Independent Study Abroad

The International Programs office assists Columbia students in accessing independent study abroad programs worldwide.  Students interested in an independent study abroad must follow Columbia's Step-Sheet for Study Abroad. The International Programs office serves as the first step for program advising.

We hold informational meetings every week to guide students through the process of studying abroad with an independent provider.  In these meetings we discuss researching and selecting a program that best suits the individual student, assuring transfer credit and securing student aid.  We also distribute Columbia's Study Abroad Consortium Agreement which must be completed if a student wishes to receive  credit at Columbia or student aid.

Meeting times and locations vary so please contact Catrina DeBord,  Assistant Director of  Internalnational Programs, at cdebord@colum.edu or 312 369 6852 to find out the details of the next meeting and to reserve your seat.

To get you started, here are some helpful links:

• Researching study abroad programs is made  simple by using the site provided by the Institute of International Education: http://www.iiepassport.org/ 
  
• Print this worksheet to calculate and compare expenses for different programs: Costs to Consider when Comparing Studying Abroad Programs
  
• Reference the US Department of State's Study Abroad Information regarding official documents and governmental travel recommendations: http://studentsabroad.state.gov/