Policies

Policies

Policies you need to know for your study abroad experience

The School of Public Health-Bloomington and Indiana University have established a number of policies and best practices to ensure your study abroad experience is safe, academically meaningful, and professionally enriching. Before applying to or accepting a placement in any program, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the following guidelines:

Academic policies

1. World languages and cultures requirement
   To fulfill the IU Bloomington World Languages and Cultures requirement through study abroad, you must complete a minimum of six (6) weeks and six (6) credit hours overseas. This can be met through a semester exchange, a 6-week/6-credit course, or a combination of two 3-week/3-credit SPH abroad courses.
2. Minimum GPA requirement
   To be admitted into an SPH-B study abroad program, you must meet the minimum IU study abroad GPA requirement of 2.5. Some programs may require a higher GPA or have additional eligibility requirements (e.g., prerequisite courses, class standing, or number of semesters completed at IU).
   If your GPA falls below 2.5 due to extenuating circumstances, you are still welcome to apply and are encouraged to explain your situation in your application.
3. Academic relevance
   Study abroad courses—especially those worth 3 or more credit hours or part of a semester-long program—must contribute meaningfully to your academic progress and degree plan.
4. Grading policy
   IU does not permit students to take overseas courses on a Pass/Fail basis. For semester exchange programs, courses must be taken for a grade in order for credits to transfer back to IU.
5. Full-time enrollment for semester programs
   While participating in a semester exchange, you must maintain full-time enrollment:
   • Undergraduate students: minimum of 15 credit hours
   • Graduate students: minimum of 12 credit hours
6. Academic conduct abroad
   You are expected to uphold the academic standards and regulations of IU, your host institution, and any sponsoring partners. Acts of academic misconduct—including cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, or violation of course rules—may be addressed locally and will also be referred to IU’s academic misconduct process.

Student conduct – School of Public Health- Bloomington study abroad programs
Students currently under disciplinary sanctions of disciplinary probation or more severe (including deferred suspension, suspension, or expulsion) are not eligible to participate in SPH-B study abroad programs. The SPH-B Office of International Affairs will review your disciplinary record as part of the application process and reserves the right to deny admission to students with significant conduct concerns.

A second disciplinary review will occur prior to program departure. If new violations have occurred, acceptance into the program may be revoked.

Participation in an SPH-B study abroad program requires that you uphold the following standards throughout the duration of the program:

• The IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct
• The laws and customs of the host country
• All IU, SPH-B, and host institution rules and regulations
• Any program-specific expectations designed to protect student health, safety, and well-being

Failure to comply with any of the above may result in immediate removal from the program at the discretion of program administrators.

Withdrawal – School of Public Health-Bloomington study abroad programs
If you decide to withdraw from a program, you must notify the SPH-B Office of International Affairs in writing by email, clearly stating your reason for withdrawal. Once received, our office will follow up with information regarding next steps, including any applicable withdrawal fees and financial implications.
Please note:

• Any nonrefundable prepayment for SPH-B short-term programs will not be refunded under any circumstances.
• Additional charges may apply, as outlined in the financial agreement you sign upon accepting your spot in the program.

We strongly encourage students to review all financial policies and timelines before submitting a withdrawal request.