Study Abroad

Study abroad allows students to develop skills required to face the grand challenges of society - deepen intercultural sensitivity, think more critically and creatively, and broaden both personal and academic perspectives. Distinguish yourself from your peers by developing skills in independence, flexibility, and the ability to deal with ambiguity. Make the world your classroom at NC State.

Study Abroad Programs

NC State offers programs worldwide that meet academic, career, and personal interests. Study Abroad is for every major: fulfill major, minor, or general education program courses abroad. Plus, participation in NC State study abroad programs fulfill the Global Knowledge co-requisite degree requirement for NC State students. Students should work with their academic advisor to identify a time frame and outline a course plan for study abroad. For all majors, with academic planning, study abroad does not delay graduation at NC State. View program options by major.

Funding Study Abroad

Study Abroad is affordable at NC State. Semester exchange programs provide the most economical option for most students since standard tuition and fees keep the cost of a semester abroad comparable to a semester on campus at NC State. Students are eligible to receive financial aid (including loans, grants, and scholarships) for the cost of any study abroad program. Study abroad scholarships provide additional funding to about 1/3 of applicants receiving an award, plus many other financial resources are available in support of study abroad. View information about NC State Study Abroad Scholarships.

Applying for Study Abroad

With hundreds of opportunities to choose from—each differing in courses, duration, language, cost, location—early planning is key to a successful study abroad experience.
Well prepared students typically start planning a year in advance.

Learn more on our website.

Study Abroad
315 Holmes Hall
Campus Box 7344
Raleigh, NC 27695
919.515.2087
study_abroad@ncsu.edu 

Kim Priebe, Director

Global Perspectives Certificate

The goal of the Global Perspectives Certificate is to:

• recognize students for their international studies and activities and
• encourage students to continue their global interests both overseas and within the United States.

All undergraduate degree-seeking students and all majors are welcome, including undergraduate international students.  Upon completion, students will receive an official certificate and a notation on their transcript documenting their global experiences during their studies. Learn more about the GPC and get started today at gpc.dasa.ncsu.edu. 

North Carolina Japan Center

Jonathan Brewster, Director

The NC Japan Center was established in July 1980 to strengthen the state’s academic, economic, scientific, and cultural ties with Japan. In its many aspects, the Center serves as a focal point for interaction between Japanese and North Carolinians. It is a statewide resource intended to assist all citizens, universities, companies, and public and private institutions in relations with the Japanese. The NC Japan Center works to inform people of the state about modern Japan and its people. It also provides information and resources for Japanese citizens living in North Carolina.

Consistent with NC State’s "Think and Do" land-grant mission, the NC Japan Center works in partnership with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina to attract Japanese businesses to the state, as well as strengthens relationships between NC State and academic partners in Japan. An external Board of Advisors includes prominent citizens of North Carolina who have a strong interest in Japan and US-Japan relations. Its Academic Advisory Committee consists of faculty from colleges across the university who provide guidance and direction for academic exchange and development. The NC Japan Center cooperates closely with the NC State Japanese language program and provides a full range of non-credit Japanese language courses to the public.

For more information, please contact Jonathan Brewster at 919.515.3450 or visit the North Carolina Japan Center's website.

International Students

The Office of International Services (OIS) is charged with meeting the immigration advising and cross-cultural programming needs for the university's more than 4000 international students and 700 J-1 Exchange Visitor scholars who come from more than 120 different countries. Services provided by OIS include advising students and scholars on immigration regulations and university policies; authorizing certain types of on or off-campus employment authorization for F-1 and J-1 visa holders; and providing cultural programs designed to enrich the cultural and academic experience of the campus community.  OIS programs include: New International Student Orientation, Culture Corps, ISSERV service learning program, English Conversation Club, and many others. New international students are required to participate in New International Student Orientation. OIS also provides opportunities for U.S. students to get involved in the international community at NC State by inviting participation in various cross-cultural programs such as volunteering at the International Student Orientation and English Conversation Club.

International applicants must apply to the Admissions Office by the stated deadlines and must meet all the necessary requirements for admission. In addition, international applicants must meet certain language and financial criteria (see the TOEFL and Financial Information sections under Freshman Admission).

