Brown University's Study Abroad Fee Structure

As a result, all students who matriculate to Brown after July 1, 2006, are charged Brown University tuition while studying abroad for academic credit.

The revised fee structure enables study abroad to be seamlessly integrated into the Brown four year academic experience and ensures equity across the broad socioeconomic spectrum of Brown students. The fee structure reflects the University’s belief that all Brown undergraduates – including those receiving university scholarships -- should have the opportunity to study abroad. The University meets the full need of students eligible for financial aid, whether they are studying at Brown or abroad. Students can apply their financial aid awards – including their full Brown scholarships -- towards their program abroad.

Students entering Brown are charged Brown tuition over the course of eight semesters and choose their programs – whether on campus or overseas -- primarily with academic fit in mind. Students remain enrolled full-time at Brown and are no longer required to take a leave of absence to study abroad. They remain classified with their Class year and semester cohort, and are thereby able to preregister for classes, pre-arrange on-campus housing while abroad, etc., at the same time as their cohort. Course titles taken abroad, in all cases, are reflected on their transcripts. Class of 2010 students and beyond receive their full Brown scholarships when going abroad.

Brown has always encouraged students to choose programs that best serve their academic interests, goals and objectives. It has long understood that it is not enough for students to have a textbook knowledge of other societies, other value systems and other assumptions about life. That is why Brown encourages students to go abroad to immerse themselves in new academic and cross-cultural contexts that will challenge them to question their world view, to celebrate it where they deem appropriate and, if so compelled, to redefine and transform it. Brown considers study abroad to be an integral part of a student’s four year academic experience.

All students, regardless of when they enter Brown or what type of program they attend, receive administrative support throughout the study abroad cycle. This support includes:

• advising on study abroad options
• full access to the study abroad Resource Library
• assistance with applications and study proposals
• assistance with transfer of credit
• verification of status with the Brown Financial Aid Office
• faculty review and approval of Alternative Programs
• verification of appropriate status with the Brown Registrar
• workshops dealing with re-entry and readjustment to Brown

Additional activities for students include pre-departure orientation sessions, financial aid workshops, and presentations throughout the year from program representatives and former study abroad participants.