Planning: Required Reading - Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are a few:

1. To be eligible for study abroad, the Educational Policy Committee (EPC) has mandated that students have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students with lower GPAs must apply to the International Academic Programs Advisory Committee. Please see: The Application Process. Please note that some programs (e.g. Oxford, LSE) have higher GPA requirements.
2. Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at Haverford.
3. Students should be in good health physically, emotionally, and mentally. Studying abroad can be stressful, so students should check with their physicians, Health Services, or their health care provider to receive assurances that they are able to participate in our study abroad program. In cases where a medical condition is on-going (diabetes, eating disorder, etc.), referrals for continual care abroad must be documented. Students under the care of a mental health provider should discuss whether study abroad is a viable option and confirm to Dean Mancini that care can be continued abroad. Not all countries have English speaking doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists available. Students and their mental care provider should make arrangements for this care prior to application.
   
   Nota Bene: Students interested in studying in some high-risk countries must recognize the possibility of becoming ill and the risk of contracting long term diseases if they do not obtain the appropriate vaccinations or if they do not comply with protective health care guidelines, including personal hygiene. However, even with precautions, illness is a high risk. Information is available in the Black Binders in the Study Abroad Office and in the Student Resources section.
4. Students who are physically challenged, have a documented learning disability, or need continuous or special periodic care for medical, emotional, or mental problems must indicate their needs in writing to Dean Mancini prior to applying. None of these will automatically prevent a student from attending; however, not all programs may be able to offer special accommodations.
5. Students must be motivated to study abroad and demonstrate a willingness to adjust to the demands of living abroad and to cope with the challenges of a different academic environment. Students also must display maturity and social responsibility, and be able to deal with the unexpected. Maturity can be evidenced by completion of the Declaration of Intent to Study Abroad and the specific program application, and the processing of all study abroad materials on time.
6. Students must attend the mandatory Information Session held at the beginning of each semester and the scheduled mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Session the semester before going abroad.

Yes. Fill out Haverford's Declaration of Intent to Study Abroad form by October 5 for spring programs and February 5 for fall and year programs. View Forms > Please Note: Some programs require an earlier deadline. See handouts #9a and #9b for deadline information or view deadlines.

Haverford has guaranteed spaces reserved for many programs. In mid-February and mid-October, we notify each program to let them know approximately how many spaces we will be using. If you do not fill out the Declaration of Intent to Study Abroad by these dates, you decrease your chances of being accepted. In some cases, you lose the opportunity to study in that program.

Most programs have applications available online, however hard copies are available in Chase 213. Only in special cases will you be permitted to apply to more than one program.

Students are now responsible for sending in their own program applications. Collect everything necessary and send your application directly to your program. It is recommended that students send everything via priority mail and contact their program to make sure that all application materials have been received. Students should also keep a personal copy of all application materials. See program websites for more information >

YES! DEADLINES ARE IMPORTANT! It is your responsibility to know the deadline date for your program and to get the materials in early. Nota Bene: Haverford deadlines are earlier than many program deadlines. We appreciate your cooperation in meeting our deadlines. Although programs may list later dates, once they are full, they stop accepting applications.

Nota Bene: Even if your program has a late deadline, please remember that all program applications are due at the Haverford Office on or before November 1st for spring programs or March 5th for fall and year program.

No. The transcript will list only the courses and the amount of credit received. Haverford, however, will forward the transcript from non-U.S.-based programs (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE) to law schools, medical schools, graduate schools, etc. Students should indicate on their request form that they wish the international transcript sent along with the Haverford one. For transcript from American-based programs (Sweet Briar, SUNY, Temple, etc.), students must order them from the program directly and have it sent to the appropriate graduate school.

Each year students who have studied abroad are awarded departmental and/or college Honors. A number are also elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Students who have studied abroad have also won Marshall, Fulbright, and other scholarships.

