Planning: Prerequisites for Studying Abroad
Minimum GPA Requirement
To be eligible to participate in Haverford's International Academic Programs, the Educational Policy Committee (EPC) has mandated that students have a minimum GPA of 3.0, overriding individual program stipulations. Students with GPA's below 3.0, who wish to be considered for study abroad, must make an appointment to see Dean Mancini before beginning the application process. These students must submit a copy of their completed application, letters of recommendation and transcript to Joan Schram by October 1st (for spring) or February 5th (for fall or year). The applications will be forwarded to the International Academic Programs Faculty Advisory Committee for review. The Committee will notify students of their decisions via email, shortly after the completion of the application process.
Eligibility Requirements for Specific Programs
Students must meet the eligibility requirements, (GPA, language prerequisite, etc.) set by the program. Students can check the eligibility requirements online or within the Black Binders.
Good Academic and Disciplinary Standing
Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing and be making normal progress toward graduation. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to study abroad. Second semester freshmen may petition to do so. Those planning to go on Deans Leave should apply the semester they are on campus and must attend the Mandatory Meetings and Orientation Session.
Students with delinquent accounts are not eligible to participate in study abroad programs.
Mandatory Sessions and Orientation
Students must attend the Mandatory Information Session held at the beginning of each semester and the Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Session held at the end of the semester. Students who do not attend these sessions will not be permitted to study abroad. See Before Departure >
Maturity, Responsibility, Resourcefulness, Independence
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, resourcefulness, independence, adaptability, social and academic responsibility, and be able to deal with the unexpected.
Code of Conduct
Students must be willing to sign a code of conduct form. Haverford students will be subject to the same standards of conduct and academic regulations as those stipulated for the Haverford campus. Students also are expected to adhere to the guidelines set by the host institution and abide by the laws of the host country. Students are expected to be respectful of and sensitive to other cultures.
The resident director may impose disciplinary sanctions or drop a student from the program if the student's behavior is deemed inappropriate or the student has violated the stipulated rules set by the program. In cases of egregious behavior, the matter may also be referred to Haverford Dean's Office and Honor Council for resolution. Drug and alcohol abuse will not be tolerated on most programs and are cause for dismissal. As at Haverford, if a student becomes a danger to himself or herself or members of the community, the on site Dean/Director may administratively separate the student from the program.
Disabilities and Study Abroad
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 to a program. None of these precludes a student from participating in a study abroad program; however, not all partner universities may be able to offer special accommodations. By declaring these conditions in advance, there will be adequate time to find a program that best meets the student's special needs. See Planning: Special Needs/Disabilities >
Coping With the Stress of Overseas Living
Physical and Mental Health
Studying abroad can be physically and mentally rigorous and the possibility of illness or an accident is always a concern. It is strongly advised that participants have a physical examination to receive assurance from a physician that they are able to participate in a study abroad program. Students may see their personal physician or use Haverford Health Services. Students who are 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 psychologists/ psychiatrists available.
Risk of Illness
Students interested in studying in third world countries must recognize there is a strong possibility that they will become ill. Students also risk 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. The selection of malaria medication is also an issue that warrants special consideration. The Office of International Academic Programs strongly recommends that students and parents consult with their health care providers and other reliable sources before they make their decisions. In addition to their own health care providers, information also is available from the programs, the Center for Disease Control, The World Health Organization, Haverford Health Services and in the Black Binders in the Resource Library of the Study Abroad Office in Chase 213.
Program Information
Black Binders/Green Binders/Blue Binders
Students are expected to read all the program information in the Black Binders located in the Study Abroad Resource Library in Chase 213. It is the students' responsibility to know the Haverford program deadlines, the number of credits to take abroad, refund policies, airfare arrangements, etc. Program information is also available directly online and in the catalogs located in the Green Binders. Many catalogs are available for check-out, as are videos. In addition, student evaluations of the programs are on file in the Blue Binders in Chase 213.
Peer and Faculty Advisors
A list of past participants who are willing to be informal peer advisers is available in the office or online. Also available is a list of Faculty members who have agreed to serve as advisors they have visited and evaluated for the Office of International Academic Programs. See About IAP: Contact Us >
Information Sessions/Study Abroad Fair
Students are encouraged to attend the information sessions sponsored by the Office of International Academic Programs and the Student Study Abroad Advisory Board, as well as special sessions featuring representatives from Haverford's partner institutions. Each fall a Study Abroad Fair is held in the Dining Center, featuring visitors from our partner schools.
Check IAP Website and E-Mail
Students should check the website for updates, events and announcements. Students should also check their email regularly as information will be sent directly to their email accounts.
Consult with Parents/Guardians
It is important that students talk to their parents or guardians about their study abroad plans early in the process.
Don't want credit?
Students who decide they want to go abroad but not for credit should choose any of the thousands of programs not on the approved list. By agreement, the programs on the approved list are reserved for those students who are receiving Haverford credit.
Nota Bene: The EPC has determined that students who do not request and receive permission to study abroad through the International Academic Programs Office will not receive Haverford credit for their work. The EPC will not consider retroactive proposals under any circumstances. Students who do not wish to pay Haverford tuition and/or receive credit, may not attend programs on the approved list.
A Word About Housing Options
Living conditions abroad will vary and students must be prepared to deal with different standards of living and not expect the same amenities found at Haverford. In some countries, housing accommodations may be more luxurious than dorms at Haverford with en suite bathrooms, TV sets, and large singles that also include cleaning service. However, in some countries, hot water, telephones and private rooms may not be an option and access to computers and email will be severely limited.
Students who choose to live with families may be subject to strict rules and regulations regarding use of telephone, kitchen appliances and even hot water. If students take long hot showers, there may not be any hot water left for the rest of the family. Some families may impose curfews and not allow visitors to the home while others may treat the student as a member of the family. Students need to understand that the motives for taking in boarders vary and some families do it strictly for economic reasons. In cases where meals are included, families may not be able to adjust eating times to suit student schedules. Meal portions may be different than students are used to at Haverford and students should not expect their host families to provide special meals or purchase special foods. Living with a family exposes students to the culture and customs of a country in ways dorm living does not. However, students need to be flexible and sensitive to the needs of the family.