Study Abroad Policies

Eligibility

To be eligible to study abroad on any type of program, all RIT students must:

  • Be matriculated at RIT. A student cannot audit a study abroad course
  • Be cleared by RIT’s Conduct and Conflict Resolution office
  • Not have a financial hold on their eServices account
  • Be in good academic standing and have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application (students with lower GPAs may appeal and will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Meet any program-specific eligibility requirements such as pre-requisites, class level, etc.
  • Attend a mandatory Pre-Departure program prior to travel
  • Cannot have had a conduct violation on a previous study abroad experience that resulted in a probation or removal from a program.

Study Abroad Cancellation/Withdraw/Refund Policies

Students are subject to their affiliate provider’s withdrawal/cancellation/refund policies. RIT has the right to deny student participation at any time, which may result in the student incurring financial penalties with the affiliate. Reasons may include, but are not limited to: 

  • Failing to attend/participate in all required meetings, classes, and events, such as Pre-Departure.
  • Failing to remain in good academic standing or going on academic probation.
  • Failing to resolve any RIT holds (such as Student Financial Services hold, etc.) that prevent RIT Global from billing or registering.
  • Incurring a severe conduct violation, which results in RIT administrators disqualifying the student from participation.
  • Failing to meet the affiliate's requirements.

Students who cancel or withdraw from an affiliate program prior to the first day of classes will receive a full refund of the RIT Administrative Program Fee. Students who withdraw on or after the first day of classes will not receive a refund for the RIT Administrative Program Fee.

RIT will not reimburse students for out-of-pocket expenses spent on any program, such as flights, etc.

Failure to successfully complete the entire program could result in students failing their course(s) or receiving a W for withdrawal. Students are also responsible for understanding how these decisions affect their financial aid.

RIT reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.

Once a student confirms their participation in an RIT-organized program, they are billed a non-refundable deposit which is a portion of the total program fee. The following additional refund policies apply:

  • Global Campus Programs
    • If a student withdraws 30 days or more from the first day of classes, the student shall be entitled to a refund of any program fees paid, except for the non-refundable deposit.
    • If a student withdraws fewer than 30 days before the first day of classes, in addition to the non-refundable deposit, the student is responsible for paying the remainder of the program fee but will not be responsible for paying RIT tuition for the program.
    • No refunds for the program fee, deposit, or tuition will be granted on or after the first day of classes.
    • RIT does not reimburse students for any out-of-pocket expenses spent on any program, such as flights, etc.

      If RIT cancels a global campus program before the published arrival date, students will receive a full refund of tuition, program fee, and deposit. RIT reserves the right to modify a program (including changes to location or course modality, etc.) before departure or during a program to accommodate emergencies. If RIT is forced to cancel a program after the published arrival date, RIT will make every effort to refund any recoverable expenses. RIT does not reimburse students for out-of-pocket funds spent on the program, such as flights, etc., which may have been impacted by RIT’s program modification.

      If a student has to withdraw at any time due to an emergency or extenuating circumstance (such as a death in their immediate family, severe illness leading to hospitalization, etc.) RIT Education Abroad will evaluate refund requests on a case-by-case basis. If a refund is recommended, it may not be granted until after the program ends.
       
  • Faculty-Led Programs
    • Travel enhancement faculty-led programs (travel usually takes place in terms different than the course, for example, Spring/Summer or Fall/Winter Break, including Spring/Spring Break programs):
      • If a student withdraws 60 days or more before the published arrival date, the student shall be entitled to a refund of any program fees paid, except for the non-refundable deposit. If the student withdraws fewer than 60 days before the published arrival date, in addition to the non-refundable deposit, the student is responsible for paying the remainder of the program fee. For these programs, tuition is part of the semester load, so no tuition refund will be granted because no tuition was charged. No refunds will be granted on or after the published arrival date. All arrival dates will be published in the Compass.
    • Summer faculty-led (Course and travel take place in summer term): If a student withdraws 30 days or more before the published arrival date, the student shall be entitled to a refund of any program fees paid, except for the non-refundable deposit. If a student withdraws from the program fewer than 30 days before the published arrival date, in addition to the non-refundable deposit, the student will also be responsible for paying the remainder of the program fee but will not be responsible for paying RIT tuition for the program. No refunds for the program fee, deposit, or tuition will be granted on or after the published arrival date. All arrival dates will be published in the Compass.
    • RIT does not reimburse students for any out-of-pocket expenses spent on any program, such as flights, etc.

