Study Abroad/Study AwayFor Bard Students > The Study Abroad Process
Where to BeginStudents who intend to study abroad should begin planning at the earliest possible date. We recommend taking the following actions:
EligibilityAll full-time, matriculated Bard students who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher are eligible to study abroad. Students who intend to take a semester away from Bard should have moderated successfully by the time of their study abroad experience. To study in a foreign language, students must demonstrate proficiency in that language. Participation in a program abroad in which instruction is in English rather thanthe native language is permitted only when the student articulates clear academic objectives for such a program. Application and ApprovalIn order to receive approval for studying abroad, students must complete an Application for an Academic Leave of Absence. The application must be approved by the student’s academic adviser, the dean of international studies, and the Executive Committee. All students participating in study abroad programs, including students participating in Bard-Sponsored programs, are required to complete this form and obtain the appropriate signatures. Credit TransferStudents may receive full credit for study abroad programs. However, students will receive credit for study abroad programs only if they have received prior approval from the Executive Committee. Students who do not receive Executive Committee approval before taking a leave of absence will not receive credit at Bard College for courses taken during that leave. The exact number of credits a student is awarded can vary according to credit system of the institution at which a student has studied. Bard students automatically receive credit for work completed abroad on Bard-sponsored programs. Non-Bard students sign an authorization form prior to their departure and Bard transfers credit to their home institution. Bard students who study on programs sponsored by other institutions should consult with Registrar Peter Gadsby prior to departure to determine the number of credits that Bard will award for each course. If possible, students should provide the Registrar with course descriptions. Students should also be prepared to provide, upon their return to Bard, copies of all course work, syllabi, and letters from their instructors describing the nature and quality of their work. Students should bear in mind that Bard only awards credit for academic courses. It does not give credit for experiential or pre-professional learning. Bard will only transfer credit for courses in which students have received grades of C or better. Bard does not accept credit for courses taken on a pass/fail basis from non-Bard sponsored programs. Financial Aid & ScholarshipsBard financial assistance only applies to Bard students who participate in Bard-sponsored programs, including, Smolny College, St. Petersburg Russia; the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; the Bard-Humboldt University Program, Berlin, Germany; the American University in Cairo, Egypt; Kyoto-Seika University in Japan; the International Human Rights Exchange in Johannesburg, South Africa; and the Bard in New York: Globalization and International Affairs Program. Financial Aid is available on a pro-rated basis for Bard Language Intensive Programs and IHRE. Students should consult with the Office of Financial Aid to determine the exact terms and conditions of assistance.
TranscriptsTranscripts should be sent directly from the sponsoring institution to: Office of the Registrar, Bard College, PO Box 5000, Annandale Road, Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504. Unofficial transcripts, or transcripts issued directly to the student, will not be accepted. Informing Appropriate OfficesIn addition to receiving approval for study abroad, it is the student's responsibility to contact the student accounts and housing offices before leaving campus. Students receiving financial aid should contact that office to determine their status. Pre-Departure Checklist
Returning to BardRegistering for the Return SemesterStudents can name a proxy to register them during the pre-registration period while they are still abroad. Students should contact the Registrar, Peter Gadsby (gadsby@bard.edu), to provide the name of the proxy. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that he or she is financially cleared on registration day. Housing for the Return SemesterStudents should inform the Office of Residence Life about their intended return date as early as possible. During the spring semester, students can name a proxy to represent them in room draw. Students should contact the Office at reslife@bard.edu. |
