Program Alert

If you are applying to a Duke-Approved or petition program, please complete your Duke general application in the MyExperientialEd portal as early as possible to expedite the Duke Dean’s and conduct checks required for GEO to approve your application. Delaying the completion of your Duke general application could jeopardize your semester abroad.

DUKE-APPROVED PROGRAMS

Duke-Approved programs are sponsored by other U.S./foreign universities and providers. Each program on this list has been reviewed for academic quality and approved by a committee of Duke faculty and staff.

When you register to study on Duke-Approved programs, you pay the tuition and fees of the administering university or provider, in addition to a study abroad fee payable to Duke to maintain your enrollment at Duke.

TYPES OF PROGRAMS

Programs on the Duke-Approved list generally fit into one of the following categories:

 

  • PROVIDERS
  • DIRECT ENROLL

PROVIDERS

Third-Party Providers

Companies and organizations that coordinate study abroad opportunities for students are often referred to as “third-party providers” or just “providers." As a student on a provider program, you will apply and be admitted to a program through an administering body. Through some third-party provider programs, you will take classes at a host institution; but you'll secure housing, participate in excursions, and receive support services through the study abroad provider. Other third-party providers are administered through U.S. institutions that offer their own classes in addition to housing, excursions, and support services.

Using a third-party provider often gives you and your family peace of mind by having an extra layer of support while abroad. Due to these additional support services, third-party providers tend to be more expensive than direct enroll programs. Provider programs can also be less immersive than direct enroll programs; however, there are a number of third-party providers and they all operate differently. Make sure to research the best program fit for your needs. 

Students who want to participate in Duke-Approved third-party provider programs will receive transfer credit and a transcript administered by either the third-party provider or the host institution. Students must apply to both the third-party provider program and through the Duke Global Education Office. Be mindful of provider program deadlines, as they vary by program.

DIRECT ENROLL

Direct Enroll Programs

Direct Enroll study abroad programs are administered on-site by host institutions. As a student on a direct enroll program, you will be admitted to the host university as a visting international student for a summer, semester, or academic year. Through this process, you will take classes as if you are enrolled as a degree-seeking student at the host institution. If you participate in a Duke-Approved direct enroll program, you will receive transfer credit and a transcript administered by the host university. 

Direct enroll programs encourage you to be independent, as they do not always provide the amount of support services you might be accustomed to in the United States. This independence promotes immersion into the host culture and university community. As an international student enrolled at a host institution you will have the opportunity to connect with students from around the globe. You will either be housed with other international students and/or with students from the host community. 

Traditionally, direct enroll programs are less expensive than other study abroad options, but this varies by institution and location. If you want to participate in a Duke-Approved direct enroll program, you must apply to both the host institution and through the Duke Global Education Office. Be mindful of direct enroll program deadlines, as they vary by program.