Study in Home Country of Record: USA and International

During their time at Tufts, undergraduate students might decide to take a leave of absence during a fall or spring semester in order to study elsewhere as a full-time student at an accredited four-year university in their home country. Students are limited to a maximum of two semesters of study at an institution outside of Tufts (this includes external study abroad programs). Students who plan to enroll part-time at an accredited four-year university in their home country should take a personal leave of absence.

Students considering a US study in home country leave should consult with their Advising Dean. Students considering an International study in home country leave should also consult with the Assistant Director for Tufts Global Education. It is important that students carefully read all transfer of credit policies and get courses approved in advance of enrolling at another institution.

Study in Home Country: USA

Study in Home Country – USA is a leave intended to allow US-based undergraduate students to study at a four-year university in the US. Students must attempt the equivalent of at least 12 credits to count their semester away as one of the eight semesters of full-time study needed for graduation. To meet the costs of administrative procedures connected with study at other institutions, a Study Elsewhere fee of $1400 will be assessed at the time the leave is processed. This leave request must be approved by the student’s Advising Dean.

Students planning to complete major requirements during their study elsewhere leave should consult with their major advisor. It is important to read all transfer of credit policies. Please note that for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 only, students can study at a two-year college in the US and can also transfer in courses taught in an online or hybrid instruction mode. All courses must be taken for a letter grade and students must earn a C– or better.

Upon completion of the term, students must send their official transcript to Student Services in Dowling Hall. The Registrar’s Office will determine the amount of credit students will receive for a course. All courses must be approved by a Tufts academic department for students to receive credit. Once the transcript from your study elsewhere semester arrives, it may take three to four weeks for the transfer credits to appear on your Tufts transcript.

Study in Home Country: International

Study in Home Country – International is a leave intended to allow undergraduate international students to study in their home country of record. This study elsewhere leave is not intended to be a study abroad leave for U.S. students. Study in Home Country – International is strictly for non-U.S. based undergraduate students to enroll in a four-year university in their home country of record. U.S. citizens interested in participating in an external study abroad program should refer to the Global Education web page.

Students must attempt the equivalent of at least 12 credits to count their semester away as one of the eight semesters of full-time study needed for graduation. To meet the costs of administrative procedures connected with study at other institutions, a Study Elsewhere fee of $1400 will be assessed at the time the leave is processed. This leave request must be approved by Global Education, the student’s Advising Dean, and the student’s Advisor.

Students planning to complete major requirements during their study elsewhere leave should consult with their major advisor. It is important to read all transfer of credit policies. Please note that for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 only, students are allowed to transfer in courses taught in an online or hybrid instruction mode. All courses must be taken for a letter grade and students must earn a C– or better.

Upon completion of the term, students must send their official transcript to Student Services in Dowling Hall. Tufts Global Education will determine the amount of credit students will receive for a course. All courses must be approved by a Tufts academic department in order for students to receive credit. Tufts Global Education cannot provide credit for courses not approved by an academic department. Once the transcript from your study elsewhere semester arrives, it may take three to four weeks for the transfer credits to appear on your Tufts transcript.