Open Campus - 18 Weeks
Program Type
SU-Sponsored
Program Provider
CIEE
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About this Program
CIEE’s Open Campus Block programs are unique, flexible study abroad programs that give you, the student, control over the design of your study abroad experience - from courses, to length, to destination! Seattle University has selected 12 specific cities within CIEE's porfolio of centers: Athens, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Kyoto, Milan, Monteverde, Santiago, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, and Yucatan. For the 18-week program, you can study for the full 18 weeks in one location or have a comparative experience by spending each 6-week block in a different location! *Only some locations have a local university course options*
Program Highlights
- When you study at CIEE Study Centers, you will take courses in a program designed for American students. While study center programs typically provide less exposure to local students and follow a more American-style curriculum than local universities. This program is ideal for students interested in a comparative experience in multiple locations or need a program that fits the Quarter system. CIEE supports you with pre-departure advising, visa & immigration advising, optional onsite airport meet and greet, onsite orientation, onsite staff support, 24/7 emergency assistance, comprehensive global medical insurance, centrally located housing, homestay, cultural and/or co-curricular activities, excursions and/or study tours, volunteering opportunities, and optional independent research.
Level of Immersion
Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
Features
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Hybrid Program
- Internship Opportunities
- Local University Program
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Service Opportunities
- Research Opportunities
- Study Center Program
Housing Abroad
- Apartment
- Dorm
- Homestay
Housing at Seattle University
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preferenceas best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the students' time abroad.
- Credit Range: 15-18
- Credit System: U.S. Semester Credits
- Typical Course load: 5-6
- Credit Per Course: 3
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: Tulane University
- Credit Conversion Rate: 1 U.S. Semester Credit = 1.5 SU Quarter Credits
- Quarter Range: 22.5-27
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $12,000
- Spring Semester: $12,000
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
For SU-Sponsored programs, you will be billed for Seattle University (1) Tuition, (2) Technology Fee, and (3) Program Fee per term abroad. These and estimated additional expenses are outlined in the program's detailed Budget Worksheet. Students are encouraged to complete the Budget Worksheet and discuss applicable financial aid with Student Financial Services.
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to CIEE on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by CIEE. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Insurance
Comprehensive global medical insurance is provided by the program provider.
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Northern Hemisphere Cities: Athens, Kyoto, Seoul, Singapore, Copenhagen, Milan, Yucatán
- Spring (March to May): Generally mild and pleasant. Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in Athens, Kyoto, Seoul, Copenhagen, and Milan—perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Singapore and Yucatán remain warm year-round, with temperatures around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), and spring often brings occasional showers.
- Summer (June to August): Hot and humid in Kyoto, Seoul, Milan, and Athens, with temps between 28°C and 35°C (82°F to 95°F). Copenhagen is cooler, around 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F). Singapore stays hot and very humid, often 30°C to 32°C (86°F to 90°F) with frequent rain. Yucatán experiences hot, rainy summers, with temps 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F).
- Autumn (September to November): Cooler and comfortable in most cities, with temps dropping to 15°C–25°C (59°F–77°F). Milan, Athens, and Seoul enjoy mild, pleasant weather. Singapore remains warm and humid, while Yucatán’s rains taper off, making it a great time to visit.
- Winter (December to February):Cool to cold in Athens, Kyoto, Seoul, Copenhagen, and Milan, with temps from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F); snow is possible in northern and higher-altitude areas like Seoul and Milan. Singapore and Yucatán stay warm year-round, averaging 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), with little temperature change.
- Southern Hemisphere Cities: Sydney, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Monteverde
- Spring (September to November): Mild and blooming, with temperatures from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in Sydney, Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Cape Town. Monteverde (Costa Rica) stays warm and humid, around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with frequent showers.
- Summer (December to February): Warm to hot across these cities: Sydney and Cape Town range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), Buenos Aires and Santiago experience 28°C to 33°C (82°F to 91°F). Monteverde stays cooler due to elevation but remains humid, around 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F).
- Autumn (March to May): Cooling down to comfortable temps of 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F) in most cities. Santiago and Buenos Aires enjoy crisp, clear days, while Sydney and Cape Town see mild weather. Monteverde stays warm with less rainfall.
