While acknowledging that all study abroad/away programs and overseas institutions have their own criteria for admissions, Duke University students are held to an institutional standard before being allowed to study abroad/away for credit.

Students are eligible to study away no earlier than Summer Session I of the summer following their first year. 

SEMESTER PROGRAMS

For Trinity College of Arts & Sciences students: The minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) required for Trinity students wishing to study abroad/away during the semester is 2.7 on a scale of 4.0. A student with a GPA lower than 2.7 must use the GPA Waiver Form to obtain permission from his/her academic dean before he/she will be approved for study abroad/away by the Global Education Office for Undergraduates (GEO).

For Pratt students: Pratt students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA in order to receive conditional approval to study away, and they must maintain a 3.0 minimum GPA in order to be allowed to participate in a study away program.

SUMMER PROGRAMS

There is no minimum cumulative GPA required for Duke students wishing to study abroad/away during the summer, but students must meet continuation requirements at Duke and are subject to program-specific admissions requirements, which may include a higher minimum GPA.

NON-DUKE STUDENTS

Non-Duke students must be in good standing at an accredited college or university, provide a transcript of all work taken, and be accepted into the program by the applicable Duke program director. Students who have not matriculated at a college or university are not eligible to participate in study abroad on Duke’s programs and will not receive credit for programs abroad taken through another institution.

A student who is on academic or disciplinary probation or who does not meet academic continuation requirements will not be permitted to study abroad/away during the period the sanction is in effect, regardless of the student's acceptance to a program. Upon submission of the General Application questionnaire, GEO will conduct a check of each student's academic and disciplinary record to determine eligibility to study away from Duke or, in the case of a non-Duke student, will request such information from their home institution. 

A student who is put on academic or disciplinary probation during the course of a study abroad/away program is not permitted to continue on the program. In this event, the student must leave the program and forfeit academic credit. This will be considered an involuntary withdrawal and no refund will be given. See Finances > Withdrawal & Cancellation for responsibility-to-pay policies.

Students may not apply to study abroad/away programs while suspended from Duke or their home institution.

Students must abide by the Duke Community Standard and may be dismissed for violations. A dismissed student will receive no refund or credit for the program. 

As a participant on a Duke-approved or -administered study abroad/away program, each student is a representative of Duke University, their home institution, and the United States, and should conduct themselves in a manner that reflects favorably on all.

Duke Community Standard: Duke students remain subject to the behavioral requirements set forth in the Duke Community Standard (the “Standard”) while participating on a study abroad/away program. While participating on a Duke-administered program, non-Duke students are also subject to the Standard. Duke may terminate a student’s participation in the program if Duke determines, in its sole discretion, that: a) student has violated the Standard, b) continued student participation in the program poses a risk to the health, safety or welfare of the student or others, or c) continued student participation in the program session will materially disrupt the program. In such an event, the student agrees to leave the program and the student will not receive a refund or academic credit for the program. 

Compliance with Laws: While on a program, students must comply with all applicable laws and regulations. If the program takes place outside of the United States, students are required to comply with all laws and regulations of the host country and city, including those regarding required travel documents such as obligations to obtain visas and study permits (it is the sole responsibility of the student to obtain the necessary permissions to enter or remain in a country) and laws with respect to the purchase, possession or consumption of alcohol or illicit drugs. If Duke determines that a student has violated a law while participating on a Duke-administered program, Duke will terminate the student’s participation in the program. For Duke-approved programs, Duke will terminate its involvement with regard to the students’ participation on the program.  

Lectures/Field Trips: Duke-administered and Duke-approved programs may include required lectures and/or field trips that are considered germane to the educational experience. All enrolled students must participate in such activities unless exempted by the program director. 

Late Arrivals/Early Departures: Duke-administered programs have established start and end dates, which include mandatory orientation programs. Without exception, each student must arrive in time for the official start date of their program and must remain until their program officially ends.

Duke students participating on Duke-approved programs should also abide by the official start/end dates of their programs. Please note that the Global Education Office will not provide letters of permission for students to arrive late or leave early from Duke-approved programs. 

