FAQ
WHY SHOULD I STUDY ABROAD?
Any student, regardless of their career of choice, must learn to account for the effects of global and international dynamics. Our programs are built on an acknowledgement that effective communication relies on comprehension of and empathy with the conditions faced by one's target audience. There is no better way to gain understanding and develop communication skills than to experience other people, areas and worlds first-hand.
ELIGIBILITY
Are Annenberg's programs available only to Communication, Public Relations, and Journalism students?
No. Any currently enrolled USC undergraduate, regardless of major, may apply to any Annenberg program, except for the London programs. Admission to the programs at the USC London Center, City University, and the University of Westminster are restricted to Communication majors/minors, Journalism majors, and Public Relations majors respectively.
Students who are not matriculated at USC are not allowed to participate in any Annenberg study abroad program.
Do I need to know foreign language to study abroad?
No, for almost all programs. Study in Argentina does require language proficiency in Spanish, but all other programs do not have a language requirement.
Is there a minimum GPA required?
Yes. Annenberg International Programs requires a minimum USC cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all programs.
IS IT FEASIBLE?
How much does it cost?
Programs vary in cost, and range from significantly less than a semester on campus to significantly more. Detailed estimates of program costs will be made available by the International Programs Office each semester.
Can I use financial aid to go overseas for a semester or year?
Yes, USC financial aid -including loans, grants, and scholarships- may be applied to official semester and year study abroad programs. Financial aid packages are readjusted according to the modified cost of attendance of a specific program. In cases where a program may be less expensive than an on-campus semester, the estimated family contribution (EFC) will be maintained and the aid package reduced. If program cost exceeds that of an on-campus semester, the student and family may be eligible for additional loans in the amount of the price differential.
Can I use financial aid to go overseas during the summer?
Maybe. Many forms of USC financial aid are not transferable to summer programs, although the USC Financial Aid Office may be able to facilitate the borrowing of funds by students, parents, or guardians for up to the full program cost. In addition, some merit scholarships may be transferable to help alleviate program costs.
When can/should I go?
Most programs allow students to study abroad when it best fits their academic program. Students must be of a minimum of sophomore standing upon commencement of a program, and transfer students must have completed one full semester at USC prior to applying to go overseas. (Journalism and Public Relations majors are restricted to spring semester of their Junior year.)
HOW IT WORKS
How early can I start applying?
For fall or full year study, applications are due in February; for spring programs, applications are due in September. Summer program deadlines vary. Applications are available on our website one to two months before they are due.
Will all the courses that I take transfer as USC credit?
Almost all courses will come back as USC credit. Courses taken through Annenberg International Programs will be articulated at USC for USC credit and will count toward the 64-unit residency requirement. However, if a class that you take overseas does not have an equivalent department at USC (e.g., Basket Weaving 101), it will not be accepted for credit at USC. Credit toward major or minor fulfillment is dependent upon departmental approval.
Can I earn major or minor credit?
Yes. Annenberg International Programs provides the opportunity for all Communication, Journalism, and Public Relations students to earn units toward their respective programs. In addition, students from other majors are often able to earn units toward their degrees, contingent upon departmental approval.
How will a semester abroad affect my GPA?
The grades that you earn while abroad will not count towards your USC GPA. On your USC transcript, it will show that you received credit/no credit for those courses and not letter grades. The only program which letter grades will count towards your GPA is London Communication, which students are directly enrolled in upper-division USC Communication courses.
If my GPA is not affected by a semester abroad, why should I still care about grades?
If you decide to apply for graduate school or need official transcripts for any reason, you will have to submit your USC transcript AND an official transcript from your host university. If you fail a course during your semester abroad, it will show as "no credit" on your USC transcript; however, your host university transcript will indicate that you failed. Do not risk your chances of being admitted into graduate school by mistakingly thinking that a failed course taken overseas will not matter.
What about my housing at USC?
Students accepted to a study abroad program must provide documentation or complete a form to be released from their University/non-University housing contract. Students who wish to return to USC housing need to arrange this before their overseas departure. For students in non-university housing, it is their responsibility to make housing arrangements both before and after studying abroad.
What are the overseas living arrangements?
Accommodations vary among Annenberg's study abroad programs, but in almost all cases students reside in either dormitories (either with dining halls or cooking facilities), or shared apartments. None of our programs come with a meal plan overseas.