How do I apply for summer study abroad?

Visit the Apply to Summer Study Abroad page for information on how to apply to study abroad during the summer.

Can I apply to more than one program at a time?

Yes. You may request course approval for up to two programs for summer study abroad.

Can I apply to a program that is not on the Suggested Programs List?

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.

Is financial aid available for summer study abroad?

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. 

Language Course Information

• 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.
• Students taking an East Asian language or Near Eastern language abroad, regardless of level, 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. 
   

Can I fulfill the language requirement through study abroad?

It is possible to fulfill the language requirement with courses taken abroad. See the Harvard College policy on receiving credit for language courses abroad.

Is it possible to fulfill General Education requirements through summer study abroad?

• Courses taken on OIE-approved programs may not fulfill General Education requirements. For more information, please see the Harvard College Handbook for Students.
• Certain designated Harvard Summer School courses taken abroad can fulfill General Education requirements. For more information, please see the General Education page on summer courses.
   

Can I earn credit for an internship?

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.

Can I earn credit for an independent study course?

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). 
You may not complete an independent study with a Harvard professor while abroad. 

Can I take a course Pass/Fail?

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.

You must have comprehensive health care coverage to study abroad. Visit the Harvard University Student Helath 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.

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.