Yes. You can meet divisional, quantitative, and language requirements abroad. Dean Mancini will code the courses along divisional lines based on what is reflected on the transcript. This may be problematic, so be sure to bring back essays, exams and tests for review. Go to Receiving Haverford Credit >

Yes! Please read the guidelines in the Black Binder, which explains the specific examination requirements for each of the programs. It is your responsibility to know what the requirements are for your program. Haverford requires students to complete ALL coursework before your departure from your program. If you have any questions, please ask Dean Mancini. If possible, you should bring back copies of your examinations. You are required to bring back all research papers, essays, etc. in your major courses for your advisor's review.

Yes. You are required to pre-register for your courses by filling out the Approved Programs Registration for International Academic Programs Form available in Dean Mancini's office. Your advisor must sign this form before it is presented to Dean Mancini for her signature. Please read Procedures for Receiving Credit for Approved International Academic Programs at Receiving Haverford Credit >

No matter the number of credits earned abroad, students must complete a total of 24 credits in the four college community (Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Swarthmore, University of Pennsylvania). Students must be in residence for 6 semesters and must take 8 out of 32 credits at Haverford. This means if you have AP credits or summer school courses, you cannot use them to reduce your course load senior year.

Awarding credit toward your major rests solely with the academic departments. You must see your major advisor to discuss your academic program prior to leaving Haverford. Some departments restrict the number of courses that are acceptable toward the major from institutions outside of the Tri-College Community. Your advisor must sign the Course Registration Form.

Write to your advisor immediately and inform her or him of the change in your schedule. This usually does not present a problem because you will be advised to select a number of alternative courses when you fill out the registration form. Prior to leaving, you should check with your major advisor to make sure which credits will be acceptable for the major.

You must seek advance approval if you wish courses to count toward your minor/concentration.

It depends on your program. Australia has some restrictions; however for most programs, you do not have to inform us of changes in courses outside your major. Check the black binder for information specific to your program.

You must receive a grade of "C" in order to receive Haverford College credit whether you study abroad, within the US, or at summer school.

Requests for course withdrawals, which require the approval of both the program director abroad and the Director of the International Academic Programs at Haverford, must be sent by airmail, postmarked no later than the end of the fourth week of class, or may be sent via e-mail or fax. Those who, for valid reasons, are not able to complete research projects abroad, must immediately notify the supervising faculty, program director abroad, and the Director of International Academic Programs at Haverford. Arrangements for an alternative project, if possible, must be made in consultation with the appropriate faculty members either abroad or at Haverford.

Students may reduce their course load if they obtain the permission of their Haverford Dean and their major advisor as they would at Haverford. Students requesting a reduced load are expected to have extra credits. Also, please note that many programs will not permit a reduction in course load. No refunds are given for reduction of course loads abroad.

Students can take more than the normal course load and, if there are extra fees, Haverford will be responsible for paying those fees.

Yes. If you are enrolled in a course that has an internship as a component of the class and you have assigned readings, papers and receive a grade, recorded on your transcript.

NO! Students are expected to stay and take the examinations as scheduled. All work must be completed before the program ends. Our partner institutions have informed us that it is too disruptive to professors when students request exceptions to the examination schedule. The only exception to this rule is for students attending the fall term in Scotland and universities in France and Spain. At these universities, all international students take examinations before they leave for winter break and students, again, are expected to take them at the set times.

Life is filled with choices. Choose a program or a semester that will not conflict with important events. NOTA BENE: Some universities (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE) will no longer award full credit to students who do not complete the full residency requirements.