Academic or Disciplinary Sanctions: A student who is on academic or disciplinary probation or who does not meet academic continuation requirements will not be permitted to study abroad/away during the period the sanction is in effect, regardless of the student's acceptance to a program. Upon submission of the General Application questionnaire, the GEO will conduct a check of a student's academic and disciplinary record to determine eligibility to study away from Duke or, in the case of non-Duke students, from the home institution. 

A student who is put on academic or disciplinary probation during the course of a study abroad program is not permitted to continue in the program. In this event, the student must leave the program and forfeit academic credit. 

Students may not apply to study abroad/away programs while suspended from Duke or their home institution.

Duke-Administered program acceptance letters provide students with specific deadlines to complete next steps such as paying a deposit and completing the Participation Agreement. If these requirements are not completed by the deadline, GEO assumes the student has refused their offer of acceptance. If there are other students waiting for a spot on the program, GEO will move the truant student to the bottom of the waitlist and admit another student in their place.

All Duke students are required to meet continuation requirements while studying abroad/away.

Continuation requirements for Pratt students are available at:
http://pratt.duke.edu/undergrad/students/policies/3488

Continuation requirements for Trinity College students are available at:
http://trinity.duke.edu/academic-requirements?p=continuation-requirements 

An explanation of grades and how they could affect continuation requirements at Duke can be found at http://trinity.duke.edu/academic-requirements?p=end-of-term-grades.

Students should be aware that grade expectations and continuation rules apply to Duke-administered and Duke-approved programs alike. The fact that you may ultimately be earning transfer credit for your coursework does not relieve you from the high academic expectations of Duke University.

To meet continuation requirements while abroad/away, students must successfully complete the equivalent of three-course credits per semester. For a four-course program, you must pass three courses to meet the requirements. For a credit-hour program, you must pass 12 credit hours to meet the requirements. Students who fail to meet continuation requirements while abroad/away must leave the university for at least two semesters (a summer session may be counted as a semester).

Students enrolled in graduate study at Duke may apply to take undergraduate-level courses through the Global Education Office (GEO). The courses will appear on the student’s transcript as undergraduate course credit(s), except for some programs with pre-approved graduate numbers. 

Graduate students must pay the posted GEO tuition and program fee as well as out-of-pocket for expenses that are not covered by the program: airfare, visa, books, uncovered meals, etc.

GEO is not able to enroll a graduate student until the applicant submits a Graduate Student Enrollment Form. Graduate students will gain access to this PDF form in MyExperientialEd upon initiation of an application to a program.

As an international student, there are a few steps you must take in order to maintain your F-1 visa status while studying abroad:

1. Notify Duke Visa Services of your plans well in advance of your actual time abroad.
2. Make sure your visa documents (I-20 form, visa stamp, and passport) are current and in order for traveling and re-entering the United States after your program.
3. Before leaving on your study abroad program, update your local/residential address in DukeHub to reflect your address in the country where you are studying abroad. 
4. After you return to the United States, please remember to update your local/residential address in DukeHub to reflect your current U.S. address.

Duke students must declare their major no later than the spring of their sophomore year. This means that students wishing to study abroad in their 4th semester must declare their major in the semester before they leave. Pratt students should check with their advisor about declaring their major if they plan on studying abroad for a semester program as a sophomore.

Once students have accepted an offer to participate in a Duke-Administered program by paying the deposit or submitting the deposit waiver, GEO will no longer provide application support to Duke-Approved programs, such as home school approval forms or housing forms. The student must withdraw from the Duke-Administered program in order to pursue another application.

Juniors studying abroad/away who intend to apply for part-time status in the last semester of their senior year must request permission from their academic dean by April 15 preceding the academic year in which the part-time semester will be taken. 

• View Trinity Academic Deans
• View Pratt Academic Deans

Students must be in compliance with Duke’s vaccination policies. 

Duke-Administered Programs
Housing type and options will vary depending on the program; details can be found on individual program pages. Students are expected to abide by program housing rules as established by the individual programs. Concerns regarding housing arrangements for Duke-administered programs should be addressed to the GEO program manager for that program.  

