Study Abroad

• Browse the list of programs offered by our partners.

• Schedule an appointment with the International Programs office to learn more of Nichols’ requirement.

• Schedule an appointment with your advisor and communicate that you are planning to study abroad.

• Schedule an appointment with the Registrar’s office to understand credit transfer.

• Reach out to Student Financial Services to understand your finances for studying abroad.

• After completing steps 1 & 2, you may begin your application process.

• Applications must be completed a month before the program’s deadline.

  • There will be a one-time application fee! The amount varies depending on the partner you choose to apply through!

Apply directly on the Partner’s website!

• Academic Programs International (API)

• Barcelona Study Abroad Experience (SAE)

• University of New York in Prague

• MADE – School of Arts and Sciences 

• Harlaxton Manor 

• ISA by World Strides

• The Washington Center

Once you’re approved to study abroad, make sure you check your emails regularly to complete any additional steps required by your program before their deadlines. (Please note that the International Programs office does not have access to the deadlines for the additional requirements, so it is important to stay on top of them!)

• Study Centers/Provider programs are programs administered by a US-based third-party study abroad provider or foreign institution designed specifically for American study abroad students.

  • Most accommodations are available.

  • Most offer scholarships specific for their program – need, merit, and diversity-based.

  • Programs are usually in English and/or host language.

  • It is unlikely you will be authorized to work overseas, so please budget accordingly.

Providers Nichols College works with for Semester, Summer, and Winter Programs:

• Academic Programs International (API)

• Barcelona Study Abroad Experience (SAE)

• University of New York in Prague

• MADE – School of Arts and Sciences

• Harlaxton Manor

• ISA by World Strides

Please apply directly on the provider’s website!

• Study Centers/Provider programs are programs administered by a US-based third-party study abroad provider or foreign institution designed specifically for American study abroad students.

• • You can complete internships for credit abroad.

  • Students are encouraged to apply for external scholarships or funding in advance of their program.

Providers Nichols works with for Internship programs:

• Academic Programs International (API)

• The Washington Center

• Barcelona Study Abroad Experience (SAE)

• ISA by World Strides

Please apply directly on the provider’s website!

• Academic Year: March

• Fall Semester: March

• Spring Semester: September

• Summer Term: February

• Winter Term: October

• Fall Semester: March

• Spring Semester: September

• Summer Terms: February

Applications must be submitted during the semester prior to your program’s start date.

• Fall Semester

  • Early Deadline: February

  • Regular Deadline: March

• Spring Semester

  • Early Deadline: August

  • Regular Deadline: September

• Summer Term

  • Early Deadline: November

  • Regular Deadline: December

For deadline contact the Harlaxton admission team.

• Fall Semester: March

• Spring Semester: September

• Summer Term: March

• Winter Term: October

• Academic Year: April

• Fall Semester: April

• Spring Semester: September

• Summer Terms (4 & 7 credits): January

• MADE Labs (Session 1, 2, & Combined): January

• Academic Year: April

• Fall Semester: April

• Spring Semester: September

• Summer Terms: April

• Winter Terms: August

• Your official transcript will be sent to the Registrar’s Office at the end of your term.

• Your credits and grades will be officially evaluated for final credit transfer upon receipt of your transcript by the Nichols College Registrar’s Office.

• Your grades from the host institution will be factored into your GPA.

• Grades cannot be changed by Nichols College after they are awarded by the host institution. There are NO exceptions to this policy!

• You will need to obtain a letter from your physician in addition to the Director of Learning Services, outlining your accommodation needs and bring them with you overseas.

• Certain prescription medications may be illegal or unavailable in your host country. It is your responsibility to discuss this with your physician and your program health insurer early on, and to find out whether these medications can legally be brought into the country or can be prescribed locally.

We encourage you to be in touch with the International Programs office and your host program as early as possible so that we may best advise you on program selection and support.

• Learning Services Contact Information:

  • Email: LearningServices@nichols.edu

  • Phone number: (508) 213-2293

• Mobility International USA: Mobility International is a disability-led non-profit organization advancing disability rights and leadership globally. MIUSA is a cross-disability organization serving people with a broad range of disabilities.