Yes, financial aid is available for eligible students and is awarded by the Haverford College Office of Financial Aid. You must fill out Haverford's Declaration of Intent to Study Abroad form by October 5th or by February 5th to be eligible. Some priority may be given to those whose major programs or concentrations most depend on international study. Students are also encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office and fill out the financial aid forms as early as possible, and no later than April 20th. There also may be special financial aid offered by the program you have selected. Please read the material in Dean Mancini's office. If aid is offered, we recommend and, sometimes require, that you apply directly to the program. See Financial Planning >

In the past, all students who qualified for financial aid received aid to go abroad. In the unlikely event that there may not be enough funds, the EPC has established a set of procedures to allocate funds. The International Academic Programs Faculty Committee, comprised of Dean Mancini and three members of the faculty appointed by the Provost, meet twice a year (second week in October and second week in February) to review applications of students requesting financial aid. The guidelines set by the Educational Policy Committee (EPC) for awarding financial aid are clear. Students will be ranked in order of priority as follows:

1. Language majors studying languages in universities abroad.
2. Non-Language majors attending non-English speaking programs (e.g. a student with a Latin American or Iberian Studies concentration studying in Latin America or Spain.)
3. Students attending English speaking universities or programs abroad which in some way enhances their major program (e.g. economics major at LSE).
4. All other applicants.

Again, to date, the Office of International Academic Programs has never had to use these guidelines.

No. The Financial Aid Office uses the information provided in the same forms that students complete when applying for aid at Haverford. We do request that students complete the forms as early as possible rather than waiting for the April 20th deadline. We will not be able to award aid until we know how much aid students will need. The sooner you provide us with the information, the sooner we can confirm if aid is available.

Financial aid covers tuition, room, board, and some miscellaneous expenses, such as books and supplies. It does not cover entertainment or travel. An allowance for the cost of round trip airfare (departure from East Coast city) will be incorporated in the financial aid package of students receiving Haverford College grant funds based on need. It also does not cover costs for activities fees (you are not charged Haverford's student activities fees), visas, vaccinations (except for certain programs, read the Black Binders), insurance, etc. We also cannot cover all costs should you choose to live in the most expensive accommodations provided by some programs.

Nota Bene: For non-English-speaking programs where students are given the option of living in a homestay, Haverford will only incorporate the full cost of room and board for a homestay into financial aid packages. This policy is for educational purposes: we believe that living with a family provides the best opportunity to learn a language and experience full cultural immersion, and therefore all students are encouraged to choose a homestay. Additional costs for other housing arrangements are the responsibility of the student.

If a non-English-speaking program does not have a homestay option but students may live with host nationals (i.e. in a university residence hall), Haverford will incorporate the full cost of room and board for living with host nationals into financial aid packages. Additional costs for other housing arrangements are the responsibility of the student. If there is no homestay option, nor any option to live with host nationals (i.e. in a university residence hall), Haverford will incorporate the full cost of room and board for living in an apartment into financial aid packages.

You can continue to pay through your AMS company; however, in some programs, you will not be paying for room and board. Also, you will not be billed for the bookstore account or activities fee. Therefore, be sure to see Barbara Wilson in the Business Office to make arrangements for your refund, if you are entitled to one. You will also have to tell your parents or guardians to inform your AMS company that you have changed your status so the appropriate adjustments can be made.

If there is a fee, you will be responsible for this fee.

No. Be sure to fill out the Study Abroad Transcript Request form available in the Registrar's Office.

You will be required to pay Haverford's tuition and, in some cases, also room and board. Haverford will bill you as if you were at Haverford -- that is, in January and in August -- so you do not have to pay immediately. If the program bills you, please forward all bills to Dean Mancini. Haverford will then pay the program you select. Please note that housing and food costs in some countries are very expensive. Some programs expect you to find housing on your own and pay the landlord directly. So, if you are not the independent type or if you wish to limit these expenses, choose a program that provides comprehensive room and board costs. See the black program binders for specific information.

In most cases, you will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements. An allowance for the cost of round trip airfare (departure from East Coast city) will be incorporated in the financial aid package of students receiving Haverford College grant funds based on need. When the cost of airfare is included in the program fees, you will be expected to travel with the group. Because there are so many programs, you are expected to read the materials in the Black Binders pertaining to your program. All of the information is provided in these guidelines. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with them. (This is good training for when you go abroad.) If you do not know the date of return, call the program directly before you book your flight. Regrettably, we can not make refunds for changes in travel plans for any reason.

