Foundations of Study Abroad: Start Here!

Thinking about studying abroad but not sure where to begin? You’re in the right spot. The Foundations of Study Abroad video series is your go-to starting point. Learn more about the process and get tips on studying abroad straight from Education Abroad's peer advisors. 

In this first video, we’ll walk you through what the whole series covers: how to pick the right program, what to expect in terms of costs, an overview of what’s available, and when to start planning your journey.

Each video in the series is short and easy to follow, giving you a quick breakdown of the programs Temple offers and how to get started.

Next: Check out the other videos to explore specific topics and program options more in-depth.

Choosing a Program
With so many options, choosing a study abroad program can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be. In this video, we walk you through key academic, personal, and logistical factors to consider when deciding where and when to go.

Learn how to match a program with your major or Gen Ed needs, explore the difference between cohort-based and independent programs, and reflect on personal preferences like language goals, mental health, identity, and accommodations.

We’ll also cover eligibility, cost (including how scholarships and financial aid work), and how to plan ahead with your academic advisor. Whether you're just getting started or narrowing it down, this video will help you take the next step with confidence.

Financing Study Abroad
Studying abroad is more affordable than you might think. For Temple students, Temple's overseas campuses and exchange programs allow you to pay your regular Temple tuition and access some of your existing financial aid and scholarships. (Note: Financial aid policies may differ for non-Temple students.)

This video breaks down how costs work across different program types, including summer, semester, exchange, and external options. Learn the difference between billable costs and out-of-pocket expenses, how tuition is calculated, and where to find cost sheets for every program.

Finally, we’ll walk you through how to apply for scholarships to study abroad. All applicants can apply for an Education Abroad scholarship just by checking a box on your application!

We also cover the Gilman International Scholarship for Pell grant recipients (with our Apply-to-Gilman Guarantee), and where to search for additional aid, including our own scholarship database, iGrad, and Scholarship Universe.

Whether you’re looking for summer or semester funding, this video helps you understand your options and how to plan ahead.

Temple Rome: Program Overview
Temple Rome offers an immersive, academically rich study abroad experience in the heart of Italy’s capital—just steps from the Spanish Steps. Each semester, 200–300 students from Temple and other U.S. universities study at this centrally located campus, which blends a close-knit community feel with vibrant student life.

With courses available in disciplines like art, architecture, business, liberal arts, STEM, and communications, Temple Rome is designed to support a wide range of majors. All courses are taught in English, with Italian 1001 required for semester students (unless previously completed or placed out of).

Hands-on learning is central to the experience: excursions are built into many classes, making the city your classroom. Past trips have included Milan for fashion, Palermo for sociology, and weekly site visits for art history courses.

Students can also apply for internships (minimum 3.0 GPA) and participate in cultural engagement programs like the Culture and Identity Envoy program.

Temple students pay standard Temple tuition for semester or academic year programs; summer students are billed per credit. Housing options include shared apartments, homestays with Italian families, or independently arranged housing—each offering a unique way to experience Rome.

Temple Japan: Program Overview
Temple University Japan (TUJ) is one of the oldest American universities in Japan, offering a four-year degree program and hosting a globally diverse student body. Study abroad students can attend either of TUJ’s two campuses—Tokyo or Kyoto—for a summer, semester, or academic year.

The Tokyo campus, located in the vibrant Sangenjaya neighborhood just minutes from Shibuya, offers access to a wide range of courses taught in English. The Kyoto campus, opened in spring 2025, emphasizes cultural immersion and experiential learning, with standout offerings like Manga Workshop, Kyoto Sketchbook, and the Architecture program, which is exclusive to Kyoto.

Language learning is encouraged through courses like Practical Japanese (JPNS 2000), and internships are available to eligible students. Across both campuses, students can get involved through cultural excursions, student organizations, and on-campus events—from football clubs to onsen trips.

Housing options vary by location and include dorm-style residences, homestays, and independent housing—all designed to match students’ preferences and support immersion.

