SHORT-TERM PROGRAMS

Short-term programs are offered during Intersession and Summer terms between the regular academic semesters at USD. While abroad, students take one to two three-unit academic courses taught by a USD faculty member. These USD courses are designed to seamlessly integrate into USD course curriculum. 

Typically short-term programs are 3 weeks long, where students select 1 academic intensive course to take abroad.* These academic courses are designed and taught by USD faculty members. Because the short-term course is taught by USD faculty, there is seamless course transfer back to USD (as the course is a USD course). Students will then travel with the USD faculty member abroad for three weeks to take their academic course. 

Students should consult with their Academic Advisor before considering if an Intersession or Summer course abroad works with their graduation plan. It can be helpful for students to save USD CORE classes if they hope to study abroad for a short-term program.

*Total weeks abroad and the number of academic courses taken vary per program.

SEMESTER PROGRAMS

USD has affiliate semester program partnerships in several countries around the world. USD students can fulfill major, minor, core, and other graduation requirements, are eligible to apply their USD financial aid towards tuition and program fees, can maintain their enrollment status at USD while abroad. The programs offer quality advising and support on-site and will allow you to study along side other USD students.

Studying abroad for a semester is like transferring universities for one term. USD affiliated study abroad programs work closely with the USD International Center to ensure that the courses students take will transfer for the USD credits they need. 

Students should consult with their Academic Advisor before considering if a Semester program with their graduation plan. It can be helpful for students to save USD CORE classes if they hope to study abroad for a semester program to allow more flexibility where they choose to study and which courses they need while abroad.

Because students will essentially transfer in to a host university abroad for a semester, they are subject to the following differences when studying abroad for a semester: 
1. What courses are offered each term (Fall v. Spring)
2. When course registration opens
3. If the courses are offered abroad when they hope to study abroad 
4. If the course is pre-approved for USD transfer credit

For more information about the semester course-selection process, please continue to the Transfer Evaluation section of this module.