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International Programs

Vassar College

Banner image: Vassar Media and Culture Studies Program in London. Elizabeth Perkins, '24

Frequently Asked Questions

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COVID-19 FAQ

What is Vassar’s policy on international travel?

Review the full Vassar College Policy on Student Travel.

How can I learn more about the COVID-19 conditions in my host country?

It is important to pay attention to information provided by your program or host university regarding COVID-19 conditions abroad and to also do your own research. You may find the following websites to be especially valuable:

Additionally, international and local news outlets can provide helpful country-specific information and allow you to obtain a better understanding of conditions in your host country.

If my study abroad program is canceled, may I return to Vassar for the fall semester?

If your study abroad program is canceled or worsening conditions in your host country cause the College to revoke your study abroad approval prior to the start of the term, we will welcome you back on campus so that you can continue your studies at Vassar. Just be aware that housing and class choices will be very limited at that time.

What happens if I pay a program deposit and/or other fees and then my program is canceled before I leave?

For Vassar-sponsored programs and Vassar exchanges, students do not pay any program deposits. 

For Vassar-approved programs, students should contact their study abroad program directly to inquire about their refund policy. Many programs are offering flexibility with financial policies due to the COVID-19 situation, but students should always communicate directly with their host programs regarding these policies.

May I participate in a study abroad program that is offered remotely?

No, Vassar cannot approve remote participation in study abroad programs. We do not approve student participation in study abroad programs that are offered only virtually, without travel to the program on-site. In addition, federal guidelines do not normally allow Vassar to disburse financial aid for educational programs delivered remotely.  

Please be aware that in the unlikely event your program is disrupted such that you are required to return home before program completion, it is possible that you could lose financial aid. Consequently, a disruption of that kind could thwart your ability to receive academic credits for the semester abroad.

While a complete program disruption and early return appear unlikely, we want you to be fully aware of this possibility. Regardless, we will support you in managing any program disruption to the best of our ability.

Will I be permitted to travel freely when I am on my program?

While on study abroad, students are responsible for complying with the travel policy of their program.

What happens if my program is suspended once I am on-site?

It is possible while you are on study abroad that an unexpected disruption would necessitate quarantine or an early return; the College may not be able to assist you in either of these circumstances.

A suspension mid-program could lead to loss of credits for the term, and while we highly recommend enrolling in the Tuition Insurance program, this only applies to a complete withdrawal from the term due to illness or accident as certified by a licensed practitioner. Additionally, it does not cover costs beyond tuition, so it is possible you could experience some tuition and other financial losses.

When should I book my flights and make travel plans?

Do not make flight plans until you have been accepted by your study abroad program.  

When it is time to book your flight, be sure to check any travel restrictions for your program destination and to obtain a student visa on time if one is required. We strongly advise that you read the airline’s cancellation/refund policy carefully before purchasing tickets and that you opt into flight insurance.  

Lastly, be sure to take the program start date, COVID-19 testing, quarantine, and other entry/exit requirements into consideration when selecting your travel date. If you are unsure of these requirements, please consult your program.

May I defer my study abroad plans to a later semester?

If you would like to petition for a change in your study abroad term, please email us at internationalprograms@vassar.edu.

General FAQ

What is the minimum GPA requirement for permission to study abroad?

It is recommended that students have a cumulative and major GPA of 3.2. However, the committee evaluates each application on an individual basis. Therefore, if there is a compelling academic reason for international study, students who do not meet the recommended GPA are encouraged to submit an application.

Will credit for courses taken abroad be transferred?

Students must receive a passing grade of C or better in courses taken abroad in order to get credit. A “C-” will not transfer but the grade will still be recorded on the transcript. The Registrar has established semester or quarter-hour equivalencies to Vassar’s unit system. However, the precise number of units a student receives often depends on how the courses and hours are listed on the transcript and how many credit hours are awarded per course by the host institution. Business and pre-professional classes are not eligible for transfer credit.

May I take courses in English in countries where the official language is not English?

In countries where the language of study is taught at Vassar, students must study in that language. In many other countries, there are approved English language international study programs. However, you will be required to study the language of the host country while you are there. (There are a few exceptions to this language policy, for example, certain specialty programs in studio art, architecture, or art history.)

How do I know if a program is approved or not?

The Office of International Programs and the Committee on Leaves and Privileges review study abroad programs annually to approve programs that meet Vassar’s academic standards. Students should refer to the current list of Approved Study Abroad Programs before beginning their research, as participation in only an approved program will ensure that study abroad credits are transferable.

If you cannot find a program on the approved list that meets your academic needs, you may petition the Committee on Leaves and Privileges to attend a non-approved program. This entails providing materials with pertinent information on academic courses to the Office of International Programs. You will be notified of the Committee’s decision in a timely manner.

