Types of Study Abroad Programs

Brown Sponsored Programs

Brown, exclusively or in collaboration with other highly selective US universities, has developed a number of programs reflecting Brown's academic standards and curriculum, focus on directed integration into the host country and academic setting, and targeted programs and support for Brown students. Each program has a fully staffed physical presence (a center of study) in the host country, and/or is lead by a Brown resident director and, in most cases, an on-site Brown faculty director, who together oversee all academic and administrative aspects of the program. On some programs, non-Brown students may be admitted provided there is space available. Brown currently operates such programs in Brazil, Cuba, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Students must complete an online application for a Brown Sponsored Program by the established deadline.

Approved Alternative Programs

Brown students may also receive academic credit for participation in "approved programs" run by other institutions. Brown faculty have reviewed these programs for academic quality and have therefore approved them in advance for credit transfer. Students also benefit from ongoing OIP staff efforts to monitor and assess these programs through site reviews, advisory boards, and engagement with colleagues at other institutions. Brown students frequently select these progras for their study abroad experience.

Students apply directly to the sponsoring institution and adhere to its admission deadline. Students must ALSO submit an online application to OIP by the established deadline.

Petition Alternative Programs

Students may also present an individual case for study at a location which is neither a Brown sponsored program nor an approved program. Through the petition process, students may attend programs that offer very specialized curriculum areas, particularly uncommon languages or those with independently designed curricula. For these programs, students must have their petition and the curriculum approved in order to receive credit at Brown. A faculty committee reviews these proposals for academic merit, adherence to Brown's Foreign Study Guidelines, and appropriate language preparation consistent with the Brown Language Requirements for studying abroad.

Students apply direcly to the sponsoring institution and adheare to its admission deadline. Students must ALSO submit an online petition to OIP by the established deadline.

For a student pursuing any one of these options, Brown provides a comprehensive set of advising and support to ensure the integration with the student's overall Brown education:

Pre-departure

• Resource materials, information sessions, and one-on-one advising and assistance with program applications, course selection, academic credit transfer, and pre-departure preparations.
• Continuous faculty and staff review of all programs and review of proposals for petitioned programs.
• Pre-departure orientations
• Management of all arrangements for tuition, fees, financial aid, and scholarships

During Programs

• Brown financial aid and academic credit advising
• On-site staff, orientations, and special programs for Brown students (for all Brown-sponsored, and most affiliated and approved programs)
• Emergency response protocols and assistance/International SOS

Return/re-entry

• Transcript review and credit transfer
• Re-entry workshops and support

In addition, extensive ongoing Brown staff time and resources are invested in program development, monitoring, and assessment; student safety and risk management; understanding of ever-changing international program compliance regulations; and efforts to ensure access to these opportunities regardless of financial need.