Duke-Approved Programs

Duke students are required to live in study away program-provided housing, if offered. Students are required to apply for program housing within one week of the program housing portal/application becoming available.

Exceptions to the GEO housing policy will only be considered for the reasons listed below. Please note that failing to apply for program housing by the program deadline is not an exception-granting reason. Failure to apply for program housing could result in administrative withdrawal from the program. Requests for housing exceptions should be emailed directly to geodirectors@duke.edu and include all required documentation outlined below. Students will be notified of their request status by email from GEO Directors.

Disability Accommodation: 

• A letter from the institution/provider that states that they cannot meet your accommodation needs. 
• An up-to-date Duke SDAO accommodation stating the needs that must be met. 
• Your in-country address and in-country contact information for emergencies. If you are still searching for housing at the time of your request for an exception, you may state that in your email. If approved, your exception request will be “conditionally approved,” until GEO receives your in-country address. Failure to submit this information before 2 weeks of the program start date could result in administrative withdrawal from the program. 
• A signed independent housing form by student and guardian. Please email geodirectors@duke.edu for a copy of this form. 

 
Living with a Family Member Abroad: 

• A letter from the family member, who must be a resident of the city where your program is located, stating you can live with them for the duration of the program. 
• Proof of residency from the family member (for visa purposes). Proof of Residency includes: 

                        *Copy of family member’s in-country ID or residence permit with current address
                         matching the address of housing you are requesting to live in
                        *Copy of lease or other document with family member’s name that shows the
                          address listed on the ID/residence permit

• Your in-country address and in-country contact information for emergencies. 
• A signed independent housing form by student and guardian. Please email geodirectors@duke.edu for a copy of this form. 
• Note: You cannot live with any other student on the program. 

 
Institution/Provider Runs Out of Housing: 

• Confirmation from the program that the student submitted housing materials within 1 week of the provider making it available. 
• Your in-country address and in-country contact information for emergencies. If you are still searching for housing at the time of your request for an exception, you may state that in your email. If approved, your exception request will be “conditionally approved,” until GEO receives your in-country address. Failure to submit this information before 2 weeks of the program start date could result in administrative withdrawal from the program. 
• A signed independent housing form by student and guardian. Please email geodirectors@duke.edu for a copy of this form.  
• Note: You cannot live with more than one other Duke student who has not secured program housing. Students who received program housing are not permitted to leave the program housing to live with other Duke students.

Duke students who are granted a housing exception should consider Duke’s Office of Global Health and Safety’s recommendations on alternative accommodations, https://oghs.duke.edu/administrators/guidance/lodging-housing/alternative-accomodations/. 

Duke students requiring a housing accommodation should follow the instructions outlined here: https://globaled.duke.edu/student-experience/requesting-disability-accommodations to request that accommodation on their program.

All Duke students studying abroad/away and all non-Duke students studying abroad/away with Duke University, along with their parents or legal guardians, are required to sign and submit a Participation Agreement in the semester prior to departure.

Students who fail to submit properly completed forms by the published deadlines may not be placed on Study Away Agreement with the university and may not be allowed to study on a global education program.

Non-Duke students studying on Duke-In programs will receive instructions regarding the form at the time of acceptance. The signed form must be submitted by the date indicated in the acceptance letter. Parents may submit their signatures by fax, e-mail, or mail.

All study abroad/away forms are available for download on the student's application page at MyExperientialEd.

Duke students studying abroad or away on approved programs will be put on Study Away Agreement status for the duration of their study programs. Study Away Agreement status will preserve the student's place and standing at Duke while away from campus. 

See: Academics > Study Away Agreement

Policies differ depending on whether the student withdraws voluntarily, the student withdraws involuntarily, or the program was canceled. See: Finances > Withdrawal & Cancellation

The Study Abroad Fee will be charged by Duke University to all students participating in Duke-approved programs administered by institutions other than Duke University. 

See: Finances > Study Abroad Fee

All courses taken while abroad on a Duke-administered or Duke-approved program must be approved by the appropriate academic department at Duke before academic credit will be granted by the University Registrar. 

