International Exchange Frequently Asked Questions | International | School of Business

The GW School of Business has partnerships with several prestigious business schools across the globe, allowing for GWSB students to directly enroll in partner universities for one semester. In exchange, the partner university sends student who directly enroll in GW classes. Direct enrollment heightens cultural immersion and language acquisition while allowing exchange students to have full access to student services available at the partner institution.

Who is eligible for an International Exchange?

All School of Business graduate students should have completed at least one semester on campus before the start of their exchange program. Exchange programs are best suited for candidates who have spent a full academic year on campus. Qualified applicants must be in good academic standing (GPA of 3.0 or above) and meet any additional admissions criteria specific to their chosen exchange program. All GWSB degree-seeking graduate students, including domestic and international students may apply to these opportunities.

How do I apply?

Outbound exchange applicants apply through our Online System by selecting a specific exchange program.

When are applications due?

General international exchange application dates are March 15th for fall enrollment abroad and September 15th for spring enrollment abroad.

Is there a language requirement for International Exchange?

All GWSB Graduate Exchange programs do not have a language requirement. Coursework is offered in English at each institution. At partner universities where coursework is also offered in the native language, exchange students must demonstrate sufficient proficiency. Please contact the partner university for specific requirements if you are interested in enrolling in coursework in another language.

How will my tuition be billed?

GW students participating in a semester exchange program will continue to pay GW graduate tuition & fees for international exchange. All students will be billed for the amount of credits they are transferring back to GW. If a student is taking 9 credits at the partner institution, s/he will be billed for 9 credits. The maximum amount of credit students can transfer back is 12 credit hours.

Will my financial aid, fellowships, and/or scholarships apply?

One of the benefits of continuing to pay GW graduate tuition & fees for international exchange is that students' financial aid still applies. The debt ceiling for student loans can be raised if students need additional loans for their semester abroad. Please contact Financial Aid for more information. In regards to fellowships and/or scholarships, check the award letter to see if it can be applied to courses taken abroad.

How does my credit transfer back to my degree at GW?

Students should consult with their academic advisor prior to applying for an international exchange program. In order to maximize their time abroad, students should always work with their academic advisor in order to ensure that classes taken are in line with their course of study and career goals. After coursework is completed an official transcript from the institution should be sent to the School of Business for evaluation and assignment of credit. Through a collaboration of the student's appropriate academic advisor and International Education and Programs, the School of Business will determine the GW equivalencies for courses taken at our exchange partner schools.

How many credits can I transfer in from an international exchange program?

Depending upon the students' home graduate program, students can transfer up to 12 credits from a partner institution, as long as they receive a B grade or higher in each course. This does not affect the 6 credits allowed by the School of Business for classes taken outside the university, and one of the benefits participating in an exchange programs.

Where do I find the courses available for me to take at the Exchange Partner Institution?

Students are encouraged to consult the partner university's website for the most up to date course listing available. International Education & Programs recommends that students consult with their academic advisor regarding the courses they are interested in taking. Course listings are not a guarantee that the course will be offered so it is best to have double the number of options for the amount of courses you will be taking abroad. It is the students' responsibility to consult with their academic advisors and partner institutions regarding transfer of credit and registration.

How many courses should I register for?

Students must be registered full time and take the equivalent of at least 9 credit hours. Please consult the partner university to see if they have an enrollment requirement for exchange students. This will vary depending on immigration rules regarding date of entry.

Can I receive credit for the language course I take abroad?

Although you may enroll in foreign language courses at the partner institution, you are not able to use foreign language coursework credit toward your School of Business degree or to meet the full time enrollment requirement.

When can I purchase my flight?

Students are advised NOT to purchase their flight until they have received an acceptance letter from the partner university. When purchasing flights it is important for students to take into consideration the following:

Will I need to find housing when I arrive?
Partner universities normally conduct an orientation before the start of classes.
When is the last day of final exams?
Immigration regulations regarding arrival prior to the program start date, or departure after the end of the program.

Will I need additional insurance coverage during my semester abroad?

All students are required to have insurance that is valid outside of the United States and provide medical coverage, evacuation, and repatriation services. International Education & Programs does not purchase travel insurance for students participating in semester exchanges. Many GW students use Summit America an organization that allows students to purchase medical insurance at a rate of $1/day of study abroad. Students pay directly at time of registration.

When should I arrive?

International Education & Programs recommends considering the items mentioned in the question above and consulting with the partner university if there is a specific date they must arrive by.

Can I bring my partner/spouse on the exchange program?

Non-participants accompanying students, faculty, or staff of GW Study Abroad Programs are not eligible to attend class sessions or other program-related activities during the study abroad program. Class meetings, site visits, field trips, dinners, receptions, program-provided transportation, and all other program-related events are open only to students registered for the course, program faculty, and staff. Please be aware that the university will not provide any support services or assume any responsibility for accompanying non-participants.

Can I complete an internship while abroad?

Some exchange programs will pair students with an internship, but it is more common that the student is responsible for finding an internship. Exchange students have access to the partner university's career center, but keep in mind there may be different visa requirements and additional paperwork through the partner university if students plan on attempting to work during their semester abroad.

If you have additional questions, please contact the International Education & Programs office at the information below:

Phone: 202-994-1212
Email: sbintl@gwu.edu
School of Business Graduate Programs Office
Duquès Hall, Suite 550
2201 G. St. NW
Washington DC, 20052

Contact Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is International Exchange?