Clemson University Study Abroad Programs: A World of Opportunities

Education abroad provides Clemson University students with invaluable opportunities to challenge themselves academically, immerse themselves in new cultures, and develop skills essential for success after graduation. With programs available worldwide, students can tailor their international experience to their specific interests, desired experience type, and academic goals.

Eligibility and Planning

Clemson University allows students to participate in education abroad on numerous programs worldwide. However, student travel is restricted to destinations with a U.S. Department of State Level 1 or 2 advisory and a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Level 1 advisory.

To apply as an incoming exchange student to Clemson University, an established exchange agreement between your home institution and Clemson University is required.

Students should work closely with their academic and study abroad advisors to select a program that aligns with their curricular needs and ensures they meet degree requirements during their international program. It is a misconception that studying abroad will prevent students from graduating on time, but careful planning ensures a smooth academic progression.

Study abroad students typically take the same course load as they would at Clemson, which is 12-18 credits for semester programs and 3-12 credits for summer programs. This is particularly important for students on financial aid.

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Benefits of Studying Abroad

Studying abroad is more than just travel; it is an integral part of a student's degree plan. An international experience enables students to develop critical skills needed to compete in today's global economy. An education abroad experience gives students the opportunity to gain diversity and enhance their education, develop strong skills necessary for success in the workplace, including problem solving, teamwork, flexibility, adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills and understanding of the variety in a workplace setting.

In today's globalized and digital world, studying abroad can assist graduates with building strong academic credentials that are essential skills in the workplace.

Getting Started

Students interested in studying abroad should begin the process by completing Study Abroad 101, which can be accessed through the Pam Hendrix Center for Education Abroad.

Here are the essential steps to begin your study abroad journey:

Research Programs: Explore the recommended program options for business students on the Study Abroad Programs tab. Use the study abroad program search function in Terra Dotta (Clemson Abroad's online study abroad application tool), which is another great resource. Remember that the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business requires students to transfer upper-level business credits from AACSB/EQUIS-accredited institutions.
Schedule an Appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor: Meet with a study abroad advisor one-on-one to discuss specific questions about study abroad.
Apply to Your Study Abroad Program Choice: All students planning to study abroad must complete a Pam Hendrix Center for Education Abroad Study Abroad application. To apply for a program, visit the application page. A list of all third-party and direct enroll study abroad programs with AACSB International and/or EQUIS accreditation can be found below under Third-Party Programs.

Addressing the Cost of Studying Abroad

One misconception about studying abroad is that it is too expensive. In partnership with the Pam Hendrix Center for Education Abroad, the Office of Career and Global Engagement in the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business strives to identify affordable program options for students so that studying abroad can equate to, and in some cases, may even be lower than, the cost of attendance at Clemson for one semester.

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Funding Opportunities

Clemson University offers various scholarships and awards to help students finance their study abroad experiences:

General Scholarships: Many funding opportunities are specifically for studying abroad.
Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business Awards: The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business offers awards to assist with the expenses of an international experience with a Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business-sponsored program.
Wilbur O. General Travel Aid: The Office of Career and Global Engagement provides funding for the General Travel Aid award.
Bank of America Grant In Aid: Bank of America has provided a generous donation to The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business to support one student from each academic department within the college for a Spring Break program, and one student from each academic department within the college for a summer or semester program on their study abroad endeavors.
Rochester Global Engagement Program: This funding opportunity was created by David P. Rochester Sr., Ph.D. (class of '68), to promote cross-cultural awareness, ethical international business relationships and responsible global leadership to develop students into global citizens as they become business leaders upon graduation.

Applications are scored based on eligibility, academic merit and essay response quality. A committee of business faculty will review applications and determine awards after the deadline. Awards are typically announced 6-8 weeks after the application deadline. If a student receives an award but does not participate in the program listed on their application, they will not receive the aid. Aid cannot be carried over to subsequent years, but students can reapply during a new application cycle. Awardees must provide a written testimonial with photos of their experience for promotional use. To apply, access the online application.