See: Academics > Course Approval Process

On semester study away programs, you must take whatever is considered a normal, full-time course load (not the minimum load) on your program or at your host institution. Failure to complete a full course load while on study away may result in being put on academic probation or being dismissed from the university due to continuation requirements not being met. Your course load could end up being more/fewer than four classes.

See: Academics > Course Load

Credit may not be granted for the same course twice. For example, a student who has taken POLSCI 219 at Duke may not receive credit for taking an equivalent course on a program abroad. The reverse is also true.

Duke students on Duke-administered and Duke-approved programs taught in English in non-English speaking countries (e.g., Duke in Venice, Danish Institute for Study Abroad, NYU in Prague, etc.) are required to take at least one course in the local language while on the program abroad, regardless of whether or not the student has completed their foreign language requirement at Duke. The only exception to this policy is the ICCS program in Rome, where Greek or Latin may be substituted for Italian. The language course must be taught over a span of at least four weeks and be eligible for transfer credit approval by a Duke department. If students do not comply with the requirement, a maximum of three course credits will transfer back to Duke for the semester, regardless of credits earned.

Students may not enroll in independent study courses based at the Duke Durham campus while studying abroad/away.

Duke-administered programs: Independent studies on Duke-administered programs must be pre-arranged in close consultation with the GEO and in accordance with Duke University’s independent study policies, as well as study abroad/study away credit transfer policies. 

Duke-approved programs: For independent studies, directed research courses, field studies, and academic internships on Duke-approved programs, students must consult with the GEO about credit possibilities before going abroad. Students must also obtain approval from the appropriate Director of Undergraduate Study (DUS), before going abroad and after return. To receive final approval for such courses, students must bring back evidence of written work in the course (syllabus, papers, exams, portfolio, etc.). To facilitate receiving more than 100 (lower-level) credit at Duke it is recommended that students write a term paper for these courses, even if the instructors do not require it.

A course will not earn transfer credit unless the U.S. equivalent of a C– or higher is earned. If a student earns below a C-, the course will be recorded on their Duke transcript as a TNC (transfer no credit). Transfer credit grades and TNC will not be factored into a student’s GPA.

While on study abroad, students are not allowed to enroll in online courses for credit, Duke-originated or not, even if there are standing approvals for the same course number in the GEO Approved Course Database.

Duke University does not allow students, including those visiting from other institutions, to take courses on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory (S/U) basis while studying abroad/away. All courses must be taken for a grade to receive academic credit at Duke. This applies both to Duke-administered credits and transfer credit courses taken on any program abroad/away.

Students may not take physical education courses (e.g. kayaking, hiking, bowling) on study away programs for transfer credit.
 

Duke students must contact t GEO before enrolling in service-learning courses while on study abroad/study away, to make sure the courses are eligible for academic credit at Duke; academic credit should not be assumed for service-learning activities. In addition to evaluation by a Duke academic department, in order for the service-learning course to be eligible for transfer credit at Duke, it must appear on the sponsoring institution transcript with graded credit. 

(SL) Credit Guidelines: Duke University's definition of service-learning for undergraduates is explained at http://civic.duke.edu/, a website devoted to civic engagement and social responsibility. To determine if a Duke-administered on-campus or abroad course receives the Service Learning (SL) label, faculty and administrators use the guidelines below as a starting point in assessing the academic merit of a given service-learning opportunity:

• Students engage in a minimum of 20 hours of planned service activities.
• The service experience is integrally related to the academic subject matter of a course.
• Coursework involves critical reflection on the relationship between academic course content and the service experience.
• Coursework involves critical reflection on the ethical and civic dimensions of the service experience.

Small Group Learning Experience (SGLE) general education credit is possible, but not guaranteed for Duke-administered and Duke-approved study away programs. For a course to carry SGLE designation, the Duke Office of the Registrar will need an official letter or fax (on letterhead) from the instructor or program director stating two things:

• The format was a seminar or tutorial. Seminar generally means that student presentations were an integral part of the class.
• The class size - a number, which must fit Duke's rules for SGLE credit (generally 12 - 15 students, exceptionally to 18).

