Reading and understanding the following policies and procedures established by Suffolk University are crucial to the success of your study abroad experience. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact:

Youmna Hinnawi
Director, Office of Study Abroad Programs
Suffolk University Tel: (617) 573-8072
Fax: (617) 305-1751
Email: yhinnawi@suffolk.edu

Requirements

In order to participate in Suffolk University’s Study Abroad Programs you must meet the following requirements:

• Student is in an accredited university or college
  • Have a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher. Some programs may require a higher G.P.A.*
  • For Cork, Ireland program - requires a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher
  • For Copenhagen Business School, Denmark - requires a cumulative G.P.A. of  3.0 or higher
  • For Prague, Czech Republic - requires a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.2 or higher

* If your G.P.A. is slightly lower than required, then your application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

• Must have completed at least 45 credit hours at Suffolk University or Home University.
• Students who have less than 30 credit hours are only eligible to study abroad at Suffolk University overseas campuses in Madrid, Spain and Dakar, Senegal.
• If you are within 30 credits of graduation, you will only be eligible to study abroad at Suffolk University overseas campuses in Madrid, Spain and Dakar, Senegal.
• Must not have transferred into Suffolk University with more than 61 credit hours.
• Must submit a completed application with the required documents signed by yourself, your advisor and the dean of your college.
  • The following programs require an additional application form:
    • Center for International Studies (CIS), Australia & New Zealand
    • Aarhus School of Business, Denmark
    • Aalborg University, Denmark
    • Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
    • European Business School, England
    • Regent’s College, England
    • University College Cork, Ireland
    • Stockholm University, Sweden

Choosing time abroad—a semester or a year?

You may choose to study abroad for a semester or for a full academic year. However, this decision to stay longer than one semester needs to be made prior to your departure from the United States and the necessary documents must be submitted. If you decide to study abroad for longer than stated in your signed "Acknowledgement" form then you will not receive any credit for the courses taken. All students must obtain written approval from their academic advisor and dean of their college for all the courses they wish to receive credit for prior to their departure. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Transfer of credit and records

Ideally, your study abroad program will allow you to take courses abroad that will fulfill your graduation requirements at your home university. Because Suffolk University’s Study Abroad Programs are only with recognized universities, it is easy to arrange for your credits to be transferred back to your home university. In order to ensure a smooth transition of credit hours, it is required that you receive approval for your courses prior to your study abroad experience. These signatures are required on the "Course Authorization" sheet within the application section of this booklet. Your application will not be reviewed prior to receiving these signatures and other required signatures.

In order to have credits transferred back to your home university, the course you select/take must meet the same requirements as a similar course offered at your home institution. To determine the transferability of a course, your academic advisor and dean of your college will want to see a description of the courses you intend to take. To obtain written descriptions of these courses, please contact the Office of Study Abroad Programs at (617) 573-8072 or email yhinnawi@suffolk.edu.

After you have completed the coursework and have made all of the appropriate payments to Suffolk University and the host institution, your home institution will be issued a transcript from the host school. Suffolk University students need to obtain a C in every course for it to be transferred back. Prior to departure you might want to check with your home institution as to the required grade for obtaining transfer credits. You should expect this process to take about two months. It is not recommended to study abroad during your final semester, as this may have a direct effect on your graduation requirements. Please keep in mind that your academic records will not be released if you have any outstanding financial obligations to the host institution or Suffolk University.

Living abroad

Your living arrangements abroad depend on the program. Each program requires you to complete a housing form and submit it with your completed application.

Pre-departure orientation

All students accepted into Suffolk University’s Study Abroad Programs are required to attend the Pre-Departure Orientation. The date, time and location will be mailed to students after they have made their $500 (non-refundable) deposit. If you cannot attend the Pre-Departure Orientation due to coming from another state, other arrangements will be made for you to receive the necessary information.

Change of address, phone numbers or contact information

You must notify Suffolk University’s Office of Study Abroad Programs of any changes of address, phone numbers or email that arise after you submit your application. Failure to do so may jeopardize you being notified promptly of any new developments or other important information pertaining to your study abroad program.

Deadlines

Summer Semester: March 15
Fall Semester: May 15
Spring Semester: October 15

Code of Conduct

The following regulations are in accordance with Suffolk University’s Student Policy and Procedures Handbook.

The University has the right to expect that students, as members of the academic community, will conduct themselves in a manner which is consistent with the educational mission of freedom to learn and that they will respect the rights of their fellow citizens. Any departure from these standards that can be shown to be injurious to the Program’s pursuit of its normal activities may be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions, which could include dismissal from the Program.

Infractions include but may not be limited to the following:

