Each year, over 3,000 UVA undergraduate and graduate students choose to participate in education abroad opportunities to complement their on-grounds coursework (see the annual ISO Facts & Figures, as well as the undergraduate Class of 2023 education abroad statistics). The majority of undergraduate students participate in UVA programs, choosing from programs focused on disciplines as diverse as engineering, architecture, foreign language study, marketing, development studies, marine biology and environmental sciences. Through advising and support, faculty play a key role in facilitating international academic, research or internship experiences during students’ undergraduate education. This page is designed to highlight useful information concerning education abroad for academic advisors.

Student Advising

The International Studies Office education abroad advisors work with departments and schools to advise students on how to integrate a meaningful education abroad experience into their degree at UVA. We encourage students to discuss their plans early and simultaneously with their academic advisor and education abroad advisor in order to determine the best program option.

For further information about the education abroad process and how you can support students, please see this Information sheet on Education Abroad.

Academic Integration of Education Abroad

The International Studies Office work with departments to identify education abroad programs that have strong curricular matches to their majors, which both complement UVA’s offerings and/or provide classes that UVA does not currently offer here on-Grounds.  A result of these collaborations is an advising tool for students and faculty: Education Abroad in Your Major or Minor. Whether the student has declared a major or minor in a particular department, or is simply interested in coursework in a specific discipline, information on this page is tailored specifically to the department’s requirements with institutions that offer a substantial amount of coursework in the given discipline*. We will continue to update this page as these conversations continue; if you and your department are interested in adding information for your department's major or minor, please contact the International Studies Office at [email protected].

*We do not limit students to programs listed on this page. They are merely a starting point. We remind students that all transfer credit for major and minor approvals is reviewed on a case-by-case basis within their department and that they should work with their education abroad advisor and academic department for final program selection.

College Transfer Credit Database

Students in the College of Arts and Sciences should refer to the database of courses that have been transferred from study abroad programs in the past. This is an excellent resource for both academic advisors and students to gauge course options. Please keep in mind, however, that this database is not exhaustive and only lists those courses which have been approved for elective credit in past years. Any courses approved for the major or minor will need departmental approval.

Scholarships & Funding

If your department or unit offers scholarships or funding for students pursuing education abroad opportunities, learn more about how the ISO can help support your efforts, and the responsibilities of students who receive University funds for student international travel.

Hoos Abroad

UVA undergraduate students have a range of opportunities to participate in research, service-learning, and internships overseas, through award programs such as those offered by the Center for Global Health and the Office of Undergraduate Research, or by working directly with UVA faculty. Any student who is receiving funds or credits from their Department or the University for a project abroad needs to register with the International Studies Office in advance of departure. Registration includes review of site and contingency plans. Deans and faculty who advise or fund a project should contact Catarina Krizancic about University requirements. Students should contact their advisor or funding program or email [email protected].

Reflection After Study Abroad

When advising students who have already studied abroad, consider discussing ways to incorporate their international experience into on-Grounds coursework (e.g., through papers or presentations, capstone projects, senior thesis, etc.). You are uniquely positioned to help students reflect and draw connections between their study abroad experience, their overall University education, and future educational or career paths. Please be aware that students often experience issues of readjustment when they return, particularly after spending a considerable amount of time abroad. Ask your students how they are doing. If they are having problems, encourage them to contact the Education Abroad Team and attend reentry programs. In more severe cases, please remember to refer the students to CAPS. Students interested in telling their peers about education abroad can take advantage of opportunities to share their experiences with others, volunteer as an Intern in our office, give presentations, and help with the Study Abroad Fair.