You will be responsible for the payment of the deposit if there is one; the amount will later be deducted from your tuition. If you do not attend, you forfeit the deposit.

We will adhere to the refund policy of the program you select. Please read the appropriate program brochure very carefully. Please also read the Refunds section in the Black Binder relating to your program. The brochures and catalogs are located in the bookcase in the Green Binders; however, you may also write to the program director to get your own copy. If accepted into a program, you will also receive refund information. In most cases, the deposit is forfeited. In many cases, you will lose all of your Haverford tuition (and room and board fees) if you withdraw past the specified deadlines. Haverford also levies a fee. If any money is refunded, it is usually because you have withdrawn for documented medical reasons.

As they would be at Haverford, students are responsible for all transportation costs not expressly included in the program fee, as well as incidental expenses such as books, laundry, entertainment, postage, and telephone calls. It also does not include transportation to the airport, medical fees, passport, and visa fees. In addition, it is expected that all overseas debts will be settled before returning to the U.S. Failure to do so may result in refusal of the program to issue a transcript.

No. You will be responsible for payment for any activities abroad not covered by the program. Please note that you may be asked to pay an activities fee to the host university in some of the programs.

No. Most students outside the U.S. do not buy new books for their classes; they use the library or they are provided handouts.

In most programs, housing is guaranteed and pre-arranged. Some programs place students with families or in apartments; others will provide students with an array of choices. In a few limited programs, it will be your responsibility to find and secure housing. Please check the Black Binders! When you are required to find housing, there is usually a housing office that will assist you prior to and upon arrival. Sometimes they even help locate temporary housing where you can stay during your housing search.

As at Haverford, study abroad programs cannot guarantee specific housing in advance, even if the student has completed a housing request/preference form, and especially if the student is going only during spring semester. If housing is not pre-arranged, Haverford requires that all students apply for on-campus living even if the program/university does not guarantee placement. No exceptions will be made, especially if students are on Financial Aid. If a student's program requires them to pay room (along with tuition) to Haverford, the College will only pay for the cost of a standard room. If students wish to upgrade their housing beyond a standard room, THEY will be responsible for the extra fees. As at Haverford, financial aid will be based on estimated dorm living costs (or homestay living costs, if available) and no adjustments can be made for those who opt to make their own arrangements. We rely on the program/university office to give us student cost of living estimates. We cannot meet the cost of individual student preferences for off campus housing.

Please note that Haverford cannot assume responsibility for students who opt to find their own accommodations. The Study Abroad Office has limited resources and cannot assist with locating apartments, reviewing leases etc. This is consistent with the housing policy on Haverford campus.

Since this is usually returned to students, minus damage charges, we require that students pay these deposits.

Yes. It is your responsibility to obtain one. You need a passport before you can apply for a visa. The application process can take from 4 to 6 weeks. See Passport & Visa Options >

The answer varies with the program. Please be sure to read the information in the Black Binders carefully. You may also call the consulate of the country where you will study. A list of addresses and phone numbers of consulates is located in the Purple Binder called "Foreign Entry Requirements" on the study abroad bookshelf. Please see also A Word About Visas.

Haverford cannot process the visa for you or obtain the application. Many consulates require that you go in person to obtain the visa. The process can take several weeks and in some cases, you may only have a certain window of opportunity to apply for the visa. Haverford does not cover visa fees unless stated in the black binder.

Haverford cannot process the visa for you or obtain the application. Many consulates require that you go in person to obtain the visa. The application process can take several weeks and in some cases, you may only have a certain window of opportunity to apply for the visa—that is , you can only apply 60-90 days before departure. Haverford does not cover visa fees unless stated in the black binder.

A visa is a stamp placed in your passport, granting permission for you to enter the country legally. Thus, you can not get a visa without a valid passport. You will also have to have an official letter of acceptance to qualify for a visa.

