Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Study
Abroad?
The Big
“3”:
-
academic
perspective
-
personal
development
-
career
enhancement
- Become
more mature and self-confident as you learn the skills to succeed in unfamiliar
environments and enjoy adapting to new places.
-
Earn
academic credit that will help you progress toward your graduation while
experiencing a new environment.
-
Get
an international experience beyond a superficial tourist experience.
-
Understand how culture guides values and
behaviors and learn to respect different cultures.
-
Understand
your academic major from an international perspective and how your intended
career is related to increasingly global issues, co-workers, clients,
customers, etc.
-
Practice
intercultural competencies that enhance your career and social relationships.
-
Add
something extra to your resume which will make you more appealing to employers.
-
Enhance
your career opportunities with a second or third language which is so valuable
to the future of our workforce.
Who’s eligible?
Any student in good standing can apply for a semester, summer, or winter abroad.
Check with the Study Abroad Coordinator to determine the specific
requirements for the different programs.
How do I apply?
Talk
to your advisor as soon as you consider this an option, so you can plan
to fit the courses from your semester abroad in your degree
requirements. Review the programs offered to determine in which country
you plan to study. Then make an appointment with Bernadette Brennen,
Study Abroad Coordinator – Alumni Hall, 716-286-8360.
Do courses count towards my degree requirements?
In
most cases, as long as you plan your study abroad course selection with
your advisor and have it approved by the Assistant to the Dean of your
college, your coursework should apply towards your degree. If you are
considering study abroad, talk to your advisor as soon as possible.
Do the grades I receive abroad appear on my Niagara University
transcript?
Students
who study abroad through the options that the university offers
receive credit for Niagara courses.
Students will receive a letter grade for each course they take
while abroad; the university will not disregard a course (e.g.
when the student receives a D or F) unless the student chooses
to enroll in the course as an audit at the time of completing the
course advisement form or immediately after placement tests abroad
(see audit policy).
If a student chooses to go abroad through outside programs, then
the credit will be treated as though the student is transferring
the courses back and the Niagara transcript will not reflect the
grades, only the number of semester hours.
What is the study abroad audit policy?
Students
who study abroad may choose the option of declaring an audit for any
course not required of their degree program. They must declare the
audit at the time they complete their course advisement form. If upon
their arrival abroad, they find that an approved course is beyond their
level but they still wish to attend it for enrichment, they may also
select an audit by faxing or e-mailing their request to their dean,
while sending a copy to the study abroad coordinator. Students must
declare the audit within a week of placement testing abroad. If the
request is approved, the dean will place a memorandum in the student’s
file and send verification of approval to the student and the academic
advisor. This decision is not reversible. Students should be aware of
how the audit will affect their course requirements and their financial
aid. In most cases, it is essential that the student not drop below 12
semester hours or full-time status. The course title, along with the
grade of N, will appear on the student’s transcript.