The Study Abroad Process

Students must also complete an essay explaining how the program fits with their academic goals, as well as provide a list of courses that will be taken abroad. The petition must be approved by the student’s academic adviser and language faculty (if there is a language component to the program) before submission to the study abroad adviser.

The exact number of credits a student is awarded can vary according to the credit system of the institution where the student studies abroad. Bard students automatically receive credit for work completed abroad on Bard programs. Bard students who study on programs sponsored by other institutions should consult the Registrar prior to departure to determine the number of credits that Bard will award for each course.  Students should also check with the Registrar to see if classes taken abroad will fulfill their distribution and program requirements. 

Upon their return to Bard, students should be prepared to provide 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 award credit for experiential or pre-professional learning. Bard will only transfer credit for courses in which students have received a grade of C or better. Bard does not accept credit for courses taken on a pass/fail basis from non-Bard programs.

Transcripts should be sent directly from the sponsoring institution to:
Office of the Registrar
Bard College
PO Box 5000, 30 Campus Road
Annandale-on-Hudson, NY 12504

Students should consult with the Office of Financial Aid to determine the exact terms and conditions of assistance.

Students participating in a study abroad program through another U.S. or foreign institution will not receive any Bard-based aid. However, state and federal funding, such as TAP, Pell, Perkins and Stafford Loans, may be transferable. Students should visit the Office of Financial Aid to determine eligibility. Students should also inquire directly with the sponsoring institution about the availability of aid.

Click here for more information on study abroad scholarships.

Depending on the student’s program and the form that their senior project will take, students may choose to conduct research abroad to be used toward the senior project.  The senior project is an excellent opportunity for students to put into practice what they have learned while abroad.

• Residence Life Inform the Residence Life Office that you will be away from campus, and, if appropriate, make arrangements for on-campus housing upon your return. During the spring semester, students can name a proxy to represent them in the room draw.
• Registrar Consult with the registrar to determine the number of credits that will transfer from your classes taken abroad.
• Financial Aid Consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what loans and aid are transferable and to complete any necessary forms. If you are away in the spring, get a Renewal Financial Aid Application and submit it before the deadline so as to not jeopardize your chances for aid upon return.
• Student Accounts Make sure all outstanding balances are paid and clear all registration holds.
• Campus Mail Arrange to have your mail forwarded while you are away.
• International Student Adviser If you are an international student, consult with the International Student Adviser to ensure that your visa is in order.

• Passport Make sure you have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the end of your program. Carry a copy of your passport and create a scanned copy electronically. Carry extra passport-sized photographs with you, just in case.
• Visa Consult the relevant country consulate for information about obtaining a visa, or follow instructions from your study abroad provider. Carry a copy of your visa.
• Health Consult the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website www.cdc.gov and review the health concerns in the country you will be visiting. Ensure that you have all the necessary shots and inoculations. Take a copy of your immunization record card. Schedule medical, dental, and eye exams before you go. Ensure you have sufficient amounts of all medications and prescriptions. If you wear glasses or contacts, consider bringing an extra pair.
• Budget Plan a budget, including an emergency budget of at least $250. Research opportunities for exchanging money so that you have some local currency upon arrival. Inform your bank and credit cards of your plans for international travel, and make copies of all credit cards. Research ATM accessibility in the country you will be visiting.
• Safety Research safety and security issues and ensure that you are covered under travel or international insurance. Carry your insurance card with you, and keep copies.
• Absentee Voting Arrange for absentee voting in any election that may occur before you return.

• Registering for Courses Students can name a proxy to register in their place during the preregistration period while they are still abroad. Students should contact the registrar, Peter Gadsby, to provide the name of the proxy.
• Housing Students should inform the Office of Residential Life about their intended return date and to name a proxy to represent them in the room draw.
• Evaluation of Program Students should visit the study abroad adviser to share their evaluation of their study abroad program. Bard relies on students’ insights in assessing the programs that we approve.