Mission Statement
The Study Abroad office assists Sacred Heart University undergraduate students in selecting and applying for credit-granting international educational programs that are either sponsored by or approved by the University.
Please note: Participation in study abroad programs through Sacred Heart University is limited to a maximum of two semesters. Transfer students may not participate in study abroad programs during their first semester at Sacred Heart University.
Semester and Summer Programs Offered
Sacred Heart University has carefully selected a wide range of study abroad opportunities sponsored by various U.S. accredited institutions through a consortium called CCIS (College Consortium for International Studies). Click here for a comprehensive list of the semester and summer programs available through CCIS.
Please note: Semester and/or Summer CCIS programs in Australia, Ireland, and Italy are not available to Sacred Heart University students.
Academic Requirements
The academic requirement is set by the U.S. sponsoring institution. Most programs through CCIS require a cumulative GPA of 2.5. Please see specific programs on the CCIS web site for details.
How to Apply
CCIS applications are available in the Study Abroad office or can be downloaded from the CCIS web site. Click here for a step-by-step guideline to the CCIS application process. Click here for the CCIS application and instructions (PDF). Students complete the CCIS application and apply to the sponsoring U.S. institution through the Sacred Heart University Study Abroad office.
Acceptance
Admissions decisions are made by the CCIS-sponsoring U.S. institution or the host institution abroad. Applicants are notified in writing of their acceptance. Once a Sacred Heart University student is accepted into a CCIS program, the CCIS U.S. sponsoring institution will assume the responsibility of providing students with information regarding deadlines, housing, meals, travel, excursions, local transportation, passports, visas, health insurance, orientation, etc.
Tuition & Fees
Students pay the program fee set by the sponsoring U.S. institution. Additionally, all Sacred Heart University students who participate in fall, spring, or year-long study abroad programs will be assessed a study abroad fee of $1,000 per semester. There is no additional Sacred Heart University study abroad fee for summer programs. Since each program is different, please consult the individual program's web page on the CCIS web site for cost details.
Financial Aid
Sacred Heart University students who are eligible for federal and state financial aid may have such aid applied to the CCIS program. Please discuss eligibility with Ms. Julie Savino, Dean of Financial Assistance. Sacred Heart University grants and/or scholarships will not apply to these programs.
Transfer of Credits
The Sacred Heart University Study Abroad office will help students select and apply to these programs. With the help of the student's advisor and the Registrar, the Study Abroad office will facilitate the transfer of credits by clarifying before departure how the selected courses will be used in the student's Sacred Heart University degree program. Letter grades will not transfer back to Sacred Heart University. Only credits earned with the minimum grade of C will be posted to the student's record as earned credit toward his or her degree.
Withdrawal Policy
It is important to note that students who withdraw from a study abroad program after having been accepted will still be responsible for one-half of the $1,000 study abroad fee. In addition, students who withdraw from a study abroad program after Sacred Heart University has remitted payment to the CCIS-sponsoring institution remain responsible for reimbursing Sacred Heart University the amount of that bill plus the $1,000 study abroad fee. Further, if students wish to enroll at Sacred Heart University for that semester, they must pay the Sacred Heart University tuition in addition.
Billing
For semester programs, the sponsoring CCIS institution will bill Sacred Heart University for tuition and program fees, and Sacred Heart University, in turn, will bill the student. It is possible to make arrangements for installment payments for these programs. For summer programs, the sponsoring institution will bill students directly.
Deadlines
Although application deadlines for CCIS programs may vary from program to program, please note that all application materials and study abroad forms are due no later than the last day of classes. If, however, the CCIS application deadline occurs later than the last day of classes, please be sure to submit all materials on time, that is, by the last day of classes.
Fall and/or Spring Programs through other Institutions
If – in the fall and/or spring – a student elects to participate in a study abroad program that is not SHU-approved, the student must be aware of the following:
- Sacred Heart University will not pre-approve courses to be taken in a non-approved program. The student must present a transcript to Sacred Heart University upon his/her return. Decisions concerning acceptance/applicability of credit will be made at the time of return.
- Sacred Heart University will not process a student's federal or state financial aid forms for semesters away to participate in a non-approved program.
- Sacred Heart University will not handle the billing for a student participating in a non-approved program.
- Sacred Heart University will not assist the student in matters of registration or housing.
Other Summer Programs
On occasion, a Sacred Heart University faculty member will direct a Sacred Heart University-sponsored summer study abroad program in Amsterdam, China, or other locations. Please check with the Study Abroad office to determine the availability of offerings. Financial aid will normally not apply.
In addition, a wide range of summer programs is available through CCIS and many other accredited U.S. institutions. Please check with the Study Abroad office for appropriate, accredited programs and for transferability of credit. Students accepted into these programs will be billed directly by the sponsoring institutions. Financial aid will not apply. There is no additional Sacred Heart University study-abroad fee for these summer programs.