It is not necessary to speak a second language in order to study abroad. There are programs throughout the English-speaking world and programs that teach all courses in a foreign language. Other programs offer instruction in the local language but teach content courses in English. Explore the Colgate Study Groups as well as the Approved Programs (non-Colgate organizations) list to review the options available. Our office is here to help you identify the program that matches your academic and personal interests and abilities.

Approved Program Language Requirement in non-English language Countries (effective 08/2019):

Beginning in the fall semester, 2019, all Colgate students studying on an approved program in a non-English speaking country will be required to take a foreign language course offered by that approved program. For more detailed information, please consult the office of off-campus study. Each approved program will define the language in which courses are taught along with the language level of instruction (beginning, intermediate, advanced).

Many options are available for students who are not proficient in a language other than English.

Students who have met Colgate’s language requirement or who currently study language at Colgate should choose programs where the coursework is at the appropriate level for their skills, and should consult with the department chair at Colgate to make sure they are enrolling in courses at the proper level to be approved for transfer credit. Students studying on English-language programs in countries where the national language is not English and who have no prior knowledge of the local language should take an introductory course while abroad. An effort to learn the local language, even as a beginner, is a rewarding and respectful way to engage your host culture.

A large enrollment imbalance between semesters creates significant strain on our student advising and counseling services, course enrollments, and housing. Colgate tries to accommodate all requests for off-campus study that enable students to deepen their liberal arts course education with coursework sponsored by other institutions. Nevertheless, the university needs to balance enrollments across both semesters and therefore reserves the right to regulate the number of students who are granted permission to study off campus each semester.

Careful planning is crucial. Students should discussed plans with OCS and their academic advisers, considering both fall and spring options that will achieve their educational objectives.

Students will be notified prior to spring break which semester they have been approved for. We recommend that all students begin an application for Fall admission to their program since slots will be limited Spring. If approval for spring is granted, the application can be deferred to the spring semester.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SEMESTER BALANCING POLICY

Students who take a full load of courses approved for credit can expect to earn four credits toward the Colgate degree. Courses for credit toward major requirements must be approved by the department, as must courses in the minor, and all courses in English and the Natural Sciences. LEARN MORE ABOUT ACADEMIC POLICIES.

Colgate's tuition policy allows the university to make off-campus study accessible to all students, regardless of financial means, just as it does for on-campus programs. This ensures that students are able to choose programs based on academic fit, rather than cost. It also supports off-campus study programs and services available throughout a student's four years at Colgate.

All students studying off-campus pay Colgate tuition plus the billable costs (usually room and board) charged by their program. Colgate will pay the program on your behalf. In addition, you should budget for out-of-pocket expenses, including airfare. Students with financial aid will have their aid package reviewed by Financial Aid the semester before they go abroad. The amount of aid awarded is based on the cost of attendance of the off-campus program just as it on the Colgate campus. LEARN MORE ABOUT COSTS AND FINANCIAL AID.

Students seeking transfer credit for summer study out of the United States should meet with an adviser from the Off-Campus Study Office to discuss their plans.

Effective for all 2020-2021 off-campus study programs, participants must pay a non-refundable $450 deposit at the time of commitment to their program. This deposit is applied to the overall program costs of participation or forfeited upon withdrawal from a program. Failure to pay the enrollment deposit will result in withdrawal from the program. If this payment presents a significant and demonstrable financial burden, a student accepted to a program may contact the Office of Off-Campus Study to submit a request to reduce the deposit, which will be considered on a case-by case basis with input from the Office of Financial Aid.