Do I need a passport to study abroad?

Yes. It is your responsibility to obtain (or renew) a passport that is valid for 6 months beyond your expected return date. If your host country requires a visa, you will need a passport to submit with your visa application.

The application process for a new U.S. passport typically takes from 10 to 13 weeks, however, there are often significant delays (for example, due to the pandemic or slow mail processing). Please check the U.S. Department of State website for the most updated processing times and plan accordingly.

Do I need a visa to study abroad?

Getting a visa is your responsibility. Depending on your study abroad program, you may have assistance with this process or you may be independently responsible. 

Please check the “visa” section of the Country Information Page for your destination on the Department of State website for more information. Also, be sure to read the information on the consulate website carefully. Consulates are very unforgiving if you are not prepared. Therefore, you must have all documentation in order before you apply for a visa. Most consulates require that you appear in person. 

The visa application process can take several weeks and in certain cases, there may be a limited window of opportunity to apply for the visa due to restrictions imposed by the consulate. For example, some countries will not allow you to apply for your visa more than 60–90 days in advance of your departure.

If you have any questions, please ask your program provider or contact the Office of International Programs if going on a Vassar-sponsored program.

How do I purchase a plane ticket?

Some study abroad programs arrange a group flight for study abroad, participants, though most will require you to purchase the ticket. Here are some tips with regard to purchasing a plane ticket: 

  • Confirm program dates first. To avoid financial penalties caused by flight plan changes, be sure to confirm appropriate departure and return dates with your program before booking your flight.
  • Best time to book. Flights are cheapest if you buy early, typically 12 weeks before your departure date. You are also more likely to find a better rate if you book midweek and if you take an early morning or red-eye flight (a flight that goes through the night). 
  • How to book the flight. You can book your flight directly via an airline, via an online search engine (e.g. Expedia, Kayak, or StudentUniverse [1]), or a travel agency. The advantage of booking through an airline, though potentially more expensive, is that it is easier to reach a customer service agent and to stay informed of last-minute flight changes. If you book via a search engine you can comparison shop and read customer reviews and if you book via a travel agency, you’ll get the personal advice of a travel agent who can guide you through the process. 
  • Baggage fees. Each airline has its own policy regarding how many bags you can bring, as well as specifications of their size. Be sure to factor that into the cost when comparing ticket prices.
  • Balance cost vs. convenience. Flights with multiple connections and layovers are often cheaper but may require long layovers, making your flight very long and exhausting.

IMPORTANT—Read the fine print before you commit!  Make sure you understand the cancellation policy before you purchase your ticket and whether it is possible to change your travel dates without penalty.  

[1] Please note that these are examples of popular travel search engines; Vassar does not endorse any specific one.

Will I need special vaccinations to go abroad?

Consult with your program provider and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tel. (800) 232-4636 or TTY (888) 232-6348, for information on any required or recommended vaccinations, as well as for any health advisories. Please note that some immunizations must be started 12 WEEKS before your departure. Tetanus/diphtheria, measles, polio, and hepatitis A and B are some of the recommended vaccinations for all travelers. Some countries will require vaccinations for yellow fever, cholera, and malaria.

What is available at the Vassar College Health Services?

The Vassar College Health Services offers travel counseling as well as immunizations for students studying or traveling abroad that can prepare and protect you against many of the most common travel-related illnesses such as Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Other travel immunizations available at the Health Center include Tetanus/diphtheria, Typhoid, and Polio. Health services can also advise about and prescribe anti-malaria medications. Call for a travel clinic appointment. Please note that several travel immunizations are only available off-campus. These include Japanese Encephalitis, Yellow Fever, Rabies, and Oral Typhoid. They are available at these local locations:

Dutchess County Department of Health
387 Main Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 486-3432

International Travel Health Consultants
243 North Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 454-7367

How do I obtain an International Student I.D. Card?

Students may obtain an International Student Identification Card (ISIC) before leaving the U.S. Please go to the ISIC website and research the ISIC benefits at your study abroad location to decide if you would like to purchase one. Depending on where you are studying, this card may offer you benefits that value beyond the cost of acquiring the card.

In addition to receiving discounts on meals at some restaurants, museums, trains, flights, hostels, etc. your ISIC card can serve as an acceptable form of identification while you are abroad. The card also provides supplemental medical insurance in the form of basic accident, sickness, medical evacuation, and repatriation for travel outside of the United States. Please note that this insurance is not a substitute for your regular health insurance plan nor for the On Call International study abroad insurance required by Vassar College.

Financial FAQ

Do I have to pay Vassar’s tuition while I am away?

