Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions students ask about study abroad and away programs. If you have additional questions, please consult the student resource page in CentreNet or contact Centre Global.
FAQ's
Each year Centre offers faculty-led semester 'flagship' programs in Strasbourg, France; Mérida, Mexico; and London, England. Centre students regularly participate in Centre-approved semester programs in Bhutan, China, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, and Taiwan. Centre also offers domestic internship semester programs in Boston, New York City and Washington D.C. In addition, students may participate in a variety of faculty-led CentreTerm or summer course offerings which change annually.
See the Cost and Details page for more information on course costs, payments, budgeting, and scholarships.
The preferred method of payment is online via credit card (with a 2.85% fee) or ACH transfer (with a $0.50 fee) through CashNet. For in-person payments please contact the Cashiers Office in Horky House. To avoid delays or lost payments, we discourage students from paying with physical checks.
Per the Centre College Catalog, a student's account must be paid in full before any monies are applied to study abroad/away payments. Please note that Centre Global does not handle these payments.
Yes. Centre College is fortunate to have a number of generous donors who support study abroad and away. These funds are highly competitive and earmarked with strict parameters which means that hundreds of students apply for a limited number of scholarships. The award amounts depend upon market activity and the number of successful applicants and typically range between $500-$2,000. Rising seniors who receive need-based financial aid, have unmet financial need (or a "gap"), and have not previously studied abroad or away before their final year may be eligible to receive a Senior Subsidy to help pay for a CentreTerm or summer course during their senior year. Students receiving a Pell Grant are encouraged to apply for the US Department of State’s Gilman International Scholarship (applications are accepted twice a year in March and October).
Students are not able to study abroad or away during their first year on campus due to the timing of application cycles. However, we welcome and encourage students to study abroad or away during their sophomore, junior, and/or senior years. There is no "right" or "wrong" time to study off campus, though factors such as academic requirements and sports schedules may influence your decision. Students should be aware that while Centre guarantees students the opportunity to study abroad or away, it does not guarantee that all students can study in their preferred program or at their preferred time. We encourage students to schedule an appointment with an advisor and review the application guide on CentreNet (student log-in required).
Yes, courses completed in all approved programs will automatically transfer to Centre, typically as elective credits. To receive major/minor credit or fulfill specific course requirements, students must submit a petition with the relevant program chair to the Registrar's office. For General Education curriculum requirements, students should contact the Assistant Dean of General Education.
No. The academic schedule for most Centre students allows them to study abroad or away during any term of their sophomore, junior, or senior year. While it's true that the nature of courses in some science majors may limit students' options to study off-campus during a specific term, there are still programs available that suit the needs of all students. It’s important for students to consult with their advisors and plan their study abroad and away experiences early in their college careers.
All our semester programs have a set number of available spots, and some programs are more competitive than others. Students should be aware that applying for a program does not guarantee selection. Centre Global does not guarantee that all students will be able to study abroad in their preferred program or at their desired time. We encourage students to schedule an appointment with an advisor and review the application guide on CentreNet (student log-in required).
Yes, while students may study abroad or away more than once during their Centre career, please be aware that for semester programs, priority is given to students who have not previously participated in a semester abroad/away. Students may participate in as many off-campus CentreTerm courses as they wish (and are able to afford), provided they are accepted, make payment(s), and fulfill all pre-departure requirements. Students must also ensure that off campus study does not impede their ability to graduate within the standard four-year timeline.
Every Fall semester Centre Global hosts an exhibition of study abroad and away programs. This event aims to inform students about new faculty-led CentreTerm and Summer courses, as well as flagship programs for the upcoming academic year, and culminates with the opening of the study abroad and away application cycle. Please refer to the Important Dates page for the full application timeline.
All program applications must be submitted through the Via Global portal.
Right now! Students should explore the Via Global portal to familiarize themselves with details of Centre College’s approved study abroad and away programs. Students are encouraged to discuss study abroad/away plans with their academic advisors and to plan their courses accordingly.
If you do not currently have a passport that will remain valid for at least six months after your return date, you should begin the process of obtaining one as soon as you are accepted into a study abroad program, as it can take six weeks or longer to process. Please refer to the Before You Go page for more details on US passports.
Centre Global has limited funding to help offset the cost of applying for a first US passport for students from any year who have been accepted to a Centre-approved study abroad program and have demonstrated high/unmet financial need.
The need for a visa when studying abroad varies greatly depending on student citizenship, the destination country, the length of stay, and the type of program. It is essential for students to research the specific visa requirements for their chosen destination and program, and to begin the application process early to ensure they have the necessary documentation before departure. Centre Global is available to assist students in navigating these requirements.