Frequently asked questions about study Abroad/Away abroad at Centre:
What are Centre's flagship programs?
Centre is happy to offer students three faculty-run flagship programs. These are in Strasbourg, France (fall and spring), Merida, Mexico (fall and spring), and London, England (spring).
What other programs does Centre offer?
Students regularly participate in Centre sponsored programs in England at the University of Reading (fall) and Rose Bruford College (fall or spring); in Japan at Yamaguchi Prefectural University (fall) and Akita International University (fall); Thimphu, Bhutan (fall); Shanghai, China (fall); Accra, Ghana (fall); Northern Ireland (fall or spring); Glasgow, Scotland (spring); Alicante, Spain (spring); Nantes, France (fall); Erlangen, Germany (spring); Ecuador (fall); and in Mexico at University of Marista-Merida. In January, students may choose from several specialized programs, whose locations change each winter. In the summer students have the option to participate in a faculty-led program, or one of many KIIS programs. Study away programs are offered in New York City, Washington D.C., and Lake Tahoe.
How much extra does study abroad cost here?
The costs of our semester programs are the same as studying on the main Danville campus, with the exception that students pay a $375 study abroad deposit (this deposit goes towards surcharge, emergency fund, and carbon offset) and their airfare. The additional costs of CentreTerm and summer programs vary from about $3,600 to $4,600.
How do I make payments for study abroad programs?
Deposits and payments can be made by check, cash or credit/debit card to the Cashier's Office, Rita Rogers rita.rogers@centre.edu you may also call Rita at 859-235-5452 to make a payment over the phone. There is a fee of 2.85% for credit/debit cards (bank charge). We are not able to accept online payments for off-campus programs at this time. please note the CGC office cannot handle any payments only the cashier.
Are there scholarships available to cover any extra costs of the semester programs?
Centre has endowed funds designated to help some students on need-based financial aid to cover some additional costs of study abroad programs. Also, rising seniors who receive need-based financial aid and have unmet need (or “gap”) and who have not yet studied abroad or away before their final year may be eligible to receive a Senior Subsidy to help pay for a Centre-Term or summer program during their senior year.
What’s the best year and best term to study abroad?
We welcome and encourage students to study abroad during sophomore, junior, and/or senior year. First years are not eligible to study abroad, as this is their time to get acclimated to college and the Centre campus. There is no right or wrong time to study abroad, though certain factors, such as academic requirements and sports schedules, may influence your decision. Students should be aware that although Centre College does guarantee students the opportunity to study abroad, the Centre Commitment does not guarantee that all students can study abroad in the particular program and/or particular time of their choosing. We encourage students to come to see us in Old Carnegie to discuss options and the application process.
I’ve heard that it’s difficult for certain science students, such as biology majors who are pre-med, to study abroad. Is this right?
Wrong. The academic schedule of most Centre students allows them to study abroad during any term of their sophomore, junior, or senior year. It’s true that the sequential pattern of courses in a few science majors makes it easiest for those students to study abroad during a particular term. It’s important that students contemplating mathematics, computer science, and certain science majors talk with their advisors and figure out their study abroad plans early in their college career—before registering for their freshman Centre-Term and spring term courses.
How competitive are the long-term, residential programs? Will I be selected for a slot?
All of our programs have a set number of “spots,” and some programs are more competitive than others. Students should be aware that applying for a program does not guarantee their selection in that program. In the past, the majority of Centre students who have applied for one of our residential programs have been selected, although some have not been selected for a particular program the first time they applied or have not been selected for their top choice. The Centre Commitment does not guarantee that all students can study abroad in the particular program and at the particular time of their choosing. Our office is happy to meet in person with students to discuss the application and selection process.
Can I study abroad more than once?
Yes. You now may study abroad more than once in your Centre career, you may also participate in as many Centre-Term and K.I.I.S. programs as you wish (and can afford) as long as you meet your required 4 year graduation timeline.
When do I apply, and how?
Information about and applications for next year’s semester programs as well as Centre-Term offerings will be made available at campus-wide meetings just before Thanksgiving and in early January. Applications for the following school year (fall, Centre-Term, and spring) are due at the beginning of spring term, and selections are announced within two weeks. Centre-Term course participants are selected by the faculty directors of those courses.
Can you explain how senior subsidy works?
In order to encourage every four-year Centre student to study abroad at least once, the college will help to subsidize the cost of a CentreTerm course abroad during their senior year or a summer course the summer before their senior year for upcoming seniors who 1) are on need-based financial aid with a low government-determined EFC (Expected Family Contribution) and a significant amount of unmet need (“gap”), and 2) have not previously participated in a study abroad or study away program of any sort.
Are there other sources of funding to help defray the costs of studying abroad?
Yes. Every year in late February to early March, a call goes out to students to apply for a small number of restricted funds to support study abroad. These awards are highly competitive and don't fully cover the cost to study abroad. More information on them is available under the Awards heading.
When should I start thinking about studying abroad at Centre?
Right now. Let your advisor know when you are thinking of studying abroad. Feel free to stop by Old Carnegie to meet with any member of the Center for Global Citizenship staff. We are happy to work with you as you explore all of the opportunities available.
Obtaining a Passport
If you do not currently have a passport that will remain valid for at least six months after your return date, you should begin the process of obtaining one as soon as you are selected, since it can sometimes take six or more weeks. You can do this at the Danville USPS office on Main Street or a post office closer to your home. The Center for Global Citizenship will host a Passport Fair in October where students can take advantage of a small number of appointments on campus. During the Passport Fair, Danville Post Office personnel will be on campus to process passport applications. Centre College and the Center for Global Citizenship will reimburse the cost of a passport for first year students who have never had a passport. To qualify for this reimbursement, eligible students must submit their receipts to the Center for Global Citizenship by the end of the fall semester, December 14, 2023.