• US State Department: A site overseen by the US Department of State that will allow you to enter a country or area to find information for mobility-impaired travelers in the Special Laws & Circumstances section. Unlike the United States, many countries do not legally require accommodations for people with disabilities.

• Your program abroad will bill Nichols College directly and you will be billed accordingly from Student Financial Services in your Nichols College account.

• There will be a one-time application fee for each program you apply to, billed by Nichols College’s Student Financial Services. The application fee varies depending on the partner you choose to apply through.

• You will not be billed for both the cost of studying abroad and the cost of Nichols’ tuition. You will only be charged the cost of host program.

• A study away administrative and comprehensive fees will be placed on the student account for each term away.

• Students are responsible for all personal expenses. These vary from year to year and place to place. We recommend you check the website of your host institution to see if further information is available.

Nichols College

• Student Experiential Learning Fund (SELF).
• Deadline: the first of every month.

Scholarships provided by our partners

These scholarships are only available for the provider you apply through. For example, if you are applying to a program through API, you cannot use Barcelona’s scholarship to cover API’s costs.

• API Scholarships 

• Barcelona SAE Scholarships

• The Washington Center

  • State Scholarships

  • Private Scholarships

• MADE – School of Arts and Sciences Scholarships

• ISA by WorldStrides Scholarships

International Programs have reviewed these scholarships, but it’s important to exercise caution when applying for any external scholarships.

• Outside Scholarship Opportunities

• STEP 1: Set an appointment with your your advisor and the Registrar to discuss Nichols College equivalent courses you should take abroad.

• STEP 2: Set an appointment with Student Financial Services about your finances for studying abroad.

• STEP 3: If you live on campus, please contact Residence Life to arrange or update any housing situations at Nichols College prior to studying abroad.

• Many students (though not all) will also need a visa prior to their departure.  A visa is an official document issued by the country you wish to visit, granting you temporary permission to enter the country for a certain amount of time. Visas vary depending on the length of stay and the purpose of your visit. They can be paper documents or just a stamp in your passport, depending on the country.

• If your host country requires it, your program will provide you with student visa application information after you are admitted. You will need supporting documents from both your host institution and Nichols College. Follow the instructions PRECISELY and PROMPTLY, as visa timelines may be tight. It is best to schedule an appointment with the U.S Embassy as soon as possible!

• Check with your program to see if it collects information for any necessary visas. If you are planning to travel outside of your host country, verify if a visa is required for your destination(s). Be sure to know if you can re-enter your host country on your student visa if you leave.

• The visa process is often one of the most frustrating and complicated parts of the study abroad process for students. Simply put, getting a visa is a privilege and not a right that we can guarantee. Students must abide by all regulations set forth by the U.S Embassy or Consulate of the country that they are applying to.

• While Nichols College International Programs cannot advise on the visa process and procedures for every country, we will attempt to provide you with some resources. As visa regulations can change often and without notice, your first and best source of information will always be your program and the Consulate itself. Depending on where you go and what provider you use, they may offer “Batch Visa Processing.” This is a much easier process, and it is advised you obtain your visa by batch processing if available through your program.

All students are required to be enrolled in a international health insurance while abroad. Students should check their approval letters and confirmation paperwork from their study abroad company to find out if their program will cover insurance or if they supplemental health insurance. You can also call your current health insurance to see what they cover.

• If you are not already covered by a program plan, you can enroll to GeoBlue Worldwide Insurance.

Studying abroad provides participants with meaningful opportunities to get out of their comfort zone and gain a new worldview. As part of your study abroad experience, you may be challenged in not only physical, but also philosophical, personal, and emotional ways you didn’t expect. We encourage you to be aware of the following resources for how to prepare for social-emotional issues that may arise. Remember, you may not be able to access counseling services from Nichols College while you are away. However, we encourage you to utilize their online resources:

• Nichols College Health Services 

• Mental Health Toolbox 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccinations for host countries of many of the Nichols College study abroad programs. Your host institution’s handbook will provide health recommendations/requirements information prior to departure.

