External programs include all other study abroad opportunities via other U.S. universities, colleges, or third-party providers. Please visit us for materials and advice on deciding which external program might be best for you. If you have already conducted your own research and have found a specific accredited external program, you are still required to set up a file with the Center for Global Education, which you must do by meeting with a study abroad advisor.
Important facts to know when doing an External Study Abroad Program:
- USF will NOT award Federal, State, or USF Financial Aid for the period while a student is on Leave of Absence, but some private loan options may be available. We recommend that a student consult a USF Financial Aid counselor for financial considerations and external options. Please refer to the Finance section of our website for detailed information.
- Students pay tuition, housing costs, and all other fees directly to the host institution/program, not to USF.
- Students are required to complete a Leave of Absence form to avoid a billing statement from USF. Available in UC 5th floor.
- Students are required to complete a Participant Information Sheet and Waiver of Liability as part of their Pre-Departure Materials.
- Students who want to receive credit are required to complete a Petition to Enroll at Another Institution (PEAI) form to assure that credit for course work transfers. Signatures from the following staff will be necessary: study abroad advisor, academic advisor, school Dean, and the University Evaluator. Form is available at the Student Enrollment Services Office (LM 251) or the Center for Global Education (LM 340).
- These pre-approved course units will transfer towards graduation, but the course names or grades will NOT appear on the student’s USF transcript.
- The University of San Francisco does NOT recognize unaccredited study abroad programs or programs offered by unaccredited U.S. schools or agencies. Please contact us to see if a host program is considered accredited.
- The University of San Francisco does not approve or support study abroad to any country where a U.S. State Department Travel Warning exists, or where there is a Health Travel Advisory by the World Health Organization or by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
- Students are expected to comply with all travel restrictions or sanctions imposed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Treasury Department.
For additional information concerning a country's travel status, please consult the following websites: