Getting Started

Studying abroad gives you the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom and develop skills to be successful both personally and professionally in a rapidly changing global society.

Video overview of study abroad at RIT - types of programs, coursework, financial aid, etc.

Types of Programs

RIT Education Abroad offers 5 different types of programs:

1) Global Campus Programs allow you to enroll directly in one of RIT’s international campuses in Dubrovnik & Zagreb, Croatia; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Pristina, Kosovo; Beijing & Weihei, China. Learn more about our global campuses.

2) Faculty-Led Programs are designed and developed by RIT faculty members, who lead students on a short-term program abroad. Programs vary in length (one to five weeks) and may occur over winter break, spring break or summer. More about faculty-led programs.

3) Exchanges are culturally immersive programs that allow you to enroll directly in a local university. View RIT study abroad programs.

4) Affiliate Programs are facilitated by partner universities and organizations to enhance the variety of locations and course offerings available to students. Visit The Compass to search and apply for Affiliate and RIT Study Abroad programs.

5) International Research opportunities allow you to conduct research abroad at one of RIT's approved overseas partners with the guidance of an RIT faculty member.

Each program has unique pros/cons, and it’s up to you and your study abroad advisor to determine the best program that will meet your needs. To help you decide, it is best to compare programs and providers and consider things like the application process, fees, program costs, level of customer support, etc.

Getting Started

1. Consider how the following factors/priorities might influence your program choice: cost, mental and physical health, level of cultural immersion, location, length of time, coursework available, etc.
   • A good place to start is to work on your RIT Study Abroad Blueprint, which will help you determine your goals and priorities (click the link, then download/save it to your computer before working on it). 
2. Meet with your academic advisor to discuss timing and coursework.
   • Before meeting with your advisor, you may want to visit the Study Abroad & Your Major section and print your college-specific study abroad info sheet - a tool highlighting major/college-specific study abroad information such as the best time to go and popular programs for your major. 
3. Read the Essential Information section for more information about programs, registration, billing, grading, etc.
4. Login to the Compass database to search program offerings. 
5. Make an appointment with a study abroad advisor.

If you have any other questions, email global@rit.edu.