• To find out more about country-specific vaccination recommendations and health data, visit the CDC website or call 1-404-332-4565.

Even though you are abroad, you are still entitled to Title IX protections through Nichols College. Students looking for more information or wish to file a complaint can contact the Title IX Coordinator, Jessica Ryan.

Title IX contact information:

• Email: jessica.ryan@nichols.edu

• Title IX website

Nichols College recommends you register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) on the U.S. Department of State website, where you will find additional useful information for traveling abroad. If you are not a U.S. citizen, register with the embassy/consulate of your home country.

Q: How do students choose a program?

Choosing a program can be a daunting task! There is no one-size-fits-all program, and you may want to consider different factors. Many students consider location, language, and academics as primary considerations. For example, do you need courses to fulfill major or minor requirements? Do you need courses in English, Spanish or French? After you’ve gotten some of the big questions out of the way, think about how you might like to live – in a dorm, with a local family or in an apartment. Do you want to study with local students at a large University, with a small cohort of Americans, or a combination of the two? Click on this link to make an appointment with someone in the study abroad office to find out more!

Q: Do I need to speak another language?

No! Programs are offered in many languages, and English language programs are not limited to the United Kingdom or Australia. You can enhance your major with English language courses in places like Italy, Spain or the Netherlands.

Q: Can I study abroad in the summer?

Yes! In addition to summer and winter term study abroad options, we also have internship opportunities abroad.

Q: What are the program dates?

Program dates vary each semester depending on the program of your choice. Exact dates are set by the host program, not Nichols College.

Q: What are the requirements for approval to study abroad?

Nichols College requires that prior to applying for a program, you must:

• Be a full-time student at Nichols College for at least a year,

• Have declared a major, and have an advisor in that major,

• Have at least a cumulative GPA of a 3.0, and 

• Students must remain in good academic and social standing.

Q: What is the typical level of courses taken overseas?

The level varies depending on the program or institution, but in general, all study abroad program courses are registered as at least 200-level courses. Each department at Nichols College makes a determination on the equivalent course level.

Q: Are there programs for particular majors?

Yes, there are programs specifically designed for certain majors. However, students are not required to choose a program directly tied to their major. Please contact the International Programs office to explore programs that offer courses relevant to your major or minor. For your best interest, we recommend consulting with the Registrar before selecting courses related to your major.

Q: What kind of academic support is offered?

Academic support varies depending on the program type, educational system, country, and culture. Students should expect less academic and social support compared to what is typically available on a U.S. campus. These cultural and educational differences do not necessarily mean the host institution or program is less friendly or helpful; rather, they may expect students to take more initiative and reach out if they need assistance. While increased independence is often a reported benefit of studying abroad, don’t hesitate to ask for help—support is available if you need it! 

Q: How are study abroad programs evaluated?

Almost all of our programs are directly administered by a U.S.-accredited program provider or third-party institution. Additionally, Nichols College International Programs staff regularly conduct site evaluations of each program and gather student feedback for review. Our office also utilizes numerous professional resources, including study abroad advisors, professional groups, and regular conferences, as well as quality standards set by the professional.

Q: When will my grades be posted?

After you program ends, your transcript may not arrive right away. Grades are not submitted as quickly from abroad as they do when you’re at Nichols College. Don’t worry! Registrar will receive your transcripts and do what is necessary to translate the grade to your Nichols College transcript.

For questions regarding your grades and transcripts, contact Ashley Ottman from the Registrar’s office.

Q: How do students make travel arrangements to host country?

Students at Nichols College generally make their own travel arrangements. Most host programs offer advice, preferable dates to arrive and depart or airport pick up service. API offers Fare Finder, which offers discounted student rates for travel.

Q: Do students have time to travel while studying abroad?

Students can usually find time to travel on their own while studying abroad. However, even with the opportunity to travel, academics should remain a priority.

Q: Do students need a passport?

Updated passport photocopies are due at the time of application. It is the responsibility of each student to obtain or update a passport for international travel. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the student’s return date.

