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Information for Students Participating in a Non-Affiliated Study Abroad Program


URI has become affiliated with more than 200 different programs in over 40 countries. However, students may wish to participate on a program not affiliated with URI. Students may opt to do this for many reasons - so you can study in a country where URI does not have a program, participate in a very unique program URI does not offer, enroll in a program recommended by peers, etc.

URI students are not prohibited from participating in non-affiliated programs but, before doing so they should meet with a Study Abroad Advisor in the Office of International Education (OIE) to ensure:
    1.You are making a decision that is best for you.
    2. You are familiar with URI study abroad policies.
    3. You are aware of their responsibilities related to overseas study.
    4. URI will accept the credit from the non-affiliated program.

Below is an overview of important information that participants of non-affiliated programs should be aware of:

Before Applying to a Non-Affiliated Study Abroad Program you Must:

  • Meet with a Study Abroad Advisor to discuss the program you have considered applying to.
  • URI may actually have an affiliation with the same institution.
  • Make sure that the program you are applying to provides quality academic work that will be accepted by URI for transfer credit (done in conjunction with the academic departments).
  • There may be comparable (or better) programs that you may not be aware of.
  • Discuss your responsibilities and the policies related to the use of financial aid and study abroad.
  • Meet with your Academic Advisor to make sure the program you have selected complements your academic plan of study.
  • Educate yourself about the program.
  • What courses are offered and how will they complement your academic goals?
  • What type of program is it and for what level of student?
  • What type of housing and meal plan options are available?
  • What is the cost of the program and what does the program fee include?
  • Will the program provide you with the contact information of previous participants?

Applying for a Non-Affiliated Study Abroad Program

  • BEFORE sending an application into the program or program sponsor, the applicant should make and appointment with a URI Study Abroad Advisor in order to complete the URI "Intent to Study Abroad with a Non-Affiliated Program" packet.
  • Students applying for a non-affiliated study abroad program will have to meet the eligibility requirements established by the program or program sponsor.
  • Apply directly to the program or program sponsor.
  • If the program application requires the signature of a Study Abroad Advisor at URI, contact the Office of International Education to set-up an appointment.

After You Are Accepted to a Non-Affiliated Study Abroad Program you Must complete the following steps:

    1.) Students MUST bring in a copy of their study abroad program acceptance letter to the OIE
    2.) Complete Prior Approval Form
    3.) Complete the Pre-Departure Student Info. Form

Click here to get the forms


This mandatory URI paperwork includes a Study Abroad Prior Approval Form and a Pre-Departure Student Information form. If you do not have access to the online forms, paper copies can be obtained at our office upon request.
    4.) Pay the off-campus fee. This includes an Off-campus registration fee (OCS). The OCS registration fee is currently $368 per semester. All fees are subject to change.
    5.) Attend the Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Workshop .
    6.) If you plan to use financial aid you Must complete the Financial Aid for Study Abroad packet. Visit Enrollment Services - Financial Aid in Green Hall to get Financial Aid for Study Abroad packet.
    Please be advised that URI institutional grants or scholarships (i.e. Centennial Scholarships, Hardge Grants) that you receive will apply only to a URI-affiliated program.
    7.) Please be advised that you will be billed a $350 OIE program fee by URI during the regular university billing cycle for each semester you are studying abroad - all fees subject to change.

Having your Study Abroad Credit Transferred Back to URI

    8.) Students that have completed a semester abroad in a non-affiliated program MUST ensure that an official transcript/grade report of your overseas coursework is sent to the Office of International Education at URI. Pre-approved credit will only transfer back to URI if you earn a grade equivalent to a "C" or above.

For Additional Information Contact:
The Office of International Education
University of Rhode Island
Room 107, Taft Hall
Kingston, RI 02881
Tel: (401) 874-5546
Fax: (401) 874-4573
E-mail: oie@etal.uri.edu
http://www.uri.edu/international

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