Study Abroad
Broadened Horizons
“My semester in DC broadened my horizons and deepened my appreciation for my studies, for art, and for the unique GU-Q community.” —Abdul Hannan (SFS’25)
Deeper Understanding
“Studying abroad in Florence has been a significant addition to my understanding of diversity, complementing the lessons I learned while growing up in Qatar. It feels like everything has come together and deepened my comprehension. Now, I’m equipped with a broader set of skills and perspectives that will undoubtedly impact how I approach differences, foster cross-cultural understanding, and navigate the intricacies of religious and cultural diversity in my future endeavors, whether they take place back home or internationally.” —Zain Fanik (SFS’25)
First-hand experiences
“From my experience studying abroad, I will carry forward a deeper appreciation for the role of religion in shaping societies and the subtlety of cultural expression. I have witnessed firsthand how religious traditions can persist despite shifting personal beliefs, and how they can both influence and be influenced by social and political movements.” —Natali Fanik (SFS’25)
Study Abroad
Georgetown students are encouraged to consider studying abroad over a summer or during their junior year to gain exposure to new ideas, perspectives, peoples, cultures, and values. As an immersive experience, time spent living and learning abroad enhances the understanding of international affairs principles being taught through the Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service.
How to Apply
Study abroad is a competitive application process, and placement is not guaranteed. To apply, please schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss your options. Note that the GU-Q grant only covers study abroad at Georgetown University’s campus in Washington, DC. For more information about financial aid, insurance, housing, or anything else related to studying abroad, please see the FAQs below or visit the Office of Student Life (1F14).
Study Abroad Options
Georgetown University in Washington, DC
Students may take courses for a semester, year, or summer that are applicable to their degree. Grades earned are factored into their GPA.
Semester or Academic Year
- Open to students in their third year, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Information about how to apply is emailed to eligible students in the spring and fall semesters.
Summer
- Open to all students who have completed their first year.
- Information about how to register is emailed to students in spring semester.
Other Locations Around the World
Semester or Academic Year
Participate in a Georgetown University-approved study abroad program at over 100 universities around the world.
- Open to students in their third year.
- Each program is competitive and GPA requirements vary, but generally, a 3.0 or higher is required.
- Courses taken during an approved study abroad program may be applicable to a student’s degree, but the grades earned do not factor into a student’s cumulative GPA.
Summer
Take courses at another university independently during the Summer.
- Open to all students who have completed their first year.
- Courses taken independently in the summer may apply to a student’s degree, but the grades earned do not factor into a student’s cumulative GPA.
- Students are responsible for arranging all aspects of an independent summer study abroad experience.
- All non-GU Summer courses must be pre-approved for transfer to Georgetown.
Study at GU-Q: Students From Other Universities
Georgetown welcomes students from other universities who wish to spend a semester, the academic year, or the summer studying in Qatar. Here you will have the opportunity to take a variety of courses in a truly diverse academic and cultural setting. Furthermore, Qatar is an ideal hub from which to see the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, thereby providing ample opportunity to continue learning outside of the classroom.
All non-Georgetown students wishing to study at Georgetown’s Qatar campus must apply to do so through Georgetown University’s Office of Global Education. For further information about the application process and studying at GU-Q, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several things to think about if you plan to study abroad. Here are the answers to frequently asked questions.
You can study abroad in your Junior year or any summer session. Exceptions are rarely made for Seniors. Speak to your Dean.
You may study abroad for a full year, one regular semester, or summers. Please note that financial aid covers you for one regular semester only.
Application instructions are different for study at Georgetown’s main campus in Washington, DC and for other locations. It also differs if you are studying in a regular semester or in summer. Application forms and explanations can be found on this page.
No. You pay the Georgetown tuition for Fall / Spring regardless of where you study.
Yes, your loan, HEI Scholarship or other Scholarship will cover you for one regular semester in any location. However, if you are receiving a Georgetown need-based grant, you only may study at Georgetown’s main campus in Washington, DC. Your aid will not cover you for a summer session.
You may study at Georgetown’s campus in Washington, DC, or at an approved location. Please note that the GU-Q grant only covers study abroad at Georgetown’s campus in Washington, DC.
Once you are approved for study in DC, information will be shared by the Office of Student Life. If you are approved to study in a non-DC location, you will be contacted by a representative from the Office of Global Education. In this case, you must use the MyGUAbroad portal.