Passports should be updated well before submitting the study abroad application. For information on how to order or update a passport, visit the U.S. Department of State – Passport. Passport applications may be expedited for an additional fee.

Q: My visa application requires a “Letter of Enrollment” or “Letter of Support” from my university, where do I get that?

Email the Director of International Programs and she will provide you with the letter you need.

Q: Help! I need an FBI background check, fingerprints, or some other criminal background check from the police! What do I do? Where can I get a background check?

First, contact your program and the consulate that you’ll be working with to ensure that you’re receiving the correct background check. If you need a ‘LiveScan,’ you may be able to find additional locations through these resources:

• LiveScan Location Search

• Identogo

Q: Can international students study abroad?

Yes, you can! F-1 students may be interested in studying abroad or away as a complement to their studies at Nichols College. If you are considering studying abroad or away, it is important to understand your options and how studying abroad may affect your F-1 status. While F-1 student is permitted to study abroad after the completion of their first term, students at Nichols College are not eligible to apply until they have been in residence at Nichols College’s for one year. Always check with the International Student Services before applying to ensure you are complying with any immigration regulations.

• If you will be completing an internship as part of your study away experience, please check with the International Programs office to make sure you have proper authorization.

Q: What is the impact on CPT and Pre-Completion OPT?

If approved by the International Student Services, and if your study abroad experience meets the full-time enrollment requirement, a semester abroad can be counted toward eligibility for CPT or Pre-Completion OPT.

Q: What is the impact on Post-Completion OPT?

Students may not be eligible for post-completion OPT if participating in Out of the Country Study Abroad experiences during their graduating semester for the following reasons:  

• Students outside the U.S. are not in any non-immigrant status while abroad.

• The student is not residing in the U.S. with a current I-94.

• The student may not be able to return to the U.S. after program end date.

• The student must submit OPT application from inside the U.S.

Q: How will students be billed while studying abroad?

There will be a one-time application fee billed by Nichols College’s Student Financial Services. The application fee varies depending on the provider you apply through.

Your program will bill Nichols College directly and you will be billed accordingly from Student Financial Services in your Nichols College account.

• A study away administrative and comprehensive fee will be placed on the student account for each term away. 

Q: Will there be unexpected costs?

Students should always be prepared for unexpected costs. The cost of the program does not cover independent travel, personal expenses beyond typical meals, supplies/books, plane tickets, passport/visa applications, or departure taxes. These expenses vary by program and individual.

Some organizations or programs offer additional ‘optional’ excursions that may or may not be included in your program cost. These excursions can be purchased by the student on-site and typically involve group travel.

Q: Are there scholarships available?

Yes, there are Internal and External scholarships available!

Q: Will I be safe while studying abroad?

Nichols College take health and safety very seriously. In conjunction with our partners, local and international law enforcement, and consulates, we regularly monitor news and situations that arise. Additionally, all of our program providers have comprehensive emergency protocols in place.

Q: Should I register with the U.S. Department of State’s STEP?

Nichols College recommends that you register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) on the U.S. Department of State’s website, where you will find additional useful information for traveling abroad. If you are not a U.S. Citizen, register with the Embassy/Consulate of your home country.

Q: Will I need international health insurance?

In addition to domestic coverage, all students must be enrolled in international health insurance while abroad.

Q: Where do students typically reside?

Each program features different housing arrangements, which may include dormitory, suite/apartment-style housing on campus, off-campus housing, or homestays. When possible, efforts are made to integrate students with host country nationals or other international students.

Q: What dining options are available to students?

Depending on the program’s arrangements, students may eat meals in the dining hall or cook in apartment kitchens. Typically, host universities abroad offer no meal plans or only limited meal plans.

Q: How can students stay in touch with home?

Students typically receive their host program’s address and phone number shortly before departure. Be sure to check your personal cell phone plan’s policies regarding international calls. Many students choose to purchase an inexpensive cell phone plan abroad upon arrival. WhatsApp is also a great app to use with Wi-Fi while abroad, allowing you to stay connected with anyone who has the app back home, and enabling you to text or call free of charge.