Summer FAQs
Summer FAQs
Applying and Financial Aid
Visit the Apply to Summer Study Abroad page for information on how to apply to study abroad during the summer.
Yes. You may request course approval for up to two programs for summer study abroad.
Yes. You may apply to programs not on the summer Suggested Programs List, but make sure to submit your application forms early to leave sufficient time for course review. All programs must be at least 4 weeks long, have courses lasting at least 36 contact hours, and be able to issue (upon your completion of the program) a transcript showing courses, grades, and credits/hours earned.
While traditional financial aid is not available for summer study abroad, Harvard College offers robust summer funding. Please visit Summer Funding page for more information.
Academics and Credit
- Each Harvard language department determines whether or not a language course abroad is credit-worthy.
- Students taking beginner-level language courses abroad are required to pass a language placement exam administered by the relevant Harvard language department upon completion of the study abroad program.
- It is your responsibility to inform yourself of the appropriate language department guidelines and the Harvard College policy on receiving credit for language courses abroad.
Yes, it is possible to fulfill the language requirement with courses taken abroad. See the Harvard College policy on receiving credit for language courses abroad.
- No. Courses taken on OIE-approved programs may not fulfill General Education requirements. For more information, please see the Harvard College Handbook for Students.
No. While you are encouraged to pursue an internship and service learning opportunities for personal enrichment, these experiences will not be considered as a part of your full academic course load and are not eligible for transfer credit.
Yes, you may take an independent study course as part of your program with a local professor, if offered. Remember to have the course syllabus reviewed by your academic department (for concentration credit) or the OIE (for elective credit). However, you may not complete an independent study with a Harvard professor while abroad.
Courses must be taken for a letter grade. If you are planning on taking a course that has no other grading basis besides Pass/Fail, please contact the OIE as soon as possible.
Practical Matters
You must have comprehensive health care coverage to study abroad. Visit the Harvard University Student Health Program website for more information on health insurance coverage while traveling.
Please visit the Global Support Services website for all of your health and safety needs, including the list of health and safety pre-departure requirements, individual country and region information, and much more. You are required to submit a variety of health and safety pre-departure documents prior to studying abroad. You can find more information on the OIE's Prepare to Go webpage.
To cancel your summer study abroad plans you must inform the OIE, your study abroad program or foreign institution, and any funding sources as soon as possible.