Education Abroad Overview
This page outlines the education abroad process for semester- and year-long programs—from planning and applying through pre-departure and your return to Tufts—but is not meant to be a comprehensive to-do list. Be sure to read the information linked throughout the page for critical details at each phase of the process.
Getting Started
First Steps
This presentation will cover the basics, such as types of programs, application processes, timelines, and other factors to consider. This is an essential step in planning for study abroad and it is required prior to meeting with a TGE advisor.
Factors to Consider
Review this list of factors to consider when choosing an education abroad program prior to scheduling an advising session.
Intent to Study Abroad
You must submit your Intent to Study Abroad by November 1 of the academic year prior to studying abroad to be eligible to apply (more details below)
Research Program Options
Tufts Programs Abroad
Tufts-led programs in Chile, China, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Hong Kong, Japan, and Spain
External Programs
150+ approved external programs in 50+ countries around the world
Comparing Tufts and External Programs
Learn the differences between participating in Tufts Programs Abroad and an external, non-Tufts program.
Short-Term Programs
Tufts and external programs held over summer or winter terms
Events and Information Sessions
TGE offers events throughout the year, including our annual Study Abroad Fair, program information sessions, and Know Before You Go sessions, to help you learn about program options and prepare for your time abroad.
Student Blog: Jumbos Across the Globe
Read about Tufts students' study abroad experiences from academics to cultural adjustment and learning a new language.
Planning Your Time Abroad
Once you've completed First Steps online or in-person and reviewed the information above, we recommend discussing your education abroad plans with your academic advisor(s). Please note: most students typically apply for education abroad during their junior/third year at Tufts. However, in some cases, it is possible to go abroad during the sophomore year or in the first semester of senior year (it is not possible study abroad in the second semester of senior year/the final semester of your degree). We strongly recommend that students discuss the feasibility of studying in the sophomore or senior year with their major advisor and Advising Dean, as study abroad in the senior year can impact your graduation timeline.
We strongly encourage you to meet with a TGE advisor to discuss programs, destinations, or unique circumstances. Before scheduling, please note:
- You do not need a meeting to drop off paperwork or get a signature. Please email any forms that require home university or education abroad advisor approval to GlobalEducation@tufts.edu at least two weeks in advance of the date you wish to receive the approval. Same-day approval is not possible.
- You will find the answers to most questions about education abroad policies and procedures on this website. If you need any clarification, please email GlobalEducation@tufts.edu.
Applying to Programs
- By November 1, 2024: Register an Intent to Study Abroad in the 2025-2026 academic year (registration will open early September 2024).
- Submitting your Intent to Study Abroad will impact your eligibility for on-campus housing for that academic year. Please direct questions to Residential Life.
- Failure to register your intent will make you ineligible for education abroad.
- By February 1, 2025: Complete the application process for your program—Tufts Programs Abroad or External (Non-Tufts).
- External program applicants must also submit an application directly to the external program provider.
- By March 15, 2025: Commit to study abroad in the 2025-2026 academic year. Refer to the Accepted Students page for details.
- Note: Your choice of program and term, as well as financial and course research, should be complete by this point in the process.
Preparing to Go Abroad
By May 15 (fall and full-year programs) or October 15 (spring programs):
- Complete all pre-departure requirements listed in the TGE application portal.
- Complete the TGE Pre-Departure course in Canvas with a minimum score of 90%.
- Tufts Programs Abroad: Courses taken on Tufts Programs Abroad will automatically count toward Tufts graduation credits; specific course equivalencies may be requested in SIS.
- External Programs: Complete transfer of credit requests in SIS for all courses you are interested in taking once abroad in your program and receive approvals.
- Contact StAAR for a copy of your accommodation letter if you will need accommodation for physical or learning differences while abroad. Not all accommodations provided at Tufts are possible abroad, so it is important to start this conversation right away in order to meet your program’s documentation submission deadline.
Additionally, each program will have its own program-specific requirements and deadlines; it is essential that you carefully read all communications from Tufts Global Education and your program to ensure that you meet all requirements. (For example, if you have been admitted to Tufts in London, you must also apply to the UK university by the deadline stated in your nomination letter.) Failure to meet stated deadlines may jeopardize your eligibility to participate in a program abroad.
While You're Abroad
- Be sure you know how to access health and safety resources and emergency contact information.
- Remain diligent with your studies and know the academic resources that are available to you through your program.
- External Programs: Submit transfer of credit requests in SIS for any course you are currently enrolled in, but have not received approval for yet. This step is essential to confirm the course's eligibility for transfer credit.
- Remember that you are an ambassador of Tufts University while you are abroad and are still bound by the Tufts Student Code of Conduct.
- Engage with your host community and maximize your experience abroad!
- We love to see all the exciting things you're doing abroad! Tag us on Instagram (@TuftsGlobalEd) if you'd like us to share your photos.
Returning to Tufts
As you prepare to return to Tufts, you will need to:
- Register for courses;
- Request on-campus housing, if needed.
Read More about Returning to Tufts
You will also receive a request from Tufts Global Education to complete a program evaluation. We appreciate your honest feedback as we use this to inform our approved program list and our advising for future students.
There are many ways to continue to engage with your education abroad experience after you have returned to Tufts. You may also wish to explore additional opportunities to go abroad in the near future.
Tufts University reserves the right to modify or cancel any of the plans or regulations described herein as conditions warrant.
Tufts University is committed to the fundamental principle of equal opportunity and equal treatment for every prospective and current employee and student. It is the policy of the University not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or status as a veteran, in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other university-sponsored programs.