What's the difference between a CALS Exchange Program and Cornell Abroad?

CALS students have the unique option of studying abroad through either Cornell Abroad or the CALS International Exchange Program. 

Cornell Abroad administers non-exchange semester- or year-long study abroad (whether through direct enrollment, third-party providers, or Cornell Abroad-managed programs). Hundreds of options are available to choose from depending on the student’s academic and professional goals.  Students may also propose new programs and locations that meet their advisor’s approval.

The CALS Exchange is comprised of unique, one-to-one agreements with prestigious universities around the world.  For a semester or an academic year, CALS students attend one of our partner universities, and in exchange, their students come to study at CALS.  Almost all universities in non-English speaking countries offer a wide range of courses taught in English. CALS students pay their same Cornell tuition with no other administrative fees. This is particularly beneficial to New York State residents. Internship opportunities and stipends are available at select institutions.

When do most students go abroad?

Spring semester of their junior year, but lots of students go abroad other semesters and for the academic year.

How do I decide which semester is best for me?

It is recommended that you visit your faculty advisor and review your college and major requirements. Some questions you should discuss:
Are there some courses that I must take for my major that are only offered in certain semesters?
How many of my requirements can be taken while abroad?
Can I spend a semester not taking college or major requirements?

How much does it cost to study abroad?

Cornell Abroad:
The cost of study abroad depends on what program you attend.  All Cornell Abroad students pay the Cornell International Program Tuition (CIPT) as well as a program tuition or fee.  The CIPT for direct enrollment in universities in the UK or Israel where there is a Cornell Abroad On-Site Coordinator is $5,000 for 2007-08.  The CIPT for all other programs and universities is $4,850.  The CIPT covers the direct and indirect costs of study abroad, including the cost of financial aid to keep eligibility for study abroad “need blind.”  For programs administered directly by Cornell, a single comprehensive tuition including the CIPT, and often including housing, is charged.  Cornell Abroad pays your tuition and program fees and bills you via the bursar system.  Students are responsible for program deposits.

Students currently on financial aid will continue to receive state, federal and Cornell institutional grant aid for study abroad; aid packages are adjusted to reflect the cost of the study abroad program, including the CIPT, airfare, visa and estimated expenses. New York state residents normally pay more to study abroad than in Ithaca since the state government provides no subsidy for reduced tuition when you are abroad. Work-study awards are typically converted to loans.  Students not on financial aid may apply for aid specifically for their semester or year abroad through the Financial Aid office.  Study abroad students may apply for outside scholarships from various organizations, including some study abroad program providers.  (See the separate Costs, Billing, and Financial Aid flyer, or the finances section of the Cornell Abroad website for more detailed information. Estimated budgets are available for many programs.)

CALS Exchange:
Under the CALS exchange agreements, CALS students pay their regular Cornell tuition (in-state students pay in-state tuition and non-residents pay out-of-state tuition) with no other administrative fees. This is particularly beneficial to New York State residents. In fact, in-state residents often find that participating in a CALS Exchange is the least expensive semester- or year-long study abroad option.  Room and board, visa and passport application fees, transportation, insurance, and all other personal expenses are the financial responsibility of the student. Some travel or living stipends and scholarships are available. 

As with Cornell Abroad, students currently on financial aid will continue to receive state, federal and Cornell institutional grant aid for study abroad; aid packages are adjusted to reflect the cost of the study abroad program, including airfare, visa and estimated expenses.

Can I apply to more than one program?

Students cannot apply simultaneously to Cornell Abroad and a CALS Exchange Program  Cornell Abroad allows you to apply to up to three schools/programs.  Some programs are competitive so it is suggested that you apply early and have alternate choices. For Direct Enrollment in universities in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa (i.e. UCL or U. of Cape Town), Cornell Abroad will only send complete applications. We must receive ALL of the application components before any materials will be sent.  Only your first choice application will be sent.

I still have more questions. 

How can I get more information? Come to Study Abroad Advising Walk-In Hours in 140 Roberts Hall; visit our website, Cornell Abroad's website, or email the CALS Study Abroad and Exchange Program office.