Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
RIT Global

Each student is required to submit an application on our study abroad database, the Compass. Students par­ticipating in an affiliate program or exchange program may be required to complete a second appli­cation (with the affiliate provider or exchange university). In addition, students must: allow us to check their student conduct record, make an appointment with their academic advisors to pre-approve overseas classes and make an appoint­ment with financial aid to understand their financial aid options for the program. A study abroad advisor will walk each student individually through each of these steps which are detailed below. 

All students who study abroad must:

  • Meet the program GPA requirements.
  • Have a clear conduct record with RIT.
  • Be an RIT matriculated student at the time of the program.
  • Have a valid passport at the time of travel.
  • Be able to obtain any necessary visa documents on your own.
  • Have no financial holds on their RIT eServices account at the time of your program acceptance/confirmation.
     

Student Application Steps (Global Campus, Affiliate & Exchange programs)

  1. Visit the Compass (study abroad application database) to research available programs. 
  2. Make an appointment with a study abroad advisor to understand the application process and obtain the necessary forms such as the Course Pre-Approval Form and a Budget Worksheet for the program. Students can choose an appointment date/time online or can schedule an appointment by calling 585-475-4466.
  3. Set up an appointment with your Academic Advisor to talk about the courses you still need to take towards your degree requirements.
  4. Choose approved courses from the course database on the Compass, or add a new course for approval. Once you submit new courses for approval in the Compass, it will take about 4 weeks for the RIT registrar to approve the course with an RIT equivalent.
  5. Submit an RIT application to the program you wish to attend on the Compass.
  6. If necessary, complete your program specific application through the affiliate or exchange provider.
  7. Make an appointment with your Financial Aid advisor to review the Budget Worksheet and determine how much of your financial aid can be used abroad. 
  8. Attend the mandatory Bon Voyage meeting to learn about health and safety abroad, culture shock and other travel tips to make the most out of your study abroad experience.
  9. When you return from your time abroad, attend a mandatory Global Engagement Seminar to reflect on your experience and learn how to incorporate your experience into your future career or job search.
  10. Three to four months after you return, you should check that their overseas transcripts have arrived and that your grades have been processed by the Education Abroad office.

 

Student Application Steps (Faculty-Led programs)
Students are not required to meet with a study abroad advisor if going on a faculty-led program. Your main contact for the program will be the faculty director(s). This video will explain all of the application steps when applying to a faculty-led program.

  1. Visit the Compass (study abroad application database) to research available faculty-led programs. 
  2. Meet with your Academic Advisor(s) to ensure that the study abroad course(s) fit into your program of study.
  3. Submit an RIT application to the program you wish to attend on the Compass.
  4. Request a copy of the Budget Worksheet for the program (from the faculty-director or Education Abroad office) and make an appointment with your Financial Aid advisor to review the Budget Worksheet and determine how much of your financial aid can be used abroad. It is important to complete this step BEFORE you receive notice of your acceptance into the program.
  5. When you are accepted into the program, log in to your Compass application and complete STEP 3 to confirm your participation (this includes agreeing to pay a non-refundable deposit for the program).
  6. Attend the mandatory Bon Voyage meeting to learn about health and safety abroad, culture shock and other travel tips to make the most out of your study abroad experience.
  7. When you return from your time abroad, attend a mandatory Global Engagement Seminar to reflect on your experience and learn how to incorporate your experience into your future career or job search.

In addition, the Essential Study Abroad Questions provides succinct answers to questions about choosing a program, academic credit, billing, financial aid and more.