Temple in Spain: Program Overview
Temple’s partnership with the University of Oviedo began as a Spanish language immersion program in 2003 and has since expanded to include both Spanish- and English-taught courses across multiple disciplines. Students earn Temple credit while living and learning in Oviedo, a picturesque city in the mountainous Asturias region, just 30 minutes from Spain’s northern coast.

Known for its authentic cultural experience, Temple in Spain offers a more immersive alternative to the tourist-heavy cities of Madrid and Barcelona. Upon arrival, students begin with a group orientation in Madrid before heading to Oviedo. From regular group dinners to excursions like hiking in Picos de Europa National Park, the program integrates cultural learning and community.

Courses are offered during the spring and summer terms, including Spanish language and culture, as well as business, literature, psychology, computer science, and engineering courses taught in English by faculty from both Temple and the University of Oviedo.

Students live in residence halls with private bathrooms (and yes, even weekly housekeeping), or they may opt for a homestay to deepen their language immersion. On-campus resources include cafeterias, gyms, pools, and lounge/study areas for connection and relaxation.

Whether you're looking for mountains, culture, or a strong language program, Temple in Spain blends academic rigor with a truly local experience.

Summer Faculty-Led Programs: Overview
Each summer, Temple faculty lead students abroad to a wide range of global destinations through short-term, credit-bearing programs. Whether you're completing Gen Eds, fulfilling major or minor requirements, or pursuing language immersion, there’s a faculty-led program to match your goals.

Students have studied Intellectual Heritage in Prague, French in Paris at the Sorbonne, and conducted biomedical research in Siena—just a few examples of the many rotating offerings.

Tuition is billed at your school or college's per-credit rate, based on the number of credits you take. While summer financial aid is more limited than during the academic year, scholarships and planning support are available.

Faculty-led programs are a great way to experience life abroad with the guidance of Temple professors, all within a shorter timeframe. For a full list of courses and program locations available this year, visit the Faculty-Led Program page on the Education Abroad website.

Exchange Programs: Overview
Temple’s exchange programs allow students to study at partner universities around the world while paying Temple tuition and earning transfer credit. These programs are ideal for independent, academically motivated students looking to immerse themselves in another country’s academic and cultural life. Most programs are open to all majors and do not require foreign language proficiency.

Highlighted options include:

• Griffith University (Australia): A top-ranked public research university near beaches and city life, with strengths in public health, sports, tourism, engineering, and medicine.

• University of Waikato (New Zealand): Known for Indigenous Studies, environmental science, and café culture—students can also add internships or research.

• Ewha Womans University (South Korea): Open to all gender identities, with coursework in business, communications, public health, and a built-in buddy program.

• Lancaster University (UK): Collegiate-style campus with courses in health, business, STEM, and a strong student community near the Lake District.

• Sciences Po Lyon (France): Offers courses in French and English; ideal for political science, anthropology, and liberal arts majors, in a city known for its history and cuisine.

Many partners offer guaranteed on-campus housing and access to university clubs, cultural programming, and student services. Additional exchange options exist in Greece, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Germany (note: German programs require advanced language skills).

Exchange programs are best suited for students ready to navigate international university life more independently while gaining unique academic and cultural experiences.

External Programs: Overview
If Temple doesn’t offer a program in your desired destination or academic focus, you can still study abroad through one of our approved external partners—giving you access to opportunities almost anywhere in the world.

External programs include everything from traditional university study to internships and field-based experiences. They’re ideal for highly motivated, independent students seeking a specific academic, cultural, or regional focus.

Students on external programs pay tuition and fees directly to the external provider and earn transfer credit. Students must complete applications to Education Abroad as well as the provider's own system. Learn more about the External Program Approval Process. 

Popular partners include USAC, CIEE, and SIT. In this video Education Abroad peer advisor, Karam Burjas (Global Studies '25), talks about his unforgettable experience abroad with SIT in Jordan, focusing on Arabic language and cultural immersion,

Visit the external program page for a full list of approved partners and application steps.