      If RIT cancels a faculty-led program before the published arrival date, students will receive a full refund of tuition, program fee, and deposit. RIT reserves the right to modify a program (including changes to location or course modality, etc.) before departure or during a program to accommodate emergencies. If RIT is forced to cancel a program after the published arrival date, RIT will make every effort to refund any recoverable expenses. RIT does not reimburse students for out-of-pocket funds spent on the program, such as flights, etc., which may have been impacted by RIT’s program modification.

      If a student has to withdraw at any time due to an emergency or extenuating circumstance (such as a death in their immediate family, severe illness leading to hospitalization, etc.) RIT Education Abroad will evaluate refund requests on a case-by-case basis. If a refund is recommended, it may not be granted until after the program ends.
       
  • RIT Exchange Programs
    • Students are subject to the exchange provider’s withdrawal/cancellation/refund policies for any fees paid directly to the provider. Students may withdraw from the program up until the first day of classes and receive a refund for RIT tuition for the program. There is no refund for tuition upon and after the first day of classes.
    • RIT does not reimburse students for any out-of-pocket expenses spent on any program, such as flights, etc.

      If RIT cancels an exchange program before the published arrival date, students will receive a full refund of tuition, program fee, and deposit. RIT reserves the right to modify a program (including changes to location or course modality, etc.) before departure or during a program to accommodate emergencies. If RIT is forced to cancel a program after the published arrival date, RIT will make every effort to refund any recoverable expenses. RIT does not reimburse students for out-of-pocket funds spent on the program, such as flights, etc., which may have been impacted by RIT’s program modification.

      If a student has to withdraw at any time due to an emergency or extenuating circumstance (such as a death in their immediate family, severe illness leading to hospitalization, etc.) RIT Education Abroad will evaluate refund requests on a case-by-case basis. If a refund is recommended, it may not be granted until after the program ends.
       
  • Study Away Programs
    • If a student withdraws 60 days or more before the first day of classes, the student shall be entitled to a refund of any program fees paid, except for the non-refundable deposit. If the student withdraws fewer than 60 days before the first day of classes, in addition to the non-refundable deposit, the student is responsible for paying the remainder of the program fee. Tuition refunds follow the regular RIT tuition refund policy outlined here.
    • RIT does not reimburse students for any out-of-pocket expenses spent on any program, such as flights, etc.

      If RIT cancels a study away program before the published arrival date, students will receive a full refund of tuition, program fee, and deposit. RIT reserves the right to modify a program (including changes to location or course modality, etc.) before departure or during a program to accommodate emergencies. If RIT is forced to cancel a program after the published arrival date, RIT will make every effort to refund any recoverable expenses. RIT does not reimburse students for out-of-pocket funds spent on the program, such as flights, etc., which may have been impacted by RIT’s program modification.

      If a student has to withdraw at any time due to an emergency or extenuating circumstance (such as a death in their immediate family, severe illness leading to hospitalization, etc.) RIT Education Abroad will evaluate refund requests on a case-by-case basis. If a refund is recommended, it may not be granted until after the program ends.

If a student fails to comply with the requirements of the program within the timelines stated above and, therefore, cannot participate in the overseas trip, they are responsible for paying the total program fee. These requirements could include, but are not limited to:

  • Failing to secure a passport or renew a passport if necessary.
  • Failing to secure a visa if necessary.
  • Failing to attend/participate in all required meetings, classes, and events, such as Pre-Departure.
  • Failing to adhere to curricular requirements as outlined by the faculty director in the syllabus or otherwise.
  • Failing to remain in good academic standing or going on academic probation.
  • Failing to resolve any RIT holds (such as Student Financial Services hold, etc.) that prevent RIT Global from billing or registering.
  • Incurring a severe conduct violation, which results in RIT administrators disqualifying the student for participation.

