Lehigh University - Study Abroad

Business & Economics

As a student in the College of Business and Economics, you have a unique opportunity to expand your horizon by taking elective courses abroad for academic year/semester study, and meet core requirements through Lehigh summer programs.

If you are planning to go abroad for the academic year/semester, ask yourself these questions:

Do I need to take core major/minor requirements while abroad?

If the answer is "yes," talk to your academic advisor about taking those courses on-line over the summer. Since you cannot transfer CBE major/minor requirements back from abroad, if you get ahead over the summer you will have fewer credit worries.

If the answer is "no," you are in a good position to study abroad. Skip down to next question.

Since I will be taking mostly electives, where do my interests lie? What do I see myself exploring academically in another country/culture?
There is no right answer to the question, but spend time thinking about it. Do you want to study art history in Florence, or would you rather take an Irish Studies course at the University of Galway, or study marine biology in the natural environment? There are many options. Think about what you truly are looking for from the experience.

Once you've answered these questions, you can start the process.

Explore your options:

Start the exploration and application process early, ideally a year in advance.

Think about what kind of international study program will help you achieve academic, personal, and/or professional goals. What skills do you want to develop? In what ways do you want to be different when you return?

Attend an information session to learn about the policies that govern overseas study and how to apply.

Meet with your academic advisor to map out your future course schedule and determine which courses you should take abroad. Make a list of any courses you must take abroad to stay on track toward graduation.

Explore your program options online by searching geographically, or by academic discipline Business / IBE. Things to look for: courses offered, housing choices, excursions, support services, expenses, and program dates.

After researching your program options, schedule an appointment for an individual advising session with a study abroad advisor. Be prepared to articulate your academic needs, skills you wish to develop, and other goals you may have for international study. We will work with you to identify a quality program that fits you, and we'll advise you about your next steps.

The Application Process

Once you identify a program/university abroad, complete the Lehigh Study Abroad Application and the host (overseas) institution's application. Submit both to the Study Abroad Office. We will then process and send your application to the host institution.

Pay attention to deadlines, an be sure to read all information contained in both applications. Also, bear in mind that Lehigh's application deadline falls before most program/university deadlines! While we cannot guarantee acceptance into the program/university of your choice, we will advise you about strategies that will help you in the application and admission process.

Using the Application for Course Approval form, begin obtaining approval for courses you intend to take abroad-plus a few extras just to keep your options open. When completed, turn the form in in to the Study Abroad Office.

Make sure that your passport won't expire until at least three months after the end date of the program you wish to attend. If you don't have a passport, you can find instructions and application forms at Travel.State.Gov .