Study Abroad Unaffiliated Programs

If you still haven’t found the program that suits your needs and interests, you may consider researching and applying to an unaffiliated (non-HPU) study abroad program.

While HPU does not promote or endorse unaffiliated study abroad programs, third-party providers, or non-HPU study abroad program databases, our study abroad advisors still need to meet with all students before they apply to the program of their choice. There are several important things you’ll need to know including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Whether or not HPU accept credits from the unaffiliated program.
  • How to apply credits earned at the institution towards your degree.
  • How and to whom payments will be made.
  • What documentation is required from HPU.

To begin the process, contact the Office of Study Abroad at 336.841.9280 to schedule an appointment.

 

Researching an Unaffiliated Program

Keep in mind that some programs are better than others in terms of academic content, safety, organization, and price. Before applying to a program, you should get answers to the following important questions:

  • What credits are available? Is tuition included in the program cost? Which institution issues the transcript? How is the institution accredited?What does the program cost include? What is not included? What is the refund policy?
  • What are my housing options? Who coordinates these arrangements?
  • If an immigration visa is required, what resources are available to assist me?
  • If something goes wrong while I am abroad (natural disaster, terrorism, major health problems, family emergency at home, etc.), what assistance will be available to me?

 

Limitations/Differences of Unaffiliated Programs

Also be aware that there are limitations for HPU students applying to an unaffiliated program:

  • Due to the terms agreed upon in our affiliation agreements, HPU students cannot apply directly to a program for which HPU and the host institution or provider hold a current affiliation agreement, nor can they opt to pay fees directly to that host institution/provider.
  • Due to residency requirements, HPU students cannot study abroad on an unaffiliated program during their senior year. HPU students must earn the last 32 credits of their degree from HPU or an affiliated study abroad program.
  • HPU strongly discourages enrollment in programs in areas under U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings.
  • HPU financial aid, including the Presidential Scholarship, is not available for an unaffiliated study abroad program.
  • While federal financial aid may be available for use on an unaffiliated study abroad program, the process to request this aid differs. For more information, review the information on the Financial Aid for Study Abroad page, including the Financial Aid Policy on Studying Abroad, then contact the Office of Financial Planning.

 

Third-party Providers

Third-party providers offer study abroad programming in multiple locations around the world. Some provide all-inclusive programs, wrapping the costs of flights and excursions with tuition, fees, room, and board. Others provide very limited services. It’s important to be sure of what services you are receiving as an applicant to their program. Some third-party providers include:

 

Conducting an Online Search

Many resources are available online to assist students in the selection process. Often times these databases allow you to search program options by subject, country, or term. As much as possible, narrow your choices to keep from being overwhelmed by the number of options available. Some searchable study abroad databases include:

 

Credit for Unaffiliated Study Abroad

For High Point University to recognize the credits you complete abroad, the university must be accredited to the standards required by HPU and you must earn at least a grade equivalent to a C in the U.S. HPU will not accept credit for courses with grades of C– or below. Grades for all courses earned abroad are recorded on the international transcript. Credits are received by HPU as transfer credits, which means only the credit is displayed on your transcript, not the letter grade. Your HPU grade point average will not be impacted by your study abroad courses.

 

Satisfying the HPU Global Studies Requirement

If you are hoping to meet your Global Studies (GBS) requirement by studying abroad, you’ll need to appeal to the Global Studies Committee. To do so, please send an e-mail to Dr. Chris Franks, Chair of Global Studies Committee, with the following:

  1. A letter explaining where you are studying abroad, through what program, what courses you expect to take, and how many credits you expect to earn.
  2. Program Dates.
  3. Some official documentation from the program (a letter, web pages, brochure, etc.) with complete itinerary.
  4. HPU Study Abroad Course Equivalency Approval Form.
  5. For summer programs only: Syllabi for the courses you plan to take abroad.

If you have questions, please contact Dr. Franks directly. If you need a copy of your course equivalency form, please send a request to studyabroad@highpoint.edu.

 

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