Failure to successfully complete the entire program (including any Rochester/online course work and the international travel portion) could result in the student failing course(s) or receiving a W for withdrawal. RIT has the right to deny student participation at any time. Students are also responsible for understanding how these decisions may affect their financial aid.

If RIT cancels an RIT-organized program before the published arrival date, students will receive a full refund of tuition, program fee, and deposit. RIT reserves the right to modify a program (including changes to location or course modality, etc.) before departure or during a program to accommodate emergencies. If RIT is forced to cancel a program after the published arrival date, RIT will make every effort to refund any recoverable expenses. RIT does not reimburse students for out-of-pocket funds spent on the program, such as flights, etc., which may have been impacted by RIT’s program modification.

If a student has to withdraw at any time due to an emergency or extenuating circumstance (such as a death in their immediate family, severe illness leading to hospitalization, etc.) RIT Education Abroad will evaluate refund requests on a case-by-case basis. If a refund is recommended, it may not be granted until after the program ends.

RIT reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.

Registration and Grades

While you are overseas on a faculty-led program, you will be enrolled in your RIT class(es) as normal by a study abroad advisor or college administrator (you will not be able to enroll yourself in the course(s)). You will receive letter grades for these classes and all grades will be calculated into your GPA. If you earn credit in one term and travel in another, you may earn an “I” (incomplete) for the course until the travel is complete. If you have any questions about this process, please address them with the study abroad advisor.

While you are overseas on a global campus direct enroll program, you will be enrolled in your RIT class(es) as normal by a study abroad advisor or college administrator (you will not be able to enroll yourself in the course(s)). You will receive letter grades for these classes and all grades will be calculated into your GPA. If you have any questions about this process, please address them with the study abroad advisor.

While you are overseas on an affiliate or exchange program, you will be registered for study abroad classes at RIT (either "SAB 362 - Study Abroad" (affiliate programs) or "SAB 360 - International Exchange" (exchange programs) for ## credits per class taken by a study abroad advisor. Your RIT registration will be estimated based on the program structure and course pre-approval received for each course. 

You will work with your study abroad provider and/or host institution to register for your actual overseas courses before you depart or as soon as you arrive.

After you arrive abroad, you will need to send a copy of your final schedule to your RIT study abroad advisor to confirm your registration. Your registration will be finalized based on the course approval received for each course in the "My Study Abroad Courses" tab in the RIT Compass.

Approximately three months following the completion of your program, the RIT Education Abroad office will be sent an official transcript from your affiliate or exchange provider detailing the courses you took abroad. You may be required to obtain an official translation of your transcript (both in English and American credits) if needed. Once your study abroad transcript is received, the grades will be converted to pass/fail. For each grade of a C or above, you will receive a passing grade. For a C minus, D, or F, you will receive a failing grade.  Neither passing nor failing grades are counted into your GPA. If you have any questions about this process, please contact your RIT study abroad advisor.

Managing Your Health Abroad

Study abroad, as with any major life change (regardless of length of time, location, etc.), can heighten pre-existing medical, mental health, or personal issues or contribute to new ones. Local culture, customs, and practices may not have/provide the support systems you might be accustomed to in the U.S.

It is your responsibility to consider how you will manage your health and wellness abroad. For example, you may need to consider your dietary restrictions, allergies, medications, need for immunizations, etc.

All participating students need to be able to maintain standard and reasonable health, hygiene, and personal care without assistance. A student’s personal hygiene and health care choices cannot disrupt the educational function or program activities or endanger or inhibit the success of the student, other program participants, RIT faculty or staff, local partner team members, etc.

When you are selecting an overseas program or preparing for your departure, here are some things you should consider regarding your health and wellness:

Medications (Over-the-counter vs. Prescription, Refills, etc.): Are my current medications legal in the countries I’m traveling to? Will I be able to bring enough to cover my entire stay or get something similar/equivalent in-country?