• All forms of dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, knowingly furnishing false information to the institution and forgery and alteration or use of institutional documents of identification with intent to defraud
• Intentional disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other Suffolk/host institution activities
• Physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, and/or conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person
• Rape, including acquaintance/date rape, and sexual assault in any form
• Behavior or activities that endanger the safety of one’s self or others, including, but not limited to
  • throwing of objects from University/host institution buildings
  • the unauthorized storage, possession and/or use of firearms, fireworks, dangerous weapons, or hazardous chemicals on University or host institution premises or at University or host institution sponsored activities
• Intentionally or recklessly misusing or damaging fire or other safety equipment
• Vandalism, the intentional damage, destruction or defacement of University/host institution property or the property of any person while on University or host institution premises
• Attempted or actual theft of University/host institution property or the property of any person while on University or host institution premises
• Possession, use or distribution of any controlled substance or illegal drug, or drug paraphernalia
• Illegal use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages
• False reporting of emergency: the false report of bomb, fire, or other emergency in any building, structure or facility on University or host institution premises by means of activating a fire alarm or in any other manner
• Failure to evacuate or properly report hazardous or serious incidents
• Unauthorized presence in or forcible entry into a University or host institution facility
• Unauthorized use of University or host institution property, equipment or keys
• Unauthorized use of candles or open flame in University or host institution facilities
• Theft or other abuse of computer time, files or equipment
• Unauthorized use of alcoholic beverages in campus facilities, public intoxication, drunk and disorderly conduct
• Indulging in lewd and indecent behavior in public
• Disturbing the peace by making unreasonable noise, which includes but is not necessarily limited to the use of mechanical and amplifying equipment
• Failure to comply with the directions of University or host institution officials, including police officers and other staff or faculty acting in the performance of their duties
• Failure to adhere to established in-house regulations when properly publicized by the responsible program officers, particularly when they concern subjects such as health, safety, building operations, and standards of behavior
• Gambling
• Any actions that tend to discredit or injure the University or host institution
• Aiding or abetting any conduct described above

In addition to the above stated conduct, students studying through Suffolk University assume an important personal obligation to conduct themselves in a manner that is compatible with local laws and regulations. The student is responsible to know and comply with all of the rules and expectations of the study abroad program and host institution regarding student conduct.

Disciplinary Action

The Suffolk student’s conduct abroad may be subjected to judicial proceedings at Suffolk University if his alleged conduct violates Suffolk University’s expectations for student conduct and academic responsibility. The following disciplinary actions may be taken:

• The Office of Study Abroad Programs will notify the appropriate dean(s) and Dean of Student’s Office of the alleged offense. These offices will decide together the disciplinary action for the student, which can include financial implications, withholding of transcript, or dismissal from Study Abroad Program with no credits received and no refund of tuition or other program related costs.
• The student and the parents of the student will be asked to attend a meeting with the above stated offices to discuss the alleged offense. After a decision is made another meeting will be held, if deemed necessary.

If the student participates in illegal activity while abroad he will be solely responsible for any legal action that may be taken against him by local governments and authorities, for which neither Suffolk University nor the U.S. government or agencies may provide assistance. The University or host institution may terminate the student’s participation in the study abroad program if the student engages in actions endangering himself or others or jeopardizing the success of the study abroad program.

Payment Plan

Students who enroll in Suffolk University study abroad programs and wish to receive credit toward their degree will pay Suffolk University the full cost of tuition. Tuition for Madrid is paid directly to the Madrid campus, however tuition for Dakar is paid to Suffolk University Boston campus. All other programs tuition will be paid to Suffolk University Boston campus.

Room and board cost is not included in the tuition for the program. It is an additional cost, which varies from program to program. The payment for room and board is paid directly to the program or host institution. To find out the cost of room and board for your program, please contact the Office of Study Abroad Programs.

For some students, their financial aid package may cover the cost for them to study abroad. To learn more about this please read the section titled "Financing Study Abroad."

Cancellation Policy

Because Suffolk University makes financial commitments on your behalf well in advance of the program start date, refunds can only be made in accordance with the terms listed below.

I.    A student who withdraws voluntarily will receive the following refund of fees paid:

• Withdrawing more than 30 days prior to program commencement will result in a refund of all fees paid less the application fee (Non-Suffolk students) and the program deposit.
• Withdrawing less than 30 days prior to program commencement will result in no refund

 Note: All voluntary cancellations must be made in writing to the Study Abroad Office at Suffolk University.

II.   In cases where Suffolk University is forced to cancel or suspend a program or in the case of serious documented illness the following refund policies will be applied:

• If the program has not yet begun, all funds will be refunded, less the application fee (Non-Suffolk students).
• If the program has begun, Suffolk University will refund any portion of the student’s expense (excluding travel expenses) that has not been used or committed less the application fee (Non-Suffolk student).

Note: Cancellation or suspension of any program will result if (1) the United States Department of States issues a travel warning advising U.S. citizens not to travel to a particular country or, if in country, to leave, or (2) Suffolk University deems it necessary to cancel or suspend the program for any other reason. Any serious illness that causes a student to withdraw must be documented by a licensed U.S. physician with notification sent to the Study Abroad Office at Suffolk University.

Travel Insurance

Since travel expenses (including airplane tickets & other means of travel) are not paid to Suffolk, nor is Suffolk responsible for paying these fees. Suffolk University strongly recommends purchasing Travel Insurance. This will protect you if cancellation or suspension of any program results from the United States Department of State issues a travel warning advising U.S. citizens not to travel to a particular country or, if in the country, to leave. Please contact your travel agent for more details.

Safety Issues

Safety is often a concern to students and their families when deciding to study abroad. Suffolk University is officially a member of the SAFETI Consortium, which gives helpful information on safety issues and answers many questions you and your family may have about studying in another country. Visit the at http://www.lmu.edu/globaled/safeti.

Also, Suffolk is in constant communication with overseas staff and host institution officials who have access to local information and who have your safety in mind. Our overseas staff maintains contact with the United States Embassies and Consulates and with local officials for the latest security information.

Lastly, we are constantly monitoring a number of official Web sites, such as the U.S. State Departure’s Bureau of Consular Affair, Overseas Security Advisors Committee (OSAC) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The Web sites for each are listed below.

U.S. State Departure’s Bureau of Consular Affair: http://www.travel.state.gov/
Overseas Security Advisors Committee (OSAC): www.ds-osac.org/
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/

If you have any additional questions about your safety or any of our policies and procedures please feel free to contact the Office of Study Abroad Programs.