Program Types and Examples

Clemson offers a diverse array of study abroad programs to suit different academic interests and durations:

Faculty-Directed Programs: These programs provide the opportunity to study abroad enrolled in a Clemson academic course for credit while travelling alongside one or more Clemson faculty and their peers. Faculty-directed programs are becoming one of the most popular study abroad program formats, as they are often more cost-effective and flexible with the students’ academic schedule and curriculum. These programs typically last between 1 and 8 weeks, with the most common format traveling for around 2 weeks.
Third-Party Programs: Clemson has approved programs through various third-party providers.
Exchange Programs: These programs allow students to study at partner universities around the world.

Here are some specific examples of Clemson University study abroad programs:

Cultural Exploration of Spanish Food (Pamplona, Spain): This program explores the complexity of Spanish food and food systems through sensory evaluation and flavor development, food processing, food packaging, food safety, and food laws and regulations. Learn through discussing and tasting food products, along with visits to wineries, food producers, markets, restaurants, and places of interest for foodies and scientists alike.
Agribusiness In Greece (Thessaloniki, Crete, Athens): This program will introduce students to the Agribusiness sector of Greece. with the one in a smaller country and learn more about growing farm to fork marketing methods.
Ireland Animal Agriculture (Kilkenny, Killarney, Galway, and Dublin): Explore how different countries tackle major agricultural challenges like food security, sustainability, and water access through a hands-on study abroad experience in Ireland. to examine how culture, economics, policy, and environmental priorities shape global agriculture, with a close look at Ireland and the European Union’s approach. food systems while building problem-solving skills and real-world perspective.
Mankwe Wildlife Reserve (South Africa): This study abroad program in South Africa offers an immersive look at global animal management for students interested in wildlife and domestic species. Guided by faculty, you’ll explore South Africa’s conservation efforts, agricultural practices, and culture before traveling abroad to see how these factors shape animal care and conservation. Based at Mankwe Wildlife Reserve, you’ll participate in game drives, observe animal behavior, and learn land management techniques.
CBSHS in Italy: Travel to Perugia, Italy, for a unique, faculty-led study abroad experience with the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences and the Umbra Institute.
Summer in the Balkans: Study abroad in Serbia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and experience a unique opportunity to explore post-conflict European societies with faculty from the Department of Political Science. Gain insight into history, culture and current events during classroom and hands-on learning experiences with students, faculty and government officials. Excursions include the Adriatic coast, historic cities, museums and more.
Spring semester in Serbia: Spend a semester in Belgrade studying world politics and international relations in a cosmopolitan European capital city.
Summer in Germany: CBSHS offers two exciting study abroad opportunities in Germany!
Summer in Sweden: Study sustainability in one of the world’s most sustainable regions - Kalmar, Sweden. Explore critical topics such as energy, water, food, policy, ecology and economics, gaining a holistic understanding of sustainability from a global perspective.
Maymester in Tanzania: Join a two-week Maymester service-learning trip to Africa focused on helping locals in a culturally sensitive and empowering way through education and recreation. Work directly with an orphanage and a number of school programs on a cultural exchange with students at the University of Dar es Salaam.
Spring semester in Cyprus: Spend a semester abroad in the vibrant city of Nicosia, Cyprus, through the CBSHS Nursing in Cyprus program, in partnership with the University of Nicosia (UNIC). Gain a unique, international perspective on health care and participate in excursions to Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Kyrenia and Troodos with opportunities to explore Europe more broadly.
Communication in Brussels: Study communication in Brussels, the heart of Europe, during this four-week summer program to deepen cultural competency and communication skills - and explore persuasion, media law, ethics and the European cultural and political influences of the past, present and future.
Human skeletal analysis in Hungary: Study human skeletal remains in Hungary through a hands-on program at the University of Szeged, home to a collection of over 30,000 skeletons dating from the Neolithic to the 1800s.
Summer in Ireland: Explore the intersection of communication and media and the application of communication principles across cultural contexts with faculty in the Department of Communication.
PRTM and Real Madrid C.F.: Gain insight into the global sports industry with one of the most iconic sport brands in the world, Real Madrid C.F.
PRTM in the Bahamas: Earn Global Challenges credit, learn park management principles, explore climate change impacts and experience Eleuthera's stunning landscapes by combining academic learning with real-world insights.
Global Start in Puerto Rico: Are you a first-year Clemson student? Global Start is Clemson’s experiential learning portfolio designed exclusively for first year students. You will start your classes on campus and then continue your learning abroad, earning credit for a Global Challenges course while traveling to Puerto Rico with a Clemson faculty member and staff mentor. The on-campus portion lasts about one week, and the international portion lasts 8-10 days.
Summer in France and Spain: Explore public health from an international perspective and gain insight into public health challenges in France and Spain through this transformative study abroad experience led by faculty members in the Department of Public Health Sciences.
Paralympics in Italy: Earn academic credit while exploring sport and culture, engaging with event designers and organizers to understand the Paralympic Games’ execution and the global importance of disability awareness. This immersive experience offers insight into the complex planning and logistics behind large-scale international sporting events.
Reggio Emilia, Italy: Students from Clemson University first traveled to Reggio Emilia, Italy in May of 2006 to study the Reggio Emilia Approach to education. The focus of the trip includes the schools, communities, and host families in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Students are paired and stay with an Italian host family who provides housing and meals for the students. In addition, these Italian families embrace the American study abroad experience, and they fold their student into their daily routines and family life. Students indicate that staying with an Italian host family is one of the highlights of the experience. This cultural immersion experience in Italy provides participating students with 3-6 credit hours at the undergraduate or graduate levels, beginning Italian language lessons, observation and direct experiences in Italian classrooms at a level of the student’s choice, visits to community sites and workshops at the ReMida Center, Malaguzzi Center, and an Italian dance class. On the weekends, students and faculty travel together to Florence and Venice, and students can elect to stay overnight on these weekend trips. There is a close relationship between the students and the participating faculty members. The ratio of faculty to students is about 1 to 6, and this provides a safe and positive experience for all.
Eleuthera, The Bahamas: Students traveling to Eleuthera will experience a different way of life. Clemson professors have found it easy to structure meaningful study-abroad experiences for students while contributing significantly to the island and its people. While on the island of Eleuthera, Clemson students will be placed in schools appropriate for their major (e.g., primary schools for ECE) for portions of the day to learn firsthand how Bahamian education serves students, families, and communities.
London, England: Explore the hidden education opportunities for children of all ages in this immersive study abroad where we find the learning within the walls of museums, historical sites, and community spaces. Earn academic credit while exploring centuries of history and gaining global perspectives that will shape your future. This study abroad is open to all programs, but priority will be placed for College of Education students.

