Study Abroad
Spend a summer or semester in a new culture.
As students of international affairs, spending time studying in a new country enhances the intercultural competencies required for the Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service. By choosing to study abroad during the summer or in their third academic year, students gain exposure to new ideas, perspectives, peoples, cultures, and values, and better understand their own place in the world.
How to Apply
Begin the application process by scheduling an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss your options. Note that study abroad has a competitive application process, placement is not guaranteed, and the GU‑Q need-based grant only covers study abroad at Georgetown University’s campus in Washington, DC. For more information on studying abroad, including financial aid, insurance, or housing, please see the FAQs below or visit the Office of Student Affairs (1F14).
Student Experiences
Broadened Horizons
“My semester in DC broadened my horizons and deepened my appreciation for my studies, for art, and for the unique GU-Q community.”
—Abdul Hannan (SFS’25)
Deeper Understanding
“Studying abroad in Florence has been a significant addition to my understanding of diversity, complementing the lessons I learned while growing up in Qatar.”
—Zain Fanik (SFS’25)
First-Hand Experiences
“I have witnessed firsthand how religious traditions can persist despite shifting personal beliefs, and how they can both influence and be influenced by social and political movements.”
—Natali Fanik (SFS’25)
Study Abroad Options
Georgetown University in Washington, DC
Students may take courses for a semester, year, or summer that apply to their degree. Grades earned are factored into their GPA.
Semester or Academic Year
- Open to students in their third year, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Information about how to apply is emailed to eligible students in the spring and fall semesters.
Summer
- Open to all students who have completed their first year.
- Information about how to register is emailed to students in spring semester.
Other Locations Around the World
Students may take courses for a semester, year, or summer that apply to their degree. Grades earned are factored into their GPA.
Semester or Academic Year
- Participate in a Georgetown University-approved study abroad program at over 100 universities around the world.
- Open to students in their third year.
- Each program is competitive, and GPA requirements vary, but generally, a 3.0 or higher is required.
- Courses taken during an approved study abroad program may count toward a student’s degree, but the grades earned do not factor into a student’s cumulative GPA.
Summer
Take courses at another university independently during the Summer.
- Open to all students who have completed their first year.
- Courses taken independently in the summer may apply to a student’s degree, but the grades earned do not factor into a student’s cumulative GPA.
- Students are responsible for arranging all aspects of an independent summer study abroad experience.
- All non-GU Summer courses must be pre-approved for transfer to Georgetown.
Welcoming Students from Other Universities to GU-Q
Georgetown welcomes students from other universities who wish to spend a semester, the academic year, or the summer studying in Qatar. Here you will have the opportunity to take a variety of courses in a truly diverse academic and cultural setting. Furthermore, Qatar is an ideal hub from which to see the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, thereby providing ample opportunity to continue learning outside of the classroom.
All non-Georgetown students wishing to study at Georgetown’s Qatar campus must apply through Georgetown University’s Office of Global Education. For further information about the application process and studying at GU-Q, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I study abroad?
You can study abroad in your Junior year or any summer session. Exceptions are rarely made for Seniors. Speak to your Dean.
How long can I study abroad?
You may study abroad for a full year, one regular semester, or summer. Please note that financial aid covers you for one regular semester only.
How do I apply?
Application instructions differ for each location, and for summer or regular semester opportunities. Check the relevant links from the option section of this page to learn more, and speak to your academic advisor to begin the process.
Do I save money if I study at another institution?
No. You pay the Georgetown tuition for Fall / Spring regardless of where you study.
Will my financial aid cover the cost of studying abroad?
Yes, your loan, HEI Scholarship, or other Scholarship will cover you for one regular semester in any location. However, if you are receiving a Georgetown need-based grant, you may only study at Georgetown’s main campus in Washington, DC. Your aid will not cover you for a summer session.
Can I study anywhere in the world?
You may study at Georgetown’s campus in Washington, DC, or at an approved location. Please note that the GU-Q need-based grant only covers study abroad at Georgetown’s campus in Washington, DC.
Who will help me with visa, insurance, housing, and other questions?
Once you are approved for study in DC, the Office of Student Life will share detailed information with you. If you are approved to study in a non-DC location, you will be contacted by a representative from the Office of Global Education. In this case, you must use the MyGUAbroad portal.