The North Carolina Global Training Initiative (GTI) sponsors several short-term certificate, internship, and research programs that international students may be interested in. These full-time non-degree study programs allow international students to study at NC State for one semester in order to learn about U.S. culture and education, improve their conversational English, take undergraduate courses in their field of study back home or in preparation for admission to a degree program here in the U.S., and experience life in the U.S. These programs have a later application deadline and are great for students to take before enrolling in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in the US or for siblings and friends of current degree-seeking students who want to study in the US together.

International students may be interested in joining the GTI’s Cultural Exchange Network (CENet). CENet connects NC State’s domestic and international students through joint participation in social, academic, and service learning events and workshops. Visit the CENet website for more details about the program and how you can apply.

Anyone interested in the GTI’s programs can visit us on our website for more information.

Outline of minimum immigration requirements for F-1 and J-1 students:

• Keep passport and I-20 or DS-2019 current
• Maintain full-time enrollment every semester (12 hours/semester for undergraduates)
• Make good academic progress toward your degree
• Do not work or intern off campus without prior written approval from OIS
• Do not work on campus more than 20 hours in any one week during the semester
• Update any address change in MyPack Portal within ten days of moving
• Update OIS immediately of any changes in name, funding, or visa status
• Consult with an OIS advisor before changing curriculum/majors, withdrawing, dropping below full-time, transferring to another school/program, etc.
• Purchase and maintain the NC State University approved Health and Accident Insurance or other insurance plan that meets the published minimum coverage requirements.
• Keep your valid passport and recently signed visa certificate (I-20 or DS-2019) with you when you travel abroad. Consult with an OIS advisor about visa and travel questions

Further information about immigration requirements, employment and travel questions, cultural opportunities, and other critical information designed to assist international students are detailed on the OIS website. For individual advising, please call (919) 515-2961 to make an appointment with an advisor or stop by during our walk-in hours of 10:00am-11:45am and 1:00pm-2:45pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (no walk-ins on Wednesdays).

Office of International Services (OIS)
111 Lampe Drive
Campus Box 7222
NC State University
Raleigh, NC 27695-7222

919.515.2961
ois@ncsu.edu
Website

The Intensive English Program (Conditional Admission and IEP-only)

The Intensive English Program (IEP) at North Carolina State University is a full-time, non-credit academic program offered to international, non-native English speakers.  Its mission is to provide high-quality language instruction to those seeking academic preparation, professional development and/or personal enrichment. Programs of study are offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

In the IEP, students take up to 25 hours per week of intensive language study in all core language skills.  Students who enroll in the IEP will be tested for the appropriate level of English instruction when they arrive on campus.

Classes are located on NC State’s main campus and nearby on Hillsborough Street.  IEP students are also offered the opportunity to participate in numerous cultural enrichment activities designed to help them get to know the surrounding area and interact with other students.  Academic coaching (tutoring) is offered to students free of charge.

Students join the IEP as conditionally admitted students or IEP-only students.  While the course of instruction is identical for both, IEP-only students are not guaranteed admission to degree programs, but may apply directly to such programs while enrolled in the IEP.

Conditional Admission

For undergraduate applicants who meet the competitive academic requirements for admission, but who do not yet possess the minimum English proficiency requirements for full, direct admission, NC State offers conditional admission.  For NC State conditionally admitted students, the IEP provides the opportunity to improve one’s English language skills before moving into a degree program.  

Successful completion of the IEP requires achieving at least a B or higher in each course, meeting strict attendance obligations, and passing all exit requirements.

Intensive English Program
North Carolina State University
2526 Hillsborough Street, Suite 200
Raleigh, North Carolina  USA   27607
Office hours: 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

Phone: 919.515.4002
Email: iep@ncsu.edu
Website

Incoming Exchange Students

NC State has a growing number of international exchange partners from around the world. The Study Abroad Office warmly welcomes incoming exchange students to NC State's internationally renowned programs for a semester or for the full academic year.

Visit the NC State Study Abroad website for information about exchange programs at NC State, the application process, English proficiency requirements, preparation and arrival, and what you can expect during your time in Raleigh!

Study Abroad Office
Phone: +1 919-515-2087
Email: study_abroad@ncsu.edu
Website: https://studyabroad.ncsu.edu/

Cultural Exchange Network (CENet)

The Cultural Exchange Network (CENet) at NC State is a student organization comprised of undergraduate and graduate students from all fields of study and from around the world. CENet fosters global learning and international friendship through social, academic and service activities.

CENet is facilitated by the Global Training Initiative (GTI) and details can be found on the website (go.ncsu.edu/CENet).