Yes, when studying abroad, all students pay Vassar tuition and receive Vassar credit. Vassar considers charges for expenses that are required as part of the academic program (i.e. cultural events or fieldwork that the program considers necessary to the academic program) as part of tuition. Program tuition is billed to Vassar, not to the student. Students are responsible for room and board fees and any other unique program charges. All fees must be paid in full in order for the Office of International Programs transfer credit to be applied to a student’s Vassar transcript.

What if the tuition for my program is different from Vassar’s tuition?

Vassar has a Home School Tuition Policy which means all students are charged and pay Vassar tuition when studying abroad during the academic year. In effect, the program’s tuition is not pertinent and students may choose a program that is the best fit for them without this being a determining factor. Paying home tuition allows you to transfer credits earned abroad to your Vassar transcript. 

Will the tuition I pay to Vassar cover my room and board expenses while I am abroad?

Room and board are billed directly to the student and are not covered by Vassar tuition. However, depending on the level of need, you may receive financial aid to cover part or all of the cost of room and board. Remember that room and board is one of the line items in your study abroad Financial Aid Budget Sheet and is used in determining the total cost of your semester abroad.

My program is asking me to pay a deposit. Do I have to pay this?

In most cases, it is the student’s responsibility to pay the program deposit. The deposit is usually non-refundable, however, your program may apply the deposit to your room and board bill reducing the balance you owe to the program. In certain situations where it is a financial burden to the student, you can ask the program if they will waive the deposit. In either case, if you change your mind after you accept your spot on the program, you could potentially lose your deposit.

How does financial aid work when you study abroad?

Students participating in either Vassar-sponsored or non-Vassar-approved programs are eligible to receive financial aid. The amount of aid a student receives is based on Vassar tuition, the program room, and board, round trip airfare, standard allowance for books and personal expenses plus an allowance toward the Vassar health insurance plan if the student has elected to purchase the plan.

How much financial aid am I eligible for?

Once you have been accepted into your program, you will be asked to fill out the online Study Away Financial Aid Budget Sheet where you will list the expected costs of your study abroad program. Student Financial Services will use the information submitted on your CCS profile to determine the level of aid you are eligible for and then apply this to the total cost of your program.

What happens to my work-study?

Work-study is a federally funded, need-based financial aid program that cannot be disbursed to a student studying internationally. In order to assist students who depend on their work-study earnings, Student Financial Services will include a loan in your award to cover that amount and is unable to provide a Vassar scholarship to fill the place of your work-study earnings. As with other loans included in a student’s financial aid package, you will have the option to accept it or not. If you prefer not to take a loan, consider applying for an external scholarship to cover the cost (see our Scholarships page), or plan to save up the funds to cover this difference.

May I access my Veterans Affairs Benefits while Studying Abroad?

For students who receive Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, regulations do not permit these to travel with you in most circumstances. Exceptions may include if you are participating in a Vassar Administered program, or if the program at the “host” foreign school has been approved by the VA. Please consult with Colleen Mallet, Director of Veteran Students Outreach and Support, for more information.

May I work while I am abroad?

In most cases study abroad students are not permitted to work while abroad. Therefore, plan ahead so that you have the appropriate funds available while you are away. This may mean taking a summer job to earn extra money before you go abroad or applying for a scholarship.

Is there any additional scholarship funding for my study abroad?

Students should also look at outside scholarship opportunities. These are listed on the Scholarships section of our website. In addition, many study abroad programs offer their own need-based scholarship. Make sure that you take advantage of these scholarship opportunities. In the past Vassar students have been highly successful in securing program scholarships.

When will I receive my financial aid money?

Financial aid will be disbursed no earlier than 10 days prior to the start of Vassar classes each semester, provided that all paperwork has been completed. Your aid will automatically be applied to your Vassar student account regardless of where you are studying. If your aid exceeds your Vassar charges for the semester, you will be issued a refund via direct deposit to your bank account. Refunds will be processed automatically during the first week of each semester. We urge you to discuss disbursement procedures with Student Financial Services after you receive your study away/exchange award letter.

Please note: Students with a prior unpaid balance on their student account may not be permitted to attend a study abroad program. Any outstanding balance on your student account will be deducted from your financial aid refund.

What if I need my financial aid money to pay for my room and board?

You should be able to see the amount of financial aid you are receiving on your Vassar student account once the money has been disbursed. All scholarships, grants, and loans will be itemized. Your financial aid funds will be applied against the balance on your Vassar account. Once your Vassar charges have been paid in full, any remaining aid will be refunded to you through your NelNet direct deposit account so that you can pay any outstanding balance on your study abroad program.