Student Affairs

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fees, even if they are an out-of- state student. Many of our third-party affiliates offer programs
equivalent to Clemson in-state tuition or less. Finally, many scholarships, grants and loans can
be used to study abroad, and there are specific study abroad scholarships available to students.
2. Students won’t graduate on time if they study abroad.
Students can study abroad and still graduate in four years. Whether they participate in a third-
party, exchange or a faculty-directed program they will receive credit for their study abroad that
can go toward their major or minor. Students should plan ahead and meet with both their
academic adviser and study abroad coordinator.
3. Students need to speak a foreign language.
Students do not have to speak a foreign language to study abroad. Clemson offers many
programs taught in English that are located in countries whose native language is not English.
Studying abroad can also be a great way for students to learn a foreign language, even if they
start from the beginning.
4. Studying abroad won’t work with my student’s major.
Studying abroad can fit the course work students need, no matter their major. From
engineering to education, there are programs designed for everyone, and they will receive
academic credit for their experience. Students should start exploring their options early to
fit a program into their course schedule.
5. An internship is better for my student’s degree.
Many programs offer internships abroad, and any study abroad experience will improve a
student’s resume. In today’s global marketplace, international experience demonstrates an
ability to work independently and shows a level of communication, knowledge and leadership
skills found in opportunities off campus.
The study abroad Orientation academic engagement session has many of these answers. For more
information, visit
COMBINED BACHELOR’S AND MASTER’S DEGREE PLAN
Your student’s sophomore year is a great time to begin exploring the options for a graduate degree.
Clemson adds educational value with combined bachelor’s/graduate “Fast-Track” degree plans. A
combined bachelor’s/graduate degree allows your student to engage in graduate education while still
completing a bachelor’s degree, and courses can count toward requirements for both the bachelor’s
and graduate degree. Many students complete the master’s degree in as little as one extra year after
receiving the bachelor’s degree. It also spares students the cost and trouble of taking the GRE and
applying to graduate schools. If accepted into this program, your student automatically matriculates
into the graduate degree program upon receiving their bachelor’s degree. See
for a complete list and encourage your student to discuss the program with their adviser.
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“Our son gained real
work experience with the
Cooperative Education
(Co-op) Program, working
at an international chemical
company for three semester
rotations. The experience
presented him with the
opportunity to understand
what a chemical engineer
really does prior to graduating.
He enjoyed alternating from a
semester of classroom studies
to a semester of on-the-job
learning.”
Sharon Ney
Loveland, Ohio