The University of St. Thomas

Applying FAQs: Semester and Year-Long Programs

FAQs: Semester and Year-Long Programs

What's the difference between program options?

UST-Sponsored programs are short-term and semester-long programs facilitated by St. Thomas and the International Education Center. Some are designed for St. Thomas students and directed by St. Thomas faculty, such as the London Business Semester.

Other UST-sponsored programs include diverse offerings from academic organizations with whom St. Thomas maintains a close working relationship and guarantees credit.

What is the petition process?

If a student cannot find a St Thomas study abroad program to meet specific needs and objectives, the student may petition to participate in another program.

Click here for information regarding the petition process

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. 

I'm not a St. Thomas student but I'm interested in a UST-Sponsored program- can I apply?

The only semester/year program that non-UST students may apply to is the Catholic Studies Program in Rome.

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.

  • If students choose to take a course S-D-R, they must make arrangements with St. Thomas, not with their overseas program. The student must contact a Study Abroad Advisor by fax or e-mail, and then take the course for a letter grade on the program or university abroad. St. Thomas will then record the appropriate S-D-R mark. If a student receives a letter grade of C- or above, the mark of S (satisfactory) will be given.
  • Requests to take a course S-D-R must be made to International Education within the first five weeks after classes begin in the semester program abroad.
  • To contact a Study Abroad Advisor, send an email to studyabroad@stthomas.edu.
  • International Education may grant approval for elective courses to be taken S-D-R. If the request is for a major or minor course, department chair approval is required. Core requirements may not be fulfilled using the S-D-R option.