Study Abroad Frequently Asked Questions
-
How do I know whether I am at a Beginning, Intermediate or Advanced Spanish level when considering study abroad programs?
Beginning-level programs cover Spanish 102 through 250, Intermediate-level programs cover 401 & 403 & GECs, and Advanced-level programs cover major and minor level courses beyond Spanish 450. Senior Seminars and Honors courses are not offered for credit abroad. -
What do I need to do to fulfill the "Experiential Component" of the Spanish major?
You should plan to complete at least one 400-level course abroad for 4-5 quarter credit hours or plan to take Spanish 689: Spanish in Ohio. -
Can I finish my Spanish major or minor while abroad?
Students that choose to study abroad after Spanish 450 can generally finish a Spanish minor. Interested majors must complete a Spanish Senior Seminar on-campus, most students do so after completing a program abroad. -
I am completing the Spanish Honors major/minor, how is my program different when considering study abroad?
Honors students must complete Spanish H450 to maintain their Spanish Honors status. If you are planning to complete your honors minor while abroad, you should have already completed a Spanish H500-level course. Honors majors very rarely finish their Spanish course work abroad. -
How do I know which program is best for me?
Make sure to do as much "homework" as possible when choosing a program abroad: Visit the Office of International Affairs (OIA) to speak with a Program Coordinator about the different programs offered. Consider your financial status and investigate your options. Schedule an appointment to speak with your academic advisor(s) at the GEC and Major program levels to decide which courses you should take, as well as which quarter would be the best for you to study abroad (If you have a double major or specialization that involves sequenced courses this step is essential). The deadlines for programs abroad are generally several months before the actual program begins; make sure you have all your materials submitted to the proper location before the deadline. -
How many courses must I sign up for while abroad?
You should be full-time status while abroad. Students completing quarter programs at the Beginning level will return with 15 graded credit hours, those completing semester Intermediate or Advanced-level programs will return with 20-25 graded credit hours. Students that choose Intermediate or Advanced-level summer programs return with 12-15 graded credit hours. -
Can my courses be taken pass/fail?
None of the course work completed through the Dept. of Spanish and Portuguese may be taken pass/fail. -
Will my grades be posted in time for graduation?
If you choose the Cuernavaca, Mexico and Quito, Ecuador programs, grades can be posted on time. However, with Intermediate and Advanced-level programs we must wait for the transcripts to arrive from the foreign institution; many quarters they arrive after the deadline for posting grades for graduation. -
Do I have an OSU Dept. of Spanish and Portuguese resident director?
Students that choose the Cuernavaca, Mexico and Quito, Ecuador programs may have an OSU Resident Director from the Dept. of Spanish and Portuguese on-site that facilitates the courses, takes students to the doctor, holds office hours for tutoring, and grades the students' course work. Students that choose Intermediate or Advanced-level programs have on-site representatives provided by the foreign institution. -
Where will I live?
While abroad, most students live with host families. Some of the programs also offer the choice of living in a student dorm. -
How much does each program cost?
Each program is priced individually and the costs vary. The Office of International Affairs (OIA) provides program information sheets that clearly state the cost. -
More questions?
Contact Rachel Sanabria, Department of Spanish and Portuguese, sanabria.3@osu.edu.