Caution: When applying for a visa, please be cooperative. Do not argue with visa officials; there are many bureaucratic rules that must be followed. If you do not adhere to the rules, you may be denied a visa (this is very bad). If you are denied a visa, you will not be permitted to enter that country, even if you were accepted by the program.

Yes. We recommend that students obtain an International Student Identification Card before leaving the U.S. It not only allows small discounts on meals at some restaurants, museums, trains, flights, hostels, etc., but it also serves as an acceptable identification in most cases, eliminating the necessity of carrying your passport. Most importantly, the card provides some accident insurance. Each ISIC provides basic accident, sickness, and also medical evacuation and repatriation insurance for travel outside of the United States. However, this alone is not enough to cover your medical insurance abroad. It also includes a $250 passport replacement policy that reimburses the loss of the insured's passport during the Insured's trip.

These identification cards are available through STA Travel. The applications, photos, and ID cards are also available from the Digital Print Center, Louis Indelicato, Stokes Hall 003 (610-896-1033). The cost of the card on campus is $22; cost of the picture is $5.

Check with Haverford Health Services, the program, or the U.S. Public Health Service Centers for Disease Control – 1-800-311-3435 (hot line), 888-232-3299 (fax) -- for information on malaria, health advisories, immunization schedules, bulletins on disease outbreaks, etc. SOME IMMUNIZATIONS MUST BE STARTED 12 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE. Tetanus/diphtheria, measles, polio, and hepatitis A and B are some of the recommended vaccinations for all travelers. Some countries will require vaccinations for yellow fever and cholera. Please also refer to the purple "Foreign Entry Requirements" binder, located on the study abroad bookshelves.

The Haverford College Health Services has a Travel Clinic that can prepare and protect you against many of the most common travel related illnesses such as: Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Other travel immunizations available at the Health Center include: Tetanus/diphtheria, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Typhoid, Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, Twinrix (combination Hepatitis A and B), and Polio. The Health Center can also write for anti-malaria medications and refer you for yellow fever vaccinations. Call 610-896-1089 for a travel clinic appointment.

Please Note: Cholera vaccinations are no longer available in the US.

Contact your program director immediately, then call home, and call Haverford to check in so we know you are ok. The Department of State has a Citizens Emergency Center that can give information, including travel advisories, warnings, and information sheets on specific countries, through a touch-tone system. People can also report an incident concerning an American citizen abroad. Students who are involved in an emergency situation or who are in proximity to one (i.e. one about which folks at home would hear and be worried) should call the nearest embassy or consulate to report their status. The embassy would then pass on the information to the Citizens Emergency Center. If an incident has been reported, this is a good way for family members to get information. The number to call is (202) 647-5225. The State Department also recommends that students register with the embassy or consulate when they arrive in the country. The embassy would then know where they are and would have a copy of their passport in case it is lost. If you cannot reach the U.S. Embassy during an emergency situation, contact the Canadian, British, or Australian Embassies or Consulates. Information is also available for Travel Advisories through the Dept. of State website.

Call or e-mail your parents and Haverford's Office of International Academic Programs 610-896-1230 or when our office is closed, Safety and Security 610-896-1111 whenever you have a serious problem.

The College requires that you obtain comprehensive international medical health insurance, which includes adequate repatriation and medical evacuation coverage before leaving the U.S. You may purchase insurance through the program or through your own carrier. We require students to submit the Overseas Medical Insurance Coverage form before they go abroad.

Please note: Insurance issued with the International Student I.D. Card is accident-related, in-hospital sickness. It does cover medical evacuation and repatriation; however, it does not cover visits to doctors, clinics, dentists, etc. Please read the insurance card issued with the I.D. card carefully for benefits. The study abroad office provides information about supplemental insurance.