- Winter (June to August): Cool and mild, with temps from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) in Sydney, Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Cape Town. Snow is rare but possible in higher elevations near Santiago. Monteverde remains mild and humid, around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
Travel Resources
- Air: Each city is served by major international airports —Athens International Airport, Kansai International (Kyoto is served via Osaka), Incheon International (Seoul), Changi Airport (Singapore), Copenhagen Airport, Milan Malpensa/Milan Linate, Cancun International Airport (near Yucatán), Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, Santiago International, Buenos Aires Ezeiza and Aeroparque airports, Cape Town International, and Juan Santamaría International (nearest to Monteverde) connect these cities globally with regular domestic and international flights.
- Train: Northern Hemisphere cities have excellent rail networks. Copenhagen, Milan, Seoul, and Athens offer efficient urban and regional trains. Milan is part of the high-speed European rail system. Kyoto boasts Japan’s famous bullet trains (Shinkansen). Yucatán’s train options are limited but include the Maya Train (under development) aimed at boosting tourism and connectivity.Sydney and Buenos Aires have suburban rail networks; Santiago offers an extensive metro system; Cape Town has limited commuter rail. Monteverde has no train service; travel is mainly by road.
- Public Transport: Cities feature comprehensive public transit systems: Seoul and Singapore offer extensive subway and bus networks; Copenhagen is known for cycling infrastructure and buses; Milan has subways and trams; Athens offers metro and buses. Yucatán relies mostly on buses and colectivos (shared vans) for local travel. Sydney and Santiago have reliable metro, bus, and ferry systems. Buenos Aires features buses and a metro (“Subte”). Cape Town relies on minibus taxis alongside buses and trains. Monteverde’s transport is mostly private vehicles, taxis, and shuttle services due to its rural, mountainous setting.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: From the ancient Acropolis in Athens and Kyoto’s historic temples to Seoul’s royal palaces and Singapore’s colonial landmarks, these cities offer rich cultural heritage. Copenhagen’s castles, Milan’s Duomo, and Yucatán’s Mayan ruins highlight Europe and Central America’s history. In the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney’s Opera House, Santiago’s colonial architecture, Buenos Aires’ European charm, Cape Town’s Robben Island, and Monteverde’s cloud forests showcase diverse histories and natural wonders.
- Language: Local languages dominate—Greek (Athens), Japanese (Kyoto), Korean (Seoul), Malay and English (Singapore), Danish (Copenhagen), Italian (Milan), Spanish (Yucatán, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Monteverde). English is widely spoken in tourist hubs like Singapore, Sydney, Cape Town, and increasingly in others.
- Festivals: Cultural celebrations abound: Athens’ performing arts festivals, Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri, Seoul’s Lantern Festival, Singapore’s Chinese New Year, Copenhagen’s Jazz Festival, Milan’s Fashion Week, and Yucatán’s Day of the Dead. Southern Hemisphere highlights include Sydney’s New Year’s fireworks, Santiago’s Fiestas Patrias, Buenos Aires’ Tango Festival, Cape Town’s Jazz Festival, and Monteverde’s eco-focused events.
- Transportation:
- All cities have major international airports connecting globally. Efficient public transit systems feature prominently in northern cities—metros, trams, bullet trains (Kyoto), and extensive bus networks. Southern cities have a mix of metro (Santiago, Buenos Aires), commuter rails (Sydney), and minibuses (Cape Town). Monteverde is accessible mainly by road transport and shuttles due to its mountainous terrain.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: These cities offer diverse and vibrant food scenes reflecting their rich cultures. Athens is known for Mediterranean staples like olives, feta, and grilled meats. Kyoto delights with traditional Japanese kaiseki and sushi, while Seoul serves bold Korean BBQ and kimchi. Singapore is famous for its hawker centers offering a fusion of Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavors. Copenhagen features New Nordic cuisine emphasizing fresh, local ingredients. Milan shines with Italian classics like pasta and risotto, and Yucatán offers flavorful Mayan-inspired dishes such as cochinita pibil. Down south, Sydney showcases multicultural dishes with fresh seafood, Santiago offers Chilean specialties like empanadas and seafood stews, Buenos Aires is famed for its world-class beef and parrilladas, Cape Town serves a mix of African, Dutch, and Malay influences, and Monteverde emphasizes fresh tropical produce and Costa Rican staples like gallo pinto.
