Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of programs?
Clark University currently offers 33semester or yearlong programs abroad, including programs to increase your foreign language proficiency, immerse you in the culture of a foreign country, programs taught in English and Internship/Active Learning programs. Clark also approves many study abroad programs through other institutions for transfer credit (these are considered non-Clark programs). Please note that studying abroad on a non-Clark program requires you to take a foreign leave of absence for the semester/year that you are studying abroad. Clark financial aid can not be applied to non-Clark programs. For more information please make an appointment with the Study Abroad and Study Away Programs office.
What is the cost?
Except for the London Internship Program, students pay tuition to Clark University, and housing/board fees directly to the program. Meals that are not provided by the program are the responsibility of the student. For the London Internship Program, students pay the International Program Fee (roughly the equivalent of Clark's tuition, room and full board), and Clark pays the program fees in London.
Students are responsible for making and paying for their on travel arrangements, passport and visa (if required), personal expenses, books, and expenses during breaks. On Clark programs, your financial aid will travel with you in most cases. Clark also offers several scholarships to cover the extra costs incurred while studying abroad.
What if I am an international student? Can I still study abroad?
Yes, but there are some exceptions. Clark does not grant credit to international students who plan to study in their home country.
Also, International Scholarships awarded by Clark generally can not be applied to off-campus programs. This includes Study Abroad Programs as well as our programs in Washington, D.C..
Are there programs for particular majors?
Clark has an exchange program with the University of East Anglia, and we generally advise English majors to attend this excellent institution, which also has a very good Environmental Science and Art History program. Psychology majors should attend the University of Stirling or University of Sussex. Sussex has an excellent Pre-Med program as well. Keep in mind that students in other majors can attend these universities as well. Murdoch University in Perth has excellent programs in Environmental Studies, Media Studies and Management. The School For Field Studies programs are also very good for students interested in Environmental Science or Sustainable Development. TheJewish Studies in Prague semester is specifically geared toward students interested in the history, culture and arts of Central European Jews in the 20th century. The Service Learning program in Cape Town, South Africa, is especially focused on providing students with a framework to fulfill their educational and personal goals, while also giving back to the communities in which their learning takes place. Sociology and International Development majors will find this program rewarding as well as challenging. The new program at The Burren College of Art, Ireland, is meant specifically for the serious studio art student.
Major and Minor/Concentration requirement approvals are granted by the individual department.
What are the requirements for studying abroad?
For all Clark programs the minimum cumulative GPA is 3.0, 3.2 for Leiden University, and 3.3 for London School of Economics. Students who wish to study quantitative subjects (e.g. economics, accounting and finance, mathematics) at LSE must have a GPA of 3.5 or above in related subjects. You must be in good standing with the University, and may not be on academic or disciplinary probation. Language programs typically require some previous study in the host country's language. It is recommended that a student study abroad in his/her junior year, although some programs will admit second-semester sophomores. While we do not recommend that students study abroad during their senior year, it is possible to study abroad during the first semester, senior year on certain programs. Because of Clark's residency requirement during the senior year, you may not take a foreign leave of absence to study at a non-Clark program.. Read more about specific requirements.
How do I contact Clark's Study Abroad Office?
Mail correspondence to the Study Abroad Office, 950 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610. You may also reach our office via telephone at (508) 793-7363 or email at studyabroad@clarku.edu. We are located in Dana Commons, on the ground floor.
A full list of contacts is located here.
When are the applications due?
Check out our current application deadlines.
How much credit do I get for a Study Abroad program?
All programs offer students the opportunity to obtain a semester's or year's worth of credit, four or eight Clark units respectively. In this way, a student never "loses time" toward a degree while studying abroad. Please note that it is not possible to earn more than four Clark units per semester.
Students can earn one Clark unit during the May Term in Luxembourg.
I can't study abroad for a whole year or semester. What are my other options for studying abroad?
Not everyone can study abroad. Some students just can't work out their schedule to do it. You can always apply to the May Term Program in Luxembourg during the summer. You could also choose to study during the summer with another university, for which you will have to apply for transfer credit from Clark. Contact the Office of Study Abroad Programs to make an appointment and we would be happy to discuss your options one on one.
Who are the overseas and/or US contacts for each Clark Program?
View the Study Abroad Overseas Contacts page.