The Department of State's International Association For Medical Assistance to Travelers (716) 754-4883 will send you a list of English-speaking doctors who are practicing in foreign countries. The Department of State also runs Centers for Disease Control (404) 639-3534 which can give you lists of medical requirements and recommendations by country, information about food and water precautions and diarrhea, AIDS information, and reports on disease outbreaks in specific geographic locations. In addition, you can check with the Haverford College Health Services and at CDC: Traveler's Health.

If you have any special needs (for example: learning disabilities, dietary restrictions, eating disorders, limitations in physical activities, severe allergies, etc.), or other medical, emotional, or mental problems that require added attention, you should inform Dean Mancini in writing as early as possible in the application process so that she can try to arrange for special services. These conditions will not preclude your enrolling in study abroad. However, accommodation may not always be possible, given the cultural differences and the differences in available medical and psychological facilities in the various countries. For example, if you have asthma, living in Santiago will be a hardship as little can be done to change the environment.

Road Safety: Please note that road accidents are the single greatest hazard facing US travelers abroad. Countries such as Egypt and Kenya have the worst safety records among the countries for which statistics are available. Korea, Morocco, Mexico, Ghana, Spain, India, Nepal, and China also rank high, as do Greece and most non-European countries. Remember that in many countries, such as England, Ireland, Scotland, and Australia, you look in the opposite direction as you would in the States. The cross sections often note to "look right" or a "look left" for traffic. Please research the traffic patterns and highway conditions of the countries you hope to visit. Some tips:

• Learn the highway hazards in the countries in which you are traveling.
• Be aware of local driver behaviors and road conditions.
• Choose the safest form of transportation in each country.
• Avoid night travel in countries with poor safety records and/or mountainous terrain.
• Contact Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT) before traveling, for information regarding road safety travel in specific countries. phone: (301) 983-5252, fax: (301) 983-3663.
• DON'T DRIVE ABROAD!

Students participating in formal International Study Abroad, Domestic Study Away,or in Exchange programs, MAY ONLY STORE THEIR BELONGINGS IN THE TWO SPECIAL STORAGE ROOMS LOCATED IN YARNALL HOUSE, 3RD FLOOR (REAR). The storage is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. These rooms in Yarnall are labeled for Year and Semester I Study Away storage. Students may store their bikes in designated garages at HCA (– further information and instructions to follow). Other large items can no longer be accommodated and are no longer permitted to be stored. ALL belongings must be labeled according to the instructions provided on the Housing website. Items stored anywhere else on campus are subject to being removed and discarded. We ask that you take your belongings home whenever possible. We regret that the College cannot provide high security storage. Students will not be permitted to put things into the Study Abroad storage rooms after these storage rooms close at noon, Monday following graduation. Students returning from Semester II Study Abroad to live at HCA for the summer may request to have access Yarnall storage to retrieve their belongings. All of your belongings should be removed immediately upon your return to campus. The Storage Policy and any updates can be found on the Housing Website in the "Quick Links" box under "All Things Storage".

Before you leave Haverford, please fill out the application for a library carrel available at the Circulation Desk of Magill Library. If you do not apply for a carrel before you leave, you probably will not be able to obtain one when you return.

You should go through pre-registration if you have not been accepted to a program or if you have not been awarded financial aid at the time of pre-registration.

Please inform Dean Mancini, in writing, by December 1st for a spring return or March 1st for a fall return. If you plan to extend your stay, we need to know by these dates. You may also notify her before you leave campus.

If you have decided to attend the program, you may not participate in Spring Room Draw. If you have not been accepted by the program when Room Draw occurs, you may participate. Please read the Room Draw Rules regarding international study.

Students on international study usually have a proxy who participates in Mid-Year Room Draw in December or Spring Room Draw in April. If you cannot attend the draw, you must appoint a proxy and you must notify the Housing Office that you wish to have campus housing when you return and give the name of your proxy, who will act on your behalf during Room Draw. The Housing Office must have the name of your proxy on file.

It is strongly recommended that you preregister while you are abroad. You can register online. If you need further assistance or have any questions, please contact Lee Watkins directly via email, lwatkins@haverford.edu.

