FAQ: How Does Study Abroad Work

From Australia to Japan to South Korea and New Zealand– Rollins offers more than 90 study abroad programs to choose from. Rollins faculty and staff advisers can help you tailor your study abroad experience to meet your goals with program options that include internships, major-specific coursework, or research.

At Rollins, you’re free to create a study abroad experience that works for you and your goals. Whether location or internship opportunities is the most important factor in your study abroad decision, with 90+ different programs to choose from, you’re sure to find your perfect destination.

Study abroad for as little as one week during a short-term field study during the winter, spring, and summer breaks. Or choose a summer or semester-long program.

Field Study programs combine traditional coursework with hands-on experiences to help you put your learning into action. These one-of-a-kind experiences are led by Rollins faculty, range from 1-3 weeks and are usually worth 2-4 credits.

Summer Programs are led by Rollins faculty or offered in cooperation with Rollins partners abroad and designed to help students immerse into another culture through language learning, field activities and excursions, homestays, internships and more– over the course of 4-12 weeks.

Semester Programs are hand-selected by Rollins faculty and staff to provide students with excellent opportunities for immersion and intercultural learning. Students typically take 4-5 classes abroad for 12-16 credits.

Requirements vary by program but generally in order to study abroad students must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum Cumulative GPA
  • Field Study: 2.0
  • Summer Programs: 2.5
  • Semester Programs: 2.5
• Clean record with the Office of Community Standards
• Good academic and College standing
• Professional application: materials are submitted on-time, are edited before submission, and are thorough and thoughtful.

See additional requirements here. 

The same as studying on campus and living in Winter Park! Every Rollins-approved semester study abroad program costs the same as a semester living on campus. For approved semester programs, most or all of your scholarships will still apply, including Bright Futures and federal aid. The Office of International Programs offers need-based scholarships to help with extra costs, like airfare and visa fees (with extra help for off-campus students!).

Yes, for approved Semester Programs, most or all of your scholarships will still apply, including federal aid. And Rollins provides need-based scholarships for all Field Studies and Summer Programs.

The Center for Career and Life Planning also offers funding for students pursuing internships in the summer and several academic departments provide individual scholarships for students interested in studying abroad. Students are also encouraged to apply for scholarships outside of Rollins, like the Gilman Scholarship Program and/or other scholarships from our partner programs.

Learn more about available financial aid and scholarships for study abroad, or schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor.

According to IES Abroad, nearly 90% of study abroad alumni secured a job within the first six months after graduation and 50% felt the overseas experience helped them get their first jobs. In addition to increased language and communications skills, students that study abroad, gain intercultural knowledge and competence, self-awareness, emotional maturity and other skills transferable to their lives and careers well beyond Rollins.

At Rollins, you can participate in a field study or summer program as early as the summer before you matriculate (in our program especially for incoming first-years) and as late as the summer after you graduate. Students can participate in a semester abroad as early as the fall of sophomore year.

The most popular time for a full semester abroad is between the spring of sophomore year and the fall of senior year. Your academic advisor and the advisors in International Programs can help you figure out the best time for you to study abroad.

It doesn’t! Classes you take abroad can count toward your major and/or minor and there are usually options that can count toward your arts, social science, or humanities requirements, too. You can fulfill competency requirements abroad, too– it’s a great way to take your foreign language classes and you can even take an rFLA 200 seminar abroad.

The process is simple! To apply to study abroad:

1. Access your MyRollins account.
2. In the search bar at the top of the page, type "RIPA Application Portal" to view list of available programs and start your application.
3. Click on "Create a new application."
4. Choose your program from the list. Once you choose a program, you will see a list of necessary forms.

You will be automatically charged a non-refundable $30 application fee. If you apply for multiple programs during the same term, you will only be charged one application fee.

Please note, deadlines for applying to study abroad are typically early in the semester BEFORE the program begins. View deadlines for each program.

Study Abroad Advisors are available Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to answer your questions and help you find a program that's right for you. Please complete a pre-advising questionnaire and then schedule an advising appointment.