2026-2027 Edition

Academic Catalog

Study Abroad

Eligibility and Program Types
Bachelor of arts students may earn Wesleyan credits through study abroad by participating in any of the following program types: 

  • Wesleyan-administered programs 

  • Wesleyan-approved programs 

  • Petition, winter, and summer programs

BA credit for study abroad is granted only with prior approval from the Office of Study Abroad (OSA). 

One semester of participation in study abroad during the academic year can count as one semester toward the semester-in-residence requirement.

Wesleyan-Administered Programs 
Wesleyan administers the following programs:

  • France: Vassar-Wesleyan Program in Paris 

  • Italy: Eastern College Consortium (ECCO) Program in Bologna 

  • Spain: Vassar-Wesleyan Program in Madrid 

Wesleyan-Approved Programs 
The Office of Study Abroad maintains a list of pre-approved programs across various global regions. 

Petition, Winter, and Summer Programs

  • Petition: Students who wish to study abroad at a non-pre-approved program during the academic year must submit a petition along with a standard application to the OSA in advance of the study abroad term, and must receive ad-hoc approval to receive Wesleyan credit.

  • Winter and Summer Programs: Students must apply in advance through OSA for approval to participate in summer and winter programs. Credit for individual courses must be approved by the relevant department.

Academic Guidelines

  • Students generally take the equivalent of four Wesleyan credits during a semester abroad. The minimum course load is the equivalent of three Wesleyan credits.

  • Grades earned appear on the Wesleyan transcript and are included in the GPA. One course per semester may be taken for a grade of Credit/Unsatisfactory (CR/U), subject to Wesleyan and program-specific deadlines.

  • The OSA approves credit toward graduation for semester or year study abroad. Credit for external courses completed during summer and winter must be approved by the relevant department. 

  • For credit toward a major, minor, or certificate, students must obtain prior approval from the relevant department/program chair or advisor. This approval must be secured before departure or, if course details are unavailable, during course registration abroad. 

  • Approved courses may fulfill General Education expectations if an appropriate designation can be determined from the available information about the course. 

  • It is the responsibility of the student to check with the class dean concerning progress toward graduation and the possibility of oversubscription.

Academic Standing

  • Students on strict probation or medical leave at the end of a semester are not normally eligible to study abroad the following semester. Exceptions require approval from the class dean and the OSA. 

  • Incomplete (IN), deferred (X), or absent (AB) grades must be resolved two weeks prior to the student’s departure date, and students with such grades on their transcript should consult with their class dean about the resolution process. 

  • Students studying abroad are not eligible for the Dean’s List during a term when they are off campus. This applies to all abroad programs, including Wesleyan-sponsored programs.

University Policies and Withdrawals

  • All University academic regulations apply while abroad.

  • Wesleyan reserves the right to withdraw a student from a program abroad or place them on medical leave if necessary.

Fees and Financial Aid

  • Students are enrolled at Wesleyan while abroad during the academic year and are charged Wesleyan tuition, making them eligible for Wesleyan financial aid. 

  • Tuition covers academic expenses. Students pay for housing, meals, transportation, and cultural activities as outlined by the specific program. 

  • Students enrolled in winter or summer study abroad programs are not eligible for Wesleyan financial aid and do not pay Wesleyan tuition. 

BLS students and Study Abroad

BLS students are not eligible to participate in Wesleyan’s Study-Abroad-administered programs.

When applying to an international university, BLS students will be confirmed as a Wesleyan BLS student on leave by the Wesleyan OSA. The Continuing Studies office is responsible for reporting whether or not they are in good standing.

Due to the complexity of transferring credits, it is important for BLS students to meet with their advisor in Continuing Studies as early as possible if they plan to study abroad.