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Faculty Advisor Information
1. I've heard that Colorado College is limiting the number of programs approved for study abroad. Is this true?
Yes, the College has recently reduced the number of approved study abroad programs. The new approved list now includes 29 Colorado College and affiliated programs and approximately 60 non-affiliated programs.
2. Why are there fewer programs?
Over the last several years, Colorado College students have participated in well over a hundred different programs annually with nearly 500 hundred programs that could be accessed through the petition process. Offering such a large number of programs makes it difficult for the Office of Study Abroad to carefully monitor the quality of these programs and to provide detailed and accurate advising to students. A smaller approved list will allow us to improve our student advising, be more responsive to student feedback, provide orientation and re-entry support that is more tailored to the needs of students and ensure that all our programs are regularly reviewed and visited by Colorado College faculty.
3. Will I have a hard time finding a program that meets my needs?
The new study abroad approved list includes a wide range of programs that have been well-reviewed by Colorado College students and recommended by academic departments. We have taken care to ensure that a variety of academic disciplines, languages, locations and program models are represented on the list. We believe all students should be able to identify a suitable program from the approved options.
4. How were programs selected?
A review committee examined over 450 possible programs. As part of the review, the committee looked course syllabi and descriptions, faculty CVs, site visit reports and student evaluations. The programs that appear on the approved list were selected for their high academic quality, their fit with the Colorado College curriculum, and the high degree to which participants are integrated with the host culture (through home stays, language training, course work and other components). In addition, approved programs provide strong student support services, including on-site orientation, personal and academic counseling and assistance with language development.
5. My friend had a great experience on a program that isn't on this list. It seems like some strong programs are excluded.
The approved list excludes programs that may be academically strong, but that do not offer courses appropriate for undergraduate liberal arts students. Also excluded are programs on which we do not have enough student feedback, as well as programs that do not provide adequate student support services. Even if a program meets all of our basic criteria, we may have excluded it after identifying a better option.
6. When does the new approved list take effect?
The new list applies to students planning to travel during the fall 2007 semester, or anytime thereafter.
7. How often is the list reviewed?
The list of programs will be reviewed annually by the International Studies Oversight Committee; programs may be added to or removed from the list as more appropriate opportunities become available. Programs in which no CC student has participated for five years will be removed from the list.
8. What if I want to participate in a program that isn't on the list?
Students whose needs are not met by the existing options may petition to participate in an alternate program. Only those students with compelling academic reasons will be approved to attend an alternate program. Petition forms and guidelines are available at the Office of Study Abroad.
9. What will I pay to study abroad?
Existing tuition and financial aid policies remain in effect. Students participating in a Colorado College or affiliated program will pay regular CC tuition (with a few exceptions) plus a program fee that normally covers the overseas room and board and may also cover field trips, airfare and other expenses. Students may use their financial aid awards for study on Colorado College and affiliated programs. Students participating in a non-affiliated program will not pay Colorado College tuition or room and board, but will instead pay the program sponsor directly. Students are able to transfer federal loans to non-affiliated programs, but Colorado College financial aid will not transfer.
10. How does the credit transfer process work?
Courses taken on any approved program are transferable to Colorado College. Course work will normally transfer back as general elective credit, but it is also possible to fulfill specific requirements while abroad. The Registrar's Office will determine whether or not a course meets all-College requirements (i.e. language, critical perspectives) and the appropriate department chair will determine whether or not a course meets major or minor requirements. Please bear in mind that at least half of a student's course work taken abroad (a minimum of 2 units) must relate in a significant way to the country or region in which the student is studying. Before leaving campus, all students will complete a Course Approval Form, giving them a clear idea of how credit will transfer back to Colorado College.
11. Are there any changes to how credit for independent study is awarded?
Yes, credit for independent study completed while abroad will now be considered on a special basis. Students will be required to submit their independent study project for review before any credit is awarded. Independent study projects will be kept on file at the Office of Study Abroad for any interested student to read.
12. Whom do I contact with additional questions?
Sarah Schultz, Director of the Office of Study Abroad, may be reached at by phone at (719) 389-6802 or by email.
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