Please visit the online Tri-College Guide Search to explore your options.

Yes, unless you specify in writing to Dean Mancini that you wish your name to be omitted from the Directory.

If you plan to vote by absentee ballot, you must be sure you are registered to vote before you leave the country. Check with your county Board of Elections at your local courthouse. You must get this information before you go abroad since there are several steps involved and there are specific due dates for each step. Jot down your party, ward, district and voter registration number before leaving as well.

Think carefully before you commit yourself — it can get costly! Many programs levy a withdrawal fee for students who do not complete the program. In some programs, you may forfeit all tuition, room, and board fees. If the program does not refund the money, neither can we. It is difficult to generalize since Haverford has over forty-nine programs with forty-nine refund policies. It is the responsibility of the student to be familiar with the refund and withdrawal policy of his or her particular program. If you decide to return to Haverford and are readmitted, you would have to pay the additional cost of Haverford's tuition and room and board fees. See financial concerns. We expect students to withdraw from the programs by the appropriate deadlines so as not to incur any financial consequences. Students who withdraw past the deadlines, should not assume that a return to Haverford is guaranteed.

Please Note: Taking a place means that someone else will not be able to go on the program. So, please be considerate when making decisions. We know that situations change, but in some cases, (Oxford, Cambridge and exchange programs), we can accommodate changes for documented serious medical reasons ONLY.

The College, in conjunction with the Student Study Abroad Advisory Committee, has approved charging a fine of $500, as well as any unrecoverable expenses paid by the College to the program. This fine will be charged to all students withdrawing from programs past the set Haverford deadlines. The reason for doing so is because students have withdrawn at the last moment, causing the loss of an entire year's tuition and room and board fees, which the College had paid to the approved programs. Such withdrawals jeopardize the relationship Haverford has with these programs to insure acceptance for future students. In addition, late withdrawals have an impact on administrative offices at Haverford, such as the Business Office, Registrar, Housing, Admissions, etc.

We expect students to adhere to the withdrawal deadlines of their program. We will be flexible until our Haverford deadlines — December 1st for spring or April 19th for fall or year programs. Thus, you should find out the applicable date of your specific program as soon as possible. Students must either confirm their plans to study abroad or inform the Dean's Office that they will not be attending the program in writing by this date; you can not remain undecided past our deadline** A $500 charge payable to Haverford College will be levied to those students who withdraw following these dates, regardless of their reason for doing so. Oxford and Cambridge are exceptions, as a much higher fine will be levied for withdrawal from certain Oxbridge schools.

** Students who are not sure about their plans should stay in touch with Dean Mancini. For certain programs, exceptions can be made and an extension of the deadline may be worked out, but only if you arrange this with Dean Mancini prior to the Haverford deadline.

Haverford has special agreements with certain Oxford and Cambridge Colleges. Students applying to these Partner Colleges are committed to attending. In our agreements, we guarantee that the students applying are serious candidates who will go if accepted. Thus, students applying to Partner Colleges should note that the application itself is a binding contract -- that is that if accepted, the student is required to attend. These colleges do not maintain a waiting list so that they suffer severe financial consequences when students withdraw. If students withdraw after acceptance, they also jeopardize our agreements with these colleges. As places are extremely competitive at Oxbridge, future Haverford students might not be able to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Students who are unsure about their plans are free to apply to any of the Oxford Colleges with whom we do not have any agreements. Please select Colleges carefully! As the loss to the Oxford or Cambridge College is so high, an additional $1500 fine will be levied for a withdrawal from an Oxford or Cambridge program, regardless of the documented medical reason.

Students who wish to withdraw from a study abroad program must notify both the sponsoring program officials and the Office of International Academic Programs (OIAP) at Haverford. The OIAP will negotiate decisions on credits and grades following official notification of withdrawal. The student is expected to negotiate with each program regarding refunds. If the program does not refund the money, neither will Haverford. In addition, there may be some further financial implications for withdrawing from a program.

