Calvin students may choose to participate in study abroad programs that are not sponsored by Calvin University. While these programs offer many exciting opportunities, they require careful planning and advance approval. Below is an overview of how non-Calvin study abroad programs typically work.
Option 1: Program Bills Calvin
Many non-Calvin programs are able to bill Calvin University directly. In this case, students apply for approval through the Non-Calvin Program application in Horizons. Approval includes a review of GPA and student conduct status.
Once the total program cost is known, students receive a Terms & Conditions form outlining financial responsibilities. Eligible state and federal financial aid may be applied, but Calvin-specific institutional aid cannot be used. Students should also expect additional Calvin service and insurance fees.
While abroad, students are registered for placeholder credits to maintain full-time enrollment at Calvin. After the program ends and an official transcript is received, those placeholder credits are replaced with the actual courses and grades, which appear on the Calvin transcript as transfer credit.
Option 2: Student Pays Program Directly
If a program bills the student directly, the student must apply for a Leave of Absence through Workday for the term abroad. In this situation, U.S. financial aid cannot be used.
After completing the program, students are responsible for requesting that an official transcript be sent to the Calvin Registrar’s Office. Completed coursework will appear as transfer credit on the Calvin transcript.
Cost
- Host Program Fees (may include tuition and/or housing and/or food): It is the student’s responsibility to learn the host institution's costs.
- Insurance (Supplemental to the student's primary insurance): $270
- Processing Fee: $465
These costs will be payable through your Calvin account.
Financial Aid
- All federal and state aid can be applied to the costs of the program
- No Calvin-specific financial aid may be used for the program cost.
Featured Programs
- CCCU GlobalEd
- Creation Care Study Program—New Zealand
- Oregon Extension
- ISDSI Thailand
- LCC International University
- Semester in Japan (JCMU)
- Uganda Studies Program
- L.A. Film Studies Center
- Semester in Los Angeles (Columbia College)
- Viaa Christian University of Applied Sciences Zwolle, The Netherlands
- Other programs in consultation with the Off-Campus Programs office
1. Determine your eligibility
To participate in a Calvin associated off-campus semester program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have sophomore status or above
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
- Submit an online application for Calvin University, and
- Submit an application for the associated program to which you are applying
It is very important to note that you must submit two application processes—one for Calvin, and one for the program you plan to join—to be eligible to participate in an associated semester program.
2. Note the deadlines
Deadlines vary by program, so be sure to leave yourself enough time to complete the application process for the program you are choosing. Allow plenty of time and plan to begin the application process well before the deadline; although the Calvin application is online, it can take several days to complete, as you must wait for various approvals across campus. Note also that each individual program may have additional deadlines to which you must adhere.
3. Complete the Calvin off-campus application process
This is the first of two steps in the application process. The Calvin application determines your academic and social eligibility for the off-campus program.
Complete the Calvin Application
4. Complete the associated program application
Once you have completed the Calvin application process, you must also apply to the associated program itself. Instructions and details for doing so are available in the program description; we strongly encourage you to contact the program organizer to confirm each step and deadline of the application process.
Important note: Once you are accepted to a program, make sure you contact Calvin's Off-Campus Programs office to let them know about your plans and application status.
Calvin associated programs bill Calvin directly, and Calvin bills the students, with state and federal financial aid applying to the cost of the program. If you have any questions about costs, please contact us.
These programs an allow equal number of students to be exchanged between two schools. For each Calvin student who studies in an overseas institution, a student from that institution may attend Calvin. Students pay Calvin tuition (to Calvin) and are also responsible for other costs such as room and board, transportation, and immunizations.
Eligible Programs
- Lingnan University, Hong Kong
- Handong University, Korea
- Romania (Northwestern College, Iowa)
- Universitas Pelita Harapan, Indonesia
Cost
Tuition: Regular Calvin tuition
Fees
- Off-Campus Programs fee: $465
- Insurance Fee: $270
- Lodging, food, transportation, and immunization fees as specified by the program
Financial Aid
- All federal and state aid can be applied to the costs of the program
- All Calvin financial aid can be applied to the costs of the program