Allergies (Peanuts, shellfish, bee stings, etc.): Will I be exposed to potential serious allergens? How will I work to reduce my chances of or treat an exposure?

Meal restrictions (Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, etc.): Will I be able to identify and obtain alternative meal substitutions? How will I communicate my meal needs in the host culture?

Mental health (ex. Stress, Depression, Anxiety, etc.): How is my mental health condition viewed in the host culture? What resources and support will I have available to help me manage?

Physical health and mobility (Asthma, Diabetes, Walking aids, etc.): What kind of environment will I be living and studying in, and what kind of activities will I be participating in that might be affected by my physical health and mobility? What sort of adjustments or support would I need to participate successfully?

Sexual health (Public Displays of Affection, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, etc.): What are my host culture’s values and customs regarding romantic relationships? What sexual health risks should I be aware of, and how do I protect myself?

Drugs/Alcohol: (Tainted drinks, synthetic drugs, drinking age, etc.) What is my host culture’s values and customs regarding drugs and alcohol? What health and legal risks should I be aware of?

Learning disabilities (Dyslexia, ADHD, tutoring, etc.): How are my learning disabilities perceived in the host culture? What sort of accommodations or support would I need to participate successfully?

The environment of the program (Climate, Altitude, etc.): How will the weather and terrain of my host country affect my health and wellness?

Interpersonal relationships (Roommate issues, significant other at home, homesickness, etc.): Will you be studying, living, and traveling with the same small group, or will you be completely alone on your program? How might you cope with these situations, and what communication resources will you need to be successful?

Students should educate themselves about program components and make informed decisions about their participation, and if making requests for accommodations, should do so in a timely and effective manner. Concerns will be addressed first by local program leaders, and corrective steps may be put in place. Continued or elevated concerns may be addressed by RIT Global and RIT Risk Management and could result in a student being sent home.

Here is a list of health and wellness-related resources available on campus to assist you before, during, and after your experience abroad. It is your responsibility to reach out to these organizations and take advantage of the support services they provide:

Administrative Fee Policy for Affiliate Programs

Students participating in Affiliate Study Abroad programs will be charged an RIT Administrative Fee to support the advising and administration necessary to process students’ affiliate applications, registration, billing, and transcripts.

In general, students participating in short-term affiliate programs (like summer) will pay $750, and students participating in semester programs will pay $1,400 for each program. If students are participating in multiple programs back-to-back, the Administrative fees will apply as follows:

  • If students participate in multiple short-term programs within a summer with different affiliates (or different locations with the same affiliate), they will pay the $750 admin fee for each separate program.
  • If a student participates in an academic year program or a fall semester/spring semester back-to-back program (with the same affiliate or different affiliates), they will be billed $1,400 per semester.

Study Abroad/Away Disability Accommodations

Students with DSO-approved accommodations who will need to use some/all of their accommodations on their RIT-organized study abroad/away program are strongly encouraged to provide the study abroad office with a copy of their My DSO eligibility letter outlining the requested accommodations as soon as possible after signing their confirmation contract in the Compass to confirm their participation in the program, but no later than one week after signing. RIT will do its best to coordinate with its local host(s) and vendors to provide approved accommodations. Failure to provide the study abroad office with your requested accommodations within one week of signing your confirmation contract may impede RIT’s ability to coordinate and secure the accommodation(s) with local entities, which may result in determinations that some or all accommodations cannot be provided based on reasonableness or the nature of the program, as well as unanticipated costs to the student (including potential cancelation/withdrawal fees). Students with new temporary injuries or who need new accommodations after the one-week period and/or during the trip are still strongly encouraged to self-disclose to DSO as soon as possible. Failure to promptly self-disclose could impact the student’s ability to participate in the program as intended. Please note that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not apply in foreign countries, and thus, foreign hosts and vendors are not bound by the ADA. Accordingly, even if your accommodations are provided to the study abroad office in a timely manner, RIT-approved accommodations cannot be guaranteed for the program.