- Dietary Needs: Most cities accommodate a range of dietary preferences and restrictions. Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available, especially in cosmopolitan cities like Singapore, Copenhagen, Sydney, and Milan. Gluten-free choices are increasingly common, though awareness varies by region. Food allergies require vigilance; urban centers usually have better labeling and options. Halal and kosher foods are accessible in diverse cities such as Singapore, Sydney, and Cape Town. Monteverde and Yucatán might offer fewer specialty options due to rural settings but fresh, simple foods make it easier to manage many dietary needs.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece: 91 Vasilisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens, Greece (Phone: +30 210 721-2951)
- U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina: Av. Colombia 4300 (C1425GMN), Buenos Aires, Argentina (Phone: +54 11 5777-4533)
- U.S. Embassy in Cape Town, South Africa: 2 Reddam Avenue, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708, South Africa (Phone: +27 21 702-7300)
- U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark: Dag Hammarskjölds Allé 24, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark (Phone: +45 3341 7100)
- U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan: 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420, Japan (Phone: +81 3-3224-5000)
- U.S. Embassy in Milan, Italy: Via Principe Amedeo 2/10, 20121 Milano, Italy (Phone: +39 02-290-351)
- U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica: Pavas, San José, Costa Rica (Phone: +506 2519-2000)
- U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile: Av. Andrés Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago, Chile (Phone: +56 2 2330-3000)
- U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea: 188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03141, South Korea (Phone: +82 2-397-4114)
- U.S. Embassy in Singapore: 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508 (Phone: +65 6476-9100)
- U.S. Embassy in Yucatán, Mexico: Yucatán (Phone: +52 999-942-5700)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Copenhagen and Sydney lead with excellent public infrastructure—step-free access, accessible public transit, and strong disability rights enforcement. Milan, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Santiago, Singapore, and Seoul offer accessible public transportation and facilities in newer or modernized areas, though historic or rural zones may present challenges. Athens, Kyoto, Monteverde, and Yucatán have uneven infrastructure. While some tourist sites and transit systems have accommodations, older architecture and terrain (especially in Monteverde and Yucatán) can limit mobility.
- LGBTQ+: Copenhagen, Sydney, Milan, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, and Berlin (if referenced) offer legal protections, pride celebrations, and visible LGBTQ+ communities. Santiago, Athens, Seoul, and Kyoto have growing LGBTQ+ visibility and support networks, though legal protections or social acceptance may still lag. Singapore and Yucatán have more conservative legal frameworks. While some acceptance is growing—especially among younger populations—legal recognition and public expression can be restricted.
- Religion: Singapore, Cape Town, Sydney, Buenos Aires – Broad religious diversity with freedom of worship and public celebration of multiple faiths. Copenhagen, Milan, Santiago, Yucatán – Predominantly Christian traditions with increasing visibility of other faiths through immigration and globalization. Athens, Kyoto, Seoul, Monteverde – Strong dominant religious traditions (Orthodox Christianity, Buddhism/Shinto, Christianity), with smaller minority faiths present but less prominent.
- Race & Ethnicity:
- Singapore, Cape Town, Sydney – Multiracial societies with visible ethnic diversity and formal inclusion policies. Copenhagen, Milan, Buenos Aires, Santiago – Growing immigrant and ethnic minority populations; diversity varies by neighborhood and region. Athens, Kyoto, Seoul, Monteverde, Yucatán – Predominantly homogeneous populations, though international tourism and student mobility are contributing to slow change.
- Gender:
- Copenhagen, Sydney – Strong gender rights policies, equitable representation, and widespread societal support. Milan, Singapore, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Santiago – Visible progress in education and workforce participation, with ongoing advocacy for parity in leadership and pay. Athens, Seoul, Kyoto, Monteverde, Yucatán – Traditional norms still influence daily life, though younger generations and academic communities are pushing for change.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by CIEE.
Visa requirements depend on the country/countries in which you are studying and duration of time in each location. CIEE will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in CIEE’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.