FAQs: Students Currently Abroad

I lost my passport ... what do I do?

In the event that your passport is lost or stolen overseas, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  For a list of worldwide consulates, go to http://travel.state.gov. For additional information or assistance regarding lost passports, visit http://studentsabroad.state.gov.

Will study abroad grades count towards my GPA?

Your course titles, credit and grades from abroad appear on your St. Thomas transcript and will be calculated into your St. Thomas GPA.

Can I take study abroad courses pass/fail?

Yes. If the program allows, students may take a course S-D-R according to St. Thomas requirements.

I would like to take a course that I didn’t have approved on my Course Approval Record Form, what should I do?

While not ideal, you can have courses approved via email from overseas.  Simply email the course description/syllabus to the appropriate faculty member.  If the course is approved for a major, minor or core requirement, KEEP THE EMAIL and also forward the email to studyabroad@stthomas.edu.

Can I apply for another study abroad program when I am abroad?

That depends.  You can apply for a January Term program from overseas but you can not apply for another semester or year-long program from abroad.  You can, however, extend your stay at the same location by emailing your intentions to studyabroad@stthomas.edu and making the appropriate arrangements with the program onsite.

How do I register for courses for my semester back on campus?

You can register just as if you were on-campus, by logging into MURPHY at your designated time.  Please remember that your registration time is “Minnesota-time” so you will need to calculate the time difference.  If you are worried that you will not have access to a computer at the time you are supposed to register, contact the IEC (studyabroad@stthomas.edu or +1.651.962.6450) with your preferred schedule.

What is the best way to communicate with my family and friends in the U.S.?

Many times students purchase mobile phones in their host country – this is a good way to communicate in an emergency, as the minutes can be very expensive. 

Using Skype, an internet phone provider, can be a very cost-effective way to communicate with family and friends at home.  As well, internet cafes are very common in most parts of the world so it shouldn’t be too much of an issue to find a computer at which you can use email.

I am having trouble with my host family, can you help?

The best person for you to talk to about issues with your host family (or other living situation), as well as any other onsite issues, is the program staff in your host country.  While we are happy to help in any way, it is often best to go to the person closest to the situation.

My ISIC card is about to expire, can I get a new one?

If you are studying abroad for a full academic year, the IEC staff will send you a new ISIC card after your first semester.  If you are studying abroad for a semester, your ISIC card should be valid for the entire time you are gone.  Contact studyabroad@stthomas.edu with questions about IDIC card validity.

How many credits are my courses worth?

Each university/program awards a different number of credits for their courses.  While most of the time, the credit value can be found on the program’s Web site, if you still have questions, you should contact the program staff on-site.

You must take at least 12-sememster credits while abroad to maintain your full-time student status at St. Thomas and your financial aid.  If you return with only nine credits on your transcript it will have ramifications on the financial aid you received for your semester abroad, and you may owe some of the aid back.