FAQ's

Q. Will my Financial Aid transfer?
A. Financial Aid transfers completely for LMU programs. Students wishing to apply to an Non-LMU Program must inquire at the Financial Aid office about the policies for their specific program.

Q. Will my credit transfer?
A. In LMU programs, students receive credit and grades for all classes. For Non-LMU Programs, students obtain approval for credit transfer in the LMU Non-LMU application process. Appropriate classes must be discussed with a student's Academic Advisor. Students will receive transfer credits but NOT grades from Non-LMU Programs.

Q. Will the Registrar, Financial Aid, Housing and other offices on campus know I am abroad - but coming back?
A. Yes.  Through the application process, students are gaining approval for enrollment at a University or program other than LMU. The Study Abroad staff maintains contact with the Offices of the Registrar, Financial Aid and Housing for the student while they are abroad.  It is still important for the student to check with these offices to ensure they know what your plans are.  It never hurts to double check.

Q. Can the Study Abroad Staff help me pick out classes?
A. No - Students must seek academic advice from their Academic Advisor or Assistant Dean. The staff can help you identify programs and classes in general.

Q. How much does studying abroad cost?
A. The cost of studying abroad varies according to the program, location, and the student’s personal spending habits. If a student plans to travel extensively, eat out frequently or buy many souvenirs, it can become quite expensive.

Q. When do I apply?
A. Freshman through Senior students of any major are invited to apply.

Q. What if I want to study abroad in a country that LMU does not have a program in?
A. Upon approval, LMU students can study abroad through a Non-LMU Program.  Interested students should visit the Study Abroad Office to learn more about the application procedure. If a student does not apply through the LMU Study Abroad Office, they will not obtain academic credit for their trip abroad and their absence will not be considered approved by the University.

Q. Can a non-LMU student go on an LMU program?
A. Yes. Any student enrolled full time at an accredited institution may apply to an LMU program. However, due to limited space for each program, priority will be given to LMU students. Please contact the Study Abroad Office for the appropriate application and more information.

Q. When will I know if I have been accepted?
A. Generally, it takes two weeks to a month after the application deadline date to hear if you have been accepted to a program. Notification is sent by email. If it has been more than a month since you applied for a program, come into the Study Abroad Office to discuss your application with one of the coordinators or the director.

Q. How do I register for classes since I am going abroad?
A. If you are attending an LMU program, you will register on PROWL.

If you are attending an Non-LMU program, the Study Abroad Office works with the Office of the Registrar to enroll you in a study abroad “place holder” course. This 12 unit course maintains your full time standing with the University, and once the transcript is received upon your completion of the Non-LMU program, will be swapped out for your pre-approved transfer courses.

If you are attending The Washington Center, independent study forms will accompany your application and will be submitted to the Study Abroad Office so we can have the Office of the Registrar enroll you in the proper courses.

For the semester after you return, you will register the same way you do now. You will access the course bulletin online and register for your courses on PROWL.

Q. Do I need to file for a leave of absence?
A. No. If you file for a leave of absence, you will not remain an LMU student and your financial aid will not be released. Therefore, you will be delayed in registering for your classes upon your return, and not be able to use your Financial Aid award for your study abroad program.

Q. How do I pay for the program?
A. If you are going on an LMU program, you will pay online using the LMU Student Accounts website. Non-LMU programs participants can be billed through LMU or directly through the host institution.  Please come to the Study Abroad Office for complete details.

Any more questions?

Call the Study Abroad Office at 310.338.1973
or stop by Charles Von Der Ahe Building, Suite 130, Monday through Friday.