Your University Abroad

Even though you are in a foreign country with many new things to discover, you are still a student first and foremost. You are representing yourself, your home campus, and Americans while abroad. You should take your studies or practical experience seriously and put forth your best effort. Your in-country orientation, which is mandatory, will discuss your new city, the academic program, housing rules, visa requirements, health and safety and other information. It may also include a placement exam or internship interview. Attend all sessions.

Academics Abroad

Academics will vary overseas depending on your program type, your host country, and your professors. You may find that you have less “busy work” (homework, quizzes, etc.) and that students are responsible for their own learning. Some programs will have strict attendance policies while others may not track attendance at all. It will be up to you to know what the differences are while abroad and prepare yourself to succeed academically. 

If you find you are struggling in classes, talk to your professors and/or contact your in-country program contact right away. They will be able to offer you advice on tutoring, advising, etc.-- but they can’t help if they don’t know you’re struggling! You may find that it can be difficult to understand the local accent or that you aren’t sure exactly what is expected from you. Always clarify any questions you have with your professor and be open to different styles and types of teaching.

As most classes abroad don’t have as many assignments, you may find that your final grades are calculated off of one or two tests or papers. While your classmates may not tell you how much they are studying, know that they are putting in many hours to succeed. Americans tend to exaggerate their efforts (“I had so much studying to do last night! I was up all night writing my paper!”) while students from other countries tend to minimize their efforts (“Nah, it wasn’t that bad of a paper.” or “Yeah I studied a bit for it, but it wasn’t horrible.”)

Internships/Practical Experience Abroad

Some programs offer practical components to the education abroad experience. If you are participating in one of these experiences, be aware of expectations in the workplace. Some supervisors may not articulate their expectations as clearly as you are used to. It’s better to ask for help than to spend all semester wondering if you’re doing things right!

Course Approval

While studying abroad is a great experience to learn about new countries and histories, the main goal of your study abroad experience should be to further your academic progress. Make sure you’re talking to your academic advisor prior to departure about the classes you plan to take abroad and how they will count in your academic plan. For SUNY Oswego students, you must have your academic advisor sign off on the classes with the Off-Campus Study Approval Form. Without this completed form your overseas grades cannot be processed.

For non-Oswego students, you should check with your home campus to see what forms are necessary to ensure your courses are approved. 

Overseas Grades and Transcripts

A lot of students hit the middle of the semester and wonder “How exactly do the grades I earn overseas transfer back to my home campus?” For SUNY Oswego students, the grades you earn overseas will be factored into your GPA. For non-Oswego students, you should check with your home campus for the policy. Regardless of your home campus policies, SUNY Oswego will transcribe your overseas transcripts to the American grading scale (the conversions can be found on your online account under the Learning Content called “02. General Program Information”). You should be aware how many credits you have to take overseas to be considered full time; not all classes will come back as 3 US credits. Some may be worth 2 US credits, while others could be worth 4 US credits or more. 

Once you’ve returned from your semester abroad, SUNY Oswego will send your grades automatically by your host university. This typically happens 6-8 weeks after the end of the program, but can be longer or shorter depending on the specific program. 

Germany Programs

You must indicate to each of your professors at the start of the semester and again at the end that you would like a grade for the course, referred to as “Scheine” paperwork. Without requesting this you will not be issued grades for these courses, resulting in no transcript being issued. For questions about this, ask your program coordinator.

Oceania Programs (Australia and New Zealand)

You will be required to send your final transcripts to your SUNY Oswego study abroad program coordinator by email.

Living Abroad

You’ll find many differences living abroad, especially if your host university is located in a different environment than you’re used to (city v. rural, etc.). Even if you live on campus, you will find that the residence life system is different than it is in the US. Students will find they are treated as an adult first and foremost and that they are expected to follow all rules set forth by the landlord, residence hall directors, or host families. 

For programs that provide housing to students, you will be given a specific day(s)/time(s) that you are able to arrive. If you are not able to make the move in time, you must contact the housing contact you’ve been provided. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a new city, possibly unable to understand the language,with a locked apartment or no one to check you in to your residence hall. If you must arrive earlier than the designated arrival dates, please let your program coordinator know. You may need to reserve your own accommodations for those first few nights.

Living in a Residence Hall

Residence halls abroad do not carry the same concept as their American counterparts. For one, they may be located off-campus. Residence halls are typically viewed for sleeping and studying; there may not be as many planned activities or social opportunities as students are used to. Many programs, though not all, have single bedrooms with shared kitchen, living, and bathroom spaces. Students may be required to cook their own meals, as dining halls are rare in some countries. Be aware of the rules regarding drinking, smoking, or having guests in your program housing.

Host Families

Some programs offer host family opportunities for students. Students should be aware of the rules of the house and respect the family and their property. They may have rules about guests, how late you can be out, drinking, etc. Any issues should be addressed with your host family first, but if you cannot resolve it after that, inform your overseas program contact.

Apartments

Some programs have assigned housing in apartments while others let students arrange their own apartments. If you are in an apartment, typically you will be responsible for keeping it clean and ensuring it is left in good condition. We recommend not signing a lease/paying any money toward a deposit until you see the apartment and its location in person.

Hotel

If your group is staying in a hotel, please note that there will be other guests around. Be respectful of common spaces and limit noise levels.

Representing SUNY

Overall, keep in mind that you are representing SUNY while abroad and are expected to follow all policies and rules set forth. You will still be held to the same policies and regulations abroad as you are on your home campus, as well as the law, rules, and regulations of your host campus and host country.