Yes. If you apply to a yearlong program (LSE, Oxford, Cambridge, UCL’s yearlong option only) and do not complete the year NO CREDIT will be awarded. There also may be severe financial penalties if the year is not completed; that is, a total loss of tuition, room and board fees. A $500 withdrawal fee will be charged and under no circumstances will airfare be refunded.

You will need to obtain permission from your program and from Dean Mancini. If the program levies an extra fee to extend your stay, you will be responsible for payment of this fee. Please read all materials carefully. Some programs charge substantial amounts. Also, you will not receive any airfare reimbursement.

This situation will be treated the same as if you had withdrawn from a program once it had begun.

If your situation changes and the program you choose has space available, you may be considered for admission. However, you must obtain the permission of your dean and advisor. If you are applying after classes have ended, there will also be a fee of $350 assessed to process the late application.

It may be possible with the written recommendation of your dean and major advisor. If approval is granted, acceptance will be contingent on attending the mandatory Pre-departure Orientation Session.

No. Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing to apply to study abroad.

No, only programs on our approved list receive credit. The EPC has determined that students who do not request and receive permission to study abroad through the Haverford International Academic Programs Office will not receive Haverford credit for their work. The EPC or the CSSP will not consider retroactive proposals under any circumstances. This is one case where NO means NO.

Students may apply to such a program only if it is also on Haverford's list of approved programs.

Yes. Although it is rare, students have participated in different programs for first and second semester. It is highly recommended that you apply to both programs before you leave Haverford. See Dean Mancini for further details.

Given the economic downturn, we will be unable to award airfare for students participating in multiple programs unless there are sound academic reasons (i.e. Romance Language majors) and the student is receiving Haverford College grant funds based on need. The specific arrangements can be discussed with Dean Mancini. The deadlines of March 5 and November 1 for this are firm.

Yes. You may go for a semester sophomore year and a semester junior year.

No matter the number of credits earned abroad, students must complete a total of 24 credits in the four college community. Students must be in residence for six semesters and must take 8 of 32 credits at Haverford. To read more on academic regulations, click here.

Yes, but transfer students must complete a minimum of 16 Haverford course credits and four semesters in residence.

No. Regrettably, we cannot monitor the programs effectively if students attend who are not working to receive credit at Haverford. We have agreements with universities and programs stipulating our examination requirements, housing arrangements, etc. Therefore, it is also difficult for foreign universities to keep track of students not participating on Haverford's approved study abroad program. Students who do not wish to receive Haverford credit should feel free to select from the thousands of programs not on the list.

Summer Study Abroad is not under the oversight of the International Academic Programs Office. Students who wish to take summer courses abroad should follow the procedures outlined in the catalog. Students should make an appointment with their Dean to review these procedures.

Students who wish to study at another college within the United States should see their Dean for assistance. The only exception is the University of Hawaii, A Semester ALMOST Abroad and Cornell's Environmental program which falls under the purview of Office of International Academic Programs.

Haverford does have exchanges with Claremont McKenna, Pitzer and Spelman Colleges. Interested students should see Dean Steve Watter. Nota Bene: Students cannot go to another US institution and transfer study abroad credit to Haverford.

Culture shock is normal and expected. It is not triggered by a specific event, but by a different way of life. When you are away from familiar situations and faces, you may find it more difficult to deal with the challenges of a new situation. Symptoms may range from mild anxiety to occasional homesickness to acute unhappiness, irritability, hypersensitivity and loss of perspective.

It may be helpful to think of "the W-theory" during some periods, you will feel excited and happy, while during others, you will inevitably feel melancholy. The frequency and duration of these up-down intervals will vary from person to person, but know that the cycle is a natural reaction to a new living environment. The more you learn about culture shock, the better you will be prepared to deal with it. See While Abroad: Culture Shock >

Recommended reading is Robert Kohl's book, Survival Kit for Overseas Living.