Student Testimonials

Clemson students who have participated in study abroad programs consistently report transformative experiences:

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"Studying at Bond University in Gold Coast, Australia, allowed me to interact with people from so many different backgrounds and gave me the opportunity to collaborate closely with them. The educational structure was very different there and provided me with the chance to see a different country's interpretation of a college experience. While in Australia, I got the opportunity to travel to places I may have never got the chance to visit otherwise, such as Bali, New Zealand and Fiji."
"While I was studying at Maastricht University in Maastricht, Netherlands, I got to experience the best of both worlds at a renowned university with challenging and engaging classes and a timeless and centrally located European city. My time abroad helped me to make new friends with people all over the United States and the globe, learn a new language and discover Dutch culture and expand my mind academically with new and engaging experiences in the classroom and in the professional world."
"The Clemson Business in Europe: Oxford Programme is one experience that I am still talking about to this very day. In a month's time, I was not only able to advance my academic curriculum, but I also found out a lot about myself as a person, which has helped me grow in unimaginable ways."
"I studied with a third-party program in Paris, France, through CEA's International Business Program. Through this program, I attended a class at ESSCA School of Management, a French-run business school. I also was able to work on a semester-long business project with a native Parisian student. Although my experience was cut short, the transition to working online was made as seamless as possible."

Clemson Abroad's Mission

The Pam Hendrix Center for Education Abroad contributes to Clemson University’s missions, goals, and emphasis areas. The office works to enhance the University’s international focus through the development of activities, programs, exchanges and events that foster global and intercultural awareness, knowledge and understanding among faculty, staff, and students. Study Abroad and other global engagement opportunities expand the learning environment beyond the classroom into unique and often challenging cultural contexts.

The Institute of International Education has recognized Clemson Abroad with the 2014 Andrew Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Education for the Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries project in Haiti. The award promotes and honors the most outstanding initiatives that are being conducted in international higher education.

Final Steps

Explore approved programs.
Submit a program application through Terradotta.
Review the scholarships available for study abroad.
Understand the program withdrawal and cancellation policies.

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