Study Abroad

The Student Study Abroad Advisory Board reminds all participants that while you are abroad you are representing Haverford College.

Your actions reflect on us and affect our ability to continue to offer these programs. As tuition-paying students, Haverford expects you will uphold the same community standards of the program in which you are enrolled as well as those of the Haverford Community.

Most students study abroad in their junior year. Sophomores may petition to study abroad in the second semester of their sophomore year. Those planning to go on Deans' Leave should apply the semester they are on campus and must attend the Mandatory Meetings and Orientation Session. You may apply to go on Bryn Mawr College, Swarthmore College, or the University of Pennsylvania study abroad programs only if it is also on Haverford's list of approved programs.

Requirements for Study Abroad

The Educational Policy Committee (EPC), which oversees Haverford Study Abroad, has mandated the following requirements for students to be eligible for study abroad:

• Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students with lower GPAs can petition to the International Academic Programs Faculty Advisory Committee for permission to study abroad. GPA requirements for the approved programs vary and students must meet the eligibility requirements, (GPA, language prerequisite, etc.) set by their individual program.
• Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at Haverford. Students on academic warning or with delinquent accounts are not eligible to study abroad.
• Students should be in good health physically, emotionally, and mentally. In cases where a medical condition is on-going (diabetes, eating disorder, etc.), referrals for continual care abroad must be documented. 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. 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 healthcare guidelines, including personal hygiene. Information is available in the Black Binders in the Study Abroad Office and on the Travel Resources site.
• Students who have physical disabilities, a documented learning disability, or need continuous or special periodic care for medical, emotional, or mental health must indicate their needs in writing to Study Abroad prior to applying. None of these precludes a student from participating in a study abroad program, but 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 needs. Students are required to meet with the Coordinator of Access and Disability Services (hc-ads [at] haverford.edu) at Haverford prior to declaring their intent to go abroad. For detailed information on disabilities and traveling abroad, visit the Mobility International USA website.
• 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.
• Students must attend one of the Mandatory Information Sessions before applying and the Pre-Departure Orientation Session the semester before going abroad. Students who do not attend these sessions will not be permitted to study abroad. Upcoming sessions are listed on: Study Abroad homepage, Planning, and Resources.