Deciding to study abroad is an individual choice made by a student with the support of his/her family. It is neither a requirement nor an entitlement; however, several majors and scholarship programs require students to have some type of international experience. Whatever determinant influences a student’s decision to study abroad, it is important they strongly consider their goals and intentions before deciding on a program.

Seattle University offers programs that fit students' academic schedule, academic program, financial budget, and personal/career goals. View our Explore Programs section to learn more about types of programs.

All Seattle University students participating on an education abroad program are required to have global medical and travel insurance. The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in this insurance for SU Faculty-Led, SU Exchanges, some International Internships and SU Non-Credit programs. Otherwise, students will be enrolled in the insurance through their outside program provider for SU-Sponsored and Non-SU programs. See specific providers’ website for details. SU global health and travel insurance information about insurance can be found in Student Insurance Coverage.

The global health insurance program provided through SU offers referrals to English speaking medical professionals in most parts of the world. Even though students will have this insurance, they will need to pay the costs of medical care out-of-pocket and then request reimbursement from the insurance company post treatment. Students receive instructions for this process when they receive their medical insurance card, usually via email. If your student has a medical emergency that cannot be treated in his/her location, the global health insurance provided through SU will assist in re-locating the student to the nearest appropriate medical facility. This insurance also provides for a loved one to be bedside with the student should he/she be hospitalized for more than 7 days. The Education Abroad Office is available to assist in communicating with the insurance company to make such arrangements. Specific insurance coverage can be found in Student Insurance Coverage.

The Education Abroad Office has emergency management protocol in place to ensure we have an appropriate and comprehensive response. Emergency contacts can be found in SU 24 Hour Emergency Contacts. Beyond that, we remain up-to-date on current events and environmental conditions in locations where we have students and communicate with parents when necessary. We encourage students to stay in touch with their family throughout the international program and share details of their independent travel plans. At the same time, we encourage families to respect student’s independence as they adjust to a new culture and lifestyle.

Financial aid portability varies based on the Program Type. View our Financial Planning and Resources page for more information. Education Abroad provides estimated cost comparison for our SU Sponsored and Exchange Programs for students and families to see the overall estimate cost of the program, additional expenses, and how financial aid is applied.

Yes. There are a variety of scholarship offerings. View our Scholarships page for details on provider, national, and private study abroad scholarships and eligibility requirements. 

Yes. The Education Abroad Office works with students in the preliminary stages of the process, advising them on the expected costs and best program types for student’s financial situation. The student then works with Student Financial Services to determine how grants, scholarships, and loans apply to the program costs and what additional funding sources may be available.

Yes. Each program is different in terms of cost and additional fees. The Education Abroad Office can provide budget forms to students to indicate the different costs associated with the appropriate program.

Sometimes. This depends on the location and length of stay. Students are responsible for consulting the U.S. Department of States website to determine visa requirements.

The Education Abroad Office does not provide medical consultation nor does it advise on required or recommended vaccines. We encourage students to consult the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention for country-specific information.

Many students choose to take advantage of the opportunity to travel while abroad, but their travel is often influenced by location, academic schedule, finances, and personal preference. Some program providers arrange travel excursions or site visits for students which provide a structured way to travel with minimal coordination on the student’s part. Students are encouraged to do their own research and exercise good judgment when making travel plans.

Your student! The Education Abroad Office strongly encourages parents to discuss study abroad matters with their student first. We prefer students prepare for their time abroad themselves for practice since living abroad requires a high level of independence, initiative, and resourcefulness. Given that, our office is always willing to answer questions and address concerns you may have. We can be reached at 206-296-2226 or by email at EducationAbroad@seattleu.edu .