medical coverage while abroad?

• All students enrolled in an HWS study abroad program will be provided (at no additional cost) an international insurance policy through CISI (Cultural Insurance Services International) that includes comprehensive medical and evacuation coverage. Students will have online access to identify medical providers and services, and will receive an insurance card that must be carried at all times while abroad. Students with chronic medical conditions are encouraged to contact CISI once enrolled to get referrals and discuss management of medications.

Where do students live when studying abroad?

• Accommodations vary depending on the program. In some locations, students live with host families, while in others they may live in apartments or student residences/dormitories, often with local and/or international students. Some programs include excursions where students may stay in hotels or hostels.

When would be the best time to visit my student abroad?

• If you would like to plan a visit with your student, we strongly encourage you to do so after the program is completed or during a scheduled break. Traveling with your student prior to the program may not be feasible due to visa restrictions and/or requirements for registration with immigration officials abroad. Visiting while a program is in session is not recommended as students are not excused from class or program-related activities for visits from friends and family; further, only enrolled students may participate in excursions and other program activities. We recommend against scheduling any visit until program schedules are finalized, usually just a short time before the program begins.

How are travel arrangements handled?

• For our faculty-led programs, the CGE typically arranges an optional group flight through a partner travel agency. In these cases, students have the option to have the cost of the flight billed to their HWS student account. For other programs students are responsible for arranging travel, which allows them the flexibility to explore options from their home cities. The CGE and our partner institutions abroad will provide students with program and travel dates well in advance. Many of our partners will meet students at the airport so long as students arrive on a designated date/time and provide advance notice of their travel arrangements.
• Students must have a passport, valid for at least six months after the end of the program. Those that do not have a passport should apply for one immediately upon being accepted into a program. Many program destinations will require a visa and students will be provided information by the CGE and/or our program partners about this. It is imperative that students follow instructions about how and when to apply in order to obtain necessary documentation in a timely way; those who are late may find they are unable to join their scheduled program.

What arrangements do the Colleges make for student safety?

• All HWS programs and partners are vetted by a CGE staff member and/or an HWS faculty member prior to being added to our program menu. Housing is arranged by on-site staff members who are familiar with local neighborhoods, safe transit routes, and standard safety protocols. CGE staff members monitor daily safety alerts from international risk management organizations and receive guidance from sources such as the US Department of State and the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). The CISI insurance plan that covers our students abroad also provides 24/7 English-language traveler’s assistance for any emergency and medical and security evacuation, if appropriate.