Study Abroad/Away FAQs

All LVC full-time undergraduate students are eligible to participate in a study abroad program. If a semester away is challenging to your graduation plan, there are short-term program options offered over the summer and other breaks which offer more flexibility and interesting course options for your graduation plan. You should request a meeting with your academic advisor(s) to determine if a semester abroad/away is possible and the requirements you would need to complete while away. The Center for Global Education will help you find the best location and term to offer you the courses and requirements you must complete to stay on track for graduation at LVC. 

Studying abroad is a great way for you to explore another culture and learn how the world interacts. You will see similarities and differences that will force you to challenge the way you see the world. You will most likely gain more confidence, independence, and maturity. Studying abroad is a great resume booster as it showcases to future employers your curiosity, ability to adapt to another culture, and your willingness to experiment with risk and adventure. Once abroad, you may even make connections that will help further your career goals. Making networks abroad is a key tool to increase your job opportunities after graduation.

LVC students can view application requirements and deadlines in MyLVC.

All courses are approved for credit transfer prior to departure. Students must receive a minimum grade of C- on the U.S. grade conversation scale for credits and LVC equivalent requirements to transfer. 

The grades you earn in courses not instructed by LVC faculty will appear as Transfer Credit (T) and will not impact your GPA. Courses instructed by LVC faculty directors during short-term programs will transfer as grades and will impact your GPA.

Semester study abroad participants must take a minimum of 12 credits to a maximum of 17 credits. Most students complete an average of 15 credits during a semester away. LVC’s short-term programs earn 1–6 credits depending on the length and number of courses completed during the program.

LVC programs have varying GPA requirements which range from a 2.5–3.0.  

The only programs that require language pre-requisites are France, Germany, and Spain for semester study abroad, and Canada and Costa Rica for short-term study abroad. All other programs deliver course instruction in English.

Most students retain their LVC institutional aid (scholarships and grants) and loans for a study abroad/away semester. This means that students will pay the same tuition and fees as they would for an LVC on-campus semester. Students are billed an LVC traditional room cost for a semester away, and either the same or less for meals.  

Short-term programs carry a program fee which includes tuition, housing and excursions. Meal structure varies by program. Students can inquire about loan options for short-term programs which carry a minimum of 6 credits of coursework. 

Airfare, immigration costs (student visa), independent traveling and entertainment, and personal expenses are additional costs related to either a semester or a short-erm study abroad/away program.  

Individual program budget sheets can be found on each program’s webpage to provide students with estimated costs for participation. 

For semester study abroad, students can apply their LVC institutional scholarships and grants to the cost of the program. In addition, LVC has scholarship opportunities and stipends for study abroad programs specifically:  

• Katherine J. Bishop Fund for Global Studies: Students participating in any study abroad program at LVC are eligible to apply for funding through this scholarship. Awards are predominantly based on need. All applicants receive funding, generally between $500–$2,000 toward the cost of their study abroad experience. Contact the Center for Global Education for application information.  

• Zerbe Summer Study Abroad Scholarship: Students who have a major, minor or concentration in German, French or Spanish can apply for scholarship funding toward participation in a summer study abroad program in the language of study. Contact the Languages Department for application information. 

• Captain Charles Thomas Cooper III Don Quixote Scholarship: Students participating in a study abroad semester or summer program where Spanish, French or Germany language will be studied are eligible to apply. Contact the Languages Department for application information. 

Students who study abroad in New Zealand for a semester will receive a $400 stipend toward the cost of their roundtrip airfare. Students who study abroad in Australia will receive a $400 stipend toward the cost of their roundtrip airfare and a $200 stipend toward the cost of their student visa. 

In addition, there are a few external study abroad scholarships that we encourage LVC students to investigate. Information can be found on LVC’s Financial Aid/Scholarship webpage. 

All study abroad/away programs have pre-arranged housing for LVC students. Accommodation varies by program with students living in either a dorm, an apartment or a homestay. LVC on-campus housing for the semester of return from abroad/away is guaranteed for students who properly apply for residency. 

To apply for a passport, you must complete the appropriate U.S. Passport Application and arrange for an in-person appointment at a local Passport Issuing Office. The Center for Global Education at LVC does not process passport applications. However, LVC students can have their required passport photos taken, free of charge, in the Breen Center for Career and Professional Development. You should apply for a passport at least 6 months before your date of departure. Additionally, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the intended date of return to the U.S. to enter a foreign country without issue. 

With a few exceptions (the U.K.), U.S. citizens will need to apply for a student visa to participate in a study abroad program longer than 90 days duration. The Center for Global Education assists students with all student visa/immigration requirements. Student visa applications include costs and the possibility of travel to a country’s regional consulate within or outside of Pennsylvania.

There are a few different options for students. Some purchase an international calling plan with their U.S. provider, while others purchase a SIM card for use while abroad. The most current information and advice will be provided to students during pre-departure meetings. 

All LVC students receive free emergency foreign medical insurance coverage for their time abroad. The purchase of additional medical insurance is not required.

The Center for Global Education will provide recommended flight options from a few Northeast U.S. airports. Students are then asked to select and book one of the recommended flights on their own.