Study Abroad
Chris Menand, Director of Study Abroad
Location: Cyert Hall, Suite 101, 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone: 412-268-5231
goabroad@andrew.cmu.edu
https://www.cmu.edu/studyabroad/
Carnegie Mellon students from every major may be able to study in any part of the world for a semester, year or summer. Short-term programs during spring and winter break are also possible. A well planned study abroad program, in coordination with one's academic advisor, will allow a student to receive credit for study abroad and graduate on time. Most students study abroad during their junior year; however, a growing number of students are studying abroad during their sophomore and senior years.
The study abroad advising staff offers general information sessions as well as individual advising appointments to assist students in all stages of the study abroad process. The Office of International Education (OIE) also has useful web links to help students find the most appropriate study abroad program. In addition, OIE offers orientations to help with personal, academic and acculturation issues, before and after a study abroad experience.
Carnegie Mellon offers students a variety of payment options for study abroad to allow students to study abroad regardless of financial need. There are three categories of programs: Exchange Programs, Sponsored Programs, and External Programs. A description of each program follows.
More detailed information can be found at www.cmu.edu/studyabroad.
Exchange Programs
Students who participate in exchange programs pay Carnegie Mellon tuition and receive their regular financial aid package. Students are responsible for room, board, travel and miscellaneous expenses.
University Exchanges
Exchange programs are reciprocal; we also receive students from the institutions to which we send students. In most cases, Exchange Programs also allow students to use their Carnegie Mellon funding while attending a university abroad. Carnegie Mellon students participating in these programs continue to pay CMU tuition directly to Carnegie Mellon and receive, in most cases, the same financial aid package. Students are responsible for paying all other costs, such as room and board, and travel expenses.
Carnegie Mellon University has university-wide exchange programs with institutions located in Australia, Chile, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Qatar, Singapore, and Switzerland.
Departmental Exchanges
Departmental Exchange Programs function similarly to University Exchange Programs, except that the exchange is a department-to-department partnership instead of a university wide connection. Exchange Programs allow students, in most cases, to use their Carnegie Mellon funding while attending a university abroad. Carnegie Mellon students participating in these programs continue to pay tuition (billed at the junior/3rd-year level) directly to Carnegie Mellon and receive, in most cases, the same financial aid package. Students are responsible for paying all other fees, such as room and board, directly to the exchange institution. Some exchanges may not permit the use of federal aid for payment towards exchange.
The College of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Design, School of Drama, Heinz College, School of Computer Science, and Tepper School of Business offer departmental exchange programs. Students should contact their department or the study abroad website for additional information.
Sponsored Programs
The university has designated a few study abroad programs administered by other organizations or universities as sponsored programs. To participate in these programs, students pay a university fee equivalent to current tuition, room and board, and retain their eligibility for all financial aid. Carnegie Mellon in turn pays the program costs to the study abroad program or institution. Where applicable, funds are distributed to the student for room, board, travel, and personal expenses.
Currently, Carnegie Mellon has approximately 50 sponsored programs available around the world. A full list can be found on Sponsored Programs webpage or or in consultation with a study abroad advisor.
External Programs
Students may also participate in a program hosted by another university or study abroad organization if the student's home department approves the program and its course offerings. Students will pay the other organization or institution directly. Students who receive institutional aid from Carnegie Mellon will not be eligible for this aid while they are abroad. However, students with state and federal aid will still qualify. Students can learn more about external program options during study abroad advising appointments, information sessions, or on the study abroad website.