FAQ
1. Where can I study abroad?
LIM College has partnership agreements with more than 10 institutions in Europe and Asia, giving students a variety of opportunities to study abroad. Browse the Study Abroad website or attend one of our information sessions to learn more.
2. How much does it cost to study abroad?
LIM students participating in semester exchanges pay their usual tuition to LIM College. With the exception of tuition-based programs, you do not pay tuition to the host institution. However, you are responsible for other associated costs such as flights, housing, books and other study materials, food, and daily necessities.
3. My tuition is paid with financial aid. Can I still study abroad for a semester?
Yes. Students receiving financial aid may participate in semester study abroad since they would still be enrolled at LIM College. Following acceptance in a study abroad program, the student should meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss tuition payment for the semester abroad. LIM payment deadlines must be adhered to, even if the semester abroad has a later start date than LIM.
4. My passport expires soon. Can I still apply for a study abroad program?
To be eligible for a study abroad program, your passport should be valid for at least six months after the end of the study abroad period. For example, if you plan to study abroad in the fall and the semester ends in December, your passport should be valid until June of the following year. The same rule applies for winter and summer short term programs. Students applying without a valid passport should include a copy of their passport receipt with the application.
5. I was advised that my nomination was sent to the host school but no-one from the school has reached out to me.
The host institutions have varying timelines for when they reach out to students. At some schools, the nomination and application intake periods may last for up to four weeks beyond LIM College deadlines. If you have not heard from the host institution within four (4) weeks of your nomination, contact the Study Abroad Coordinator and ask that they reach out on your behalf.
6. Can I stay in on-campus housing at the host school?
LIM College students are encouraged to apply early for on-campus housing at their host school where available. However, not all host institutions offer on-campus housing. The exchange partner usually provides a list of approved housing options where study abroad applicants can seek accommodation. Students could also opt to find their own accommodation.
7. What courses should I take when I study abroad?
After receiving a list of courses from the host institution, you should complete the Course Equivalency Form provided by the Study Abroad Office. You should also meet with your academic advisor at LIM to discuss the best options that fit into your graduation plan. This ensures that you are taking credits that will keep you on track to graduate on time. Taking courses outside of those approved by your academic advisor could delay your graduation from LIM College.
At some institutions, for example, London College of Fashion, students apply into a program and do not have the option to choose individual courses. In this case, the student should meet with an academic advisor prior to applying to the host institution, then complete the Course Equivalency Form and list the courses offered within their chosen program.
8. I am studying abroad for a semester. Can I study part-time and enjoy the culture with the rest of my time?
All LIM exchange students are required to maintain full-time status during the semester exchange. This means being enrolled in the equivalent of 12-15 credits and attending in-person classes. In addition, most countries require full-time study as a condition for issuing a student visa. Students should check to ensure that they are taking the required credit load in order to maintain their visa status.
9. The host institution is offering a course that I would like to take but it is not on the list recommended by my academic advisor. Can I still register?
You can register for any course as long as the host institution allows you to register. However, we strongly advise against enrollment in courses that are not recommended by your LIM College academic advisor. Taking courses outside of the recommended list could delay your graduation.
10. Who should complete the health clearance form?
The Health Clearance form should be completed by a licensed healthcare provider. The completed form should include the provider's full name, signature, and an official business card or stamp.
11. I received a health clearance form from my doctor a few months ago. Can I use it for this study abroad application?
We only accept Health Clearance forms that are dated within four (4) months of departure from the United States. Health clearance forms older than four months will not be approved. This applies to short-term programs as well as semester exchanges.
12. When should I submit the Student Agreement form?
The Study Abroad Coordinator will set a deadline for the submission of the Student Agreement form according to the dates of the exchange program. The form should be completed by the student and include information for two (2) emergency contacts.
13. I am graduating next spring. Can I spend my final semester abroad?
Studying abroad in your final semester would likely delay your graduation as the transcript is only available for review after your study abroad period has ended. In addition, our partner institutions have different timelines for forwarding transcripts which may further delay the transfer of credits. Furthermore, semester exchange students must maintain a full-time course load for the duration of the study abroad period, meaning they should have at least twelve (12) available credits in order to apply.
For these reasons, we strongly discourage students from participating in a semester exchange during their final semester.
14. I have been nominated for a semester exchange but I changed my mind. Can I withdraw my application?
Yes. Students may withdraw from the exchange program at any time during the process but there may be a financial penalty depending on the time of the withdrawal. You do not have to accept nomination for a program or institution that you do not want. In addition, the processing period for study abroad programs last several months. If your circumstances have changed and you wish to withdraw, please inform the Study Abroad Coordinator as soon as possible so that we can inform the host institution. Students who withdraw for any reason after the initial grace period may be assessed an administrative fee.
