Study Abroad and Study Away

Guilford offers over 800 academic study away and abroad options nationally and throughout the world during semesters, summers, and short-term programs. Semester programs carry up to 18 credits, while summers and short-term programs range from 4-6 credits. All programs contain serious academic experiences that seek a balance between formal study and the opportunity for experiencing life and culture in a unique international setting.

Students can choose from two different types of programs: faculty-led and independent affiliate programs. Each program is suited to different types of students. Some offer broad cultural enrichment while others focus specifically on unique topics. A significant number of programs offer opportunities for undergraduate research, service learning, and internships. For more information and guidance on how to select the right program, students should visit with the Office of Global and Off-Campus Initiatives (GOCI)! Information is also available on the Guilford College GOCI website: https://goci.guilford.edu/ 

The cost of a Guilford faculty-led, semester-long, program is in line with the cost for a full semester on the Guilford campus that includes housing, meals, tuition and fees. Flights, passports, and visas are mostly not included. The cost of a Guilford faculty-led short-term program varies; the faculty-leader and GOCI provide details. Financial aid is available and students will need to discuss their options with their student financial services counselor. Many affiliate programs may incur a surcharge. Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with GOCI to outline credits, estimated costs and applications.

NOTE: A student must be in academic good standing and judicial good standing to be eligible for participation in any study away/abroad program. Guilford-affiliated programs have specific cumulative G.P.A. requirements. GOCI staff and faculty leaders also review and consider a student’s judicial record during the application process.

The Office of Global and Off-Campus Initiatives (GOCI). GOCI prepares students to join the international community of interconnected and interrelated peoples, nurturing global citizens capable of making a positive contribution to the world’s future.

Guilford College offers over 800 study away and abroad options in more than 80 countries around the world. Programming takes place during short experiences with faculty leaders, as well as during semesters and summers. Semester programs carry up to 18 credits, while summers range from 4-6 credits. All programs are serious academic experiences that seek a balance between formal study and the opportunity for interaction with communities of different cultures. Students can choose from two different types of programs: faculty-led and independent affiliated programs. Each program is suited to different types of students. Some offer broad cultural enrichment while others focus specifically on the international dimension of a single discipline in action. For information and guidance on how to select the right program, students should visit the study abroad web page (https://goci.guilford.edu/) and speak with the GOCI staff. The cost of Guilford faculty- led programs is usually only slightly higher than the cost for a full semester on the Guilford campus (due to flights, passports, etc.); some financial aid is available. Many affiliated programs may incur a surcharge. Information is available from GOCI and networked websites. NOTE: A student must be in academic and judicial good standing to be eligible for participation in any study abroad program. Various Guilford affiliated programs have specific cumulative G.P.A. requirements.

The Guilford College Office of Global and Off-Campus Initiatives is dedicated to working with students, faculty, and staff to help them experience safe, academically rigorous, and culturally engaging programs that enhance worldviews and cultural sensitivity. Through carefully designed study away and abroad experiences, students build critical intercultural sensitivity skills by engaging with new worldviews and perspectives. Studying and living abroad promotes a tolerance for ambiguous circumstances and the problem-solving skills necessary to function adaptively amid uncertainty. Classes and experiences in the host culture ultimately develop the skills to interact and communicate across cultural difference with a respect for new ways of living and working.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES

Services are available to international students and scholars through the international student advisor, who advises them on institutional rules, government regulations, academic resources and extracurricular opportunities offered by both the College and the larger Greensboro community. Prior to the general orientation program, international students participate in an orientation program specifically tailored to their needs. Students spend two days familiarizing themselves with the school and other international students, have conversations about cultural adjustment, and spend time bonding as a group.

The international student advisor is available throughout the academic year to help students with any issues they may encounter, both academic and personal. The advisor also works with other staff, faculty and students to create a welcoming environment for international students through formal and informal activities. In addition, an international student organization promotes the understanding of international cultures at Guilford.

To learn more about International Student Services visit https://www.guilford.edu/international-student-information-and-services.