All SGLE letters for credit abroad should be submitted to the Global Education Office. Upon receipt, the letter will be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar on the student's behalf.

The official letter is only necessary for the SGLE general education requirement; if a seminar taken abroad is approved for a major/minor/certificate requirement by the Director of Undergraduate Study from the relevant department, that approval will suffice and an official letter is not necessary.

The courses you take on a study away program may offer Duke credit, transfer credit, or a hybrid of both Duke and transfer credit. To learn how each course you take on study away might satisfy curricular requirements and/or factor into your progress towards graduation, see: Academics: Types of Credit

Depending on your program and destination, testing may be required prior to departure, upon arrival, and during your time abroad. Your program may also require COVID-19 surveillance and/or symptomatic testing. Details regarding any testing requirements and procedures will be communicated in your pre-departure materials. Students are required to share their test results with program administrators.

If a student tests positive:

• Local health authorities may conduct contact tracing to identify individuals who could have come in contact with them during the infectious period. Students must cooperate with contact tracers, and failure to do so could result in dismissal from the program.
• Isolation and quarantine periods are determined by the local health authority. Students are not able to attend classes in person or engage in personal travel during the quarantine or isolation period. Duke will work with the student who tests positive to arrange, where feasible, accommodations and provide support services.

Vaccinations: Students must be in compliance with Duke’s vaccination policies. 

Symptom Monitoring: Students are required to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms on a daily basis. If a student is feeling ill, suspects they might be ill, or has any COVID-19 symptoms (see: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html), they should contact their program administrators on-site to inquire about getting tested for COVID-19 and/or getting treatment for their illness.

Masking: Masking is one of the most effective ways to control the spread of COVID-19. Where it’s required by local law, students are required to wear masks while studying away.

Physical Distancing: Students must adhere to all physical and social distancing requirements imposed by local health authorities, including any mandates concerning the size of group gatherings.

Handwashing: Students should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, or after blowing their nose, coughing, sneezing, or touching their face.

It is a student’s responsibility to thoroughly research all personal, especially international, travel. Students choosing to engage in personal travel between countries do so at their own risk, assuming the financial, academic, and legal consequences of testing, quarantine/isolation, and barred entry. Duke-In program participants will not be excused from classes if they are absent due to personal travel and/or quarantine or isolation which may come about as a result of personal travel. Duke-Administered program participants should check with their program provider and/or program director(s) about relevant personal travel policies. 

Students must be in compliance with Duke’s vaccination policies. 

Any student wishing to remain with the same study abroad program for an additional semester will need to complete a Notification of Extension of Study Abroad Form. The form may be e-mailed, faxed, or mailed to the Global Education Office.

In addition, students should contact their academic dean and the director of undergraduate studies (DUS) for their major prior to making a final decision to extend time abroad.

• View Trinity Academic Deans
• View Pratt Academic Deans
   
• View Trinity Directors of Undergraduate Studies
• View Pratt Directors of Undergraduate Studies

SEMESTER PROGRAM WITHDRAWALS

All students who need to terminate their participation in their study away program for any reason after being placed on Study Away Agreement must submit a signed Semester Withdrawal Form to the Global Education Office as soon as possible after withdrawal is decided. Duke students who leave their programs without providing the GEO with this official withdrawal notification may be withdrawn from Duke and will need to apply for readmission in accordance with official Duke University guidelines. Students on Duke-approved programs should also consult the program's withdrawal policy.

Earning Credit: Students must complete the academic program requirements of the Duke program and/or Duke-approved program in order to receive credit for study abroad courses. If students withdraw prior to completing course work, it is unlikely that they will be eligible to receive credit from foreign institutions, even if part of a Duke program. Grades reported by the program will appear on the student's Duke record in accordance with Duke grading and grade requirements as stated in the Duke University Bulletin of Undergraduate Instruction. 

Returning to Duke: Students are responsible for making all arrangements for their return to campus the following semester and should consult their academic dean as soon as possible. The logistics and timing of a student’s return to the Duke campus would be dependent on the applicable Duke academic regulations and conversations with Trinity College or Pratt School of Engineering deans and other university administrators. If a student withdraws in time to return to the Duke campus for the semester (that is, by the end of the semester's drop/add period), they may enroll in courses back at Duke on a space available basis.

Financial Aid Implications: Financial aid recipients considering withdrawal after the start of a study abroad program (and after the start of classes on Duke's campus/their home campus) should discuss the situation with the issuing financial aid office prior to making a final decision.

Responsibility to Pay: Policies differ depending upon whether the student withdraws voluntarily, the student withdraws involuntarily, or the program was cancelled. See: Finances > Withdrawal & Cancellation

SUMMER PROGRAM WITHDRAWALS

Students who need to terminate their participation in their study away program for any reason must notify GEO by signing and submitting the Summer Withdrawal Form before leaving the program. Students are also responsible for notifying the faculty director of the summer program of their intent to withdraw from the program.

Earning Credit: Students participating on Duke-administered summer programs who leave the program after the first three days will receive a 'W' for withdrawal as determined by the faculty director.

Duke students who leave their programs without providing GEO with official withdrawal notification will remain enrolled in their programs, earning grades in accordance with Duke grading and grade requirements as stated in the Duke University Bulletin of Undergraduate Instruction.

Responsibility to Pay: Policies differ depending upon whether the student withdraws voluntarily, the student withdraws involuntarily, or the program was cancelled. See: Finances > Withdrawal & Cancellation

Duke University requires all students studying away/abroad on Duke-administered and Duke-approved programs to be covered by adequate sickness and accident insurance from a U.S.-based insurance carrier for the duration of their programs. If students are planning to use their existing domestic insurance carrier abroad, they should check with this carrier to ensure that their coverage will extend abroad, as they will be financially responsible for all medical expenses incurred during their program. 

Students should be sure to review and understand their coverage prior to departure. In most instances, medical expenses incurred abroad will first need to be paid by the student out of pocket, after which they will need to seek reimbursement from their insurance company.

Duke students studying abroad can elect to purchase the Duke Student Medical Insurance Plan (SMIP) administered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Carolina. See the following website for additional information: www.studentaffairs.duke.edu/studenthealth/health-insurance. Non-Duke students in need of insurance coverage abroad should consult the student services and/or study abroad offices of their home institutions for suggestions or recommendations.

Due to laws and regulations in certain countries, programs, and/or foreign institutions,some programs abroad will require students to enroll in country-specific supplemental insurance plans. Please note, however, that enrollment in such plans does not exempt students from the requirement of having U.S.-based insurance coverage while on their programs.

Duke University has contracted for international medical, security, and travel assistance services, managed and administered by a company called International SOS (ISOS). For both Duke students and non-Duke students, ISOS membership is automatically active upon enrollment in a Duke-administered study away program. For complete details, see: International SOS (ISOS): Emergency & Travel Assistance Service.
 

Students are not permitted to operate motor vehicles during program-sponsored activities or events. Duke highly discourages students from driving motor vehicles for personal travel while on their study abroad/away programs. Students who plan to operate a motor vehicle must be sure to obtain the proper credentials for legally operating a vehicle in the applicable foreign country/countries, and must obtain liability and collision insurance that will cover them and their vehicle(s) abroad.
 

Duke is not responsible for a student’s personal property that is lost or stolen while the student is studying abroad/away. Students are encouraged to insure their property from loss or theft while abroad/away, since out-of-pocket replacement expenses for lost or stolen personal items (e.g. laptops, iPhones, digital cameras, etc.) can be quite costly.
 

If you feel the need to insure your travel arrangements against unexpected illnesses, delays,or other disruptions, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance from your airline or travel agent. Be sure that you read and feel comfortable with any exceptions to coverage before purchasing a policy. 

Students are not required to purchase tuition insurance, but students on Duke-administered programs may purchase insurance through the Tuition Refund Plan. See finance.duke.edu/bursar/insurance/index.php for more information.