Open Campus - 18 Weeks | Programs | Explore Programs | Students | Education Abroad | Academics

Key Benefits:

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

Program Dates

Fall Semester: mid-August to mid-December
Spring Semester: early January to early May

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

EAO Historic Course Search

Academic Policy

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 of Credit & Placeholder Course

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: $14,000
Spring Semester: $16,000
Fall Semester (Cornish): $8,000
Spring Semester (Cornish): $10,000

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

Fall Semester Spring Semester

Participation Costs

For SU-Sponsored programs, you will be billed for (1) Seattle University Tuition, (2) Seattle University Fees, 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.

Scholarship Opportunities Cost Comparison Calculator

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, Shanghai, 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, Shanghai, Copenhagen, and Milan, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Shanghai tends to be more humid with frequent spring showers. 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 rain.
Summer (June to August): Hot and humid in Kyoto, Seoul, Shanghai, Milan, and Athens, with temperatures between 28°C and 35°C (82°F to 95°F). Shanghai also experiences heavy rainfall during the early summer monsoon and occasional typhoons later in the season. Copenhagen is cooler, averaging 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F). Singapore stays hot and very humid, around 30°C to 32°C (86°F to 90°F) with frequent rain, while the Yucatán experiences hot, rainy summers with temperatures of 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F).
Autumn (September to November): Cooler and comfortable in most cities, with temperatures dropping to 15°C–25°C (59°F–77°F). Milan, Athens, Seoul, and Shanghai enjoy mild, pleasant weather with lower humidity. Singapore remains warm and humid, while the Yucatán’s rains taper off, making it a favorable time to visit.
Winter (December to February): Cool to cold in Athens, Kyoto, Seoul, Shanghai, Copenhagen, and Milan, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Snow is possible in colder regions such as Seoul and parts of northern Italy. Singapore and Yucatán stay warm year-round, averaging 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F) with little seasonal 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 Airport (Kyoto is served via Osaka); Incheon International Airport (Seoul); Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao International Airports; Changi Airport (Singapore); Copenhagen Airport; Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate; Cancún International Airport (near Yucatán); Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport; Santiago International Airport; Buenos Aires Ezeiza and Aeroparque Airports; Cape Town International Airport; and Juan Santamaría International Airport (nearest to Monteverde)—connecting these cities globally with extensive domestic and international flights
Train: Northern Hemisphere cities have excellent rail networks. Copenhagen, Milan, Seoul, Athens, and Shanghai offer efficient urban and regional train systems. Milan is part of Europe’s high-speed rail network, Kyoto is connected by Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains, and Shanghai is a major hub of China’s high-speed rail system, linking it to cities across the country. Train options in the Yucatán are limited but include the Maya Train (under development) aimed at improving tourism and regional 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 and relies primarily on road travel.
Public Transport: These cities feature comprehensive public transportation systems. Seoul, Shanghai, and Singapore offer vast subway and bus networks; Copenhagen is known for its cycling infrastructure and buses; Milan has subways and trams; Athens provides metro and bus services. The Yucatán relies mostly on buses and colectivos (shared vans). Sydney and Santiago operate reliable metro, bus, and ferry systems, while Buenos Aires features an extensive bus network and metro (“Subte”). Cape Town relies heavily on minibus taxis alongside buses and limited rail. Monteverde’s transportation is primarily private vehicles, taxis, and shuttle services due to its rural, mountainous location.

Cultural Resources

Historical Sites: From the ancient Acropolis in Athens and Kyoto’s historic temples to Seoul’s royal palaces, Shanghai’s Bund, Yu Garden, and historic districts, and Singapore’s colonial landmarks, these cities offer rich cultural heritage. Copenhagen’s castles, Milan’s Duomo, and the 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), Mandarin Chinese (Shanghai), Malay and English (Singapore), Danish (Copenhagen), Italian (Milan), and Spanish (Yucatán, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Monteverde). English is widely spoken in tourist hubs like Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney, Cape Town, and increasingly in others.
Festivals: Cultural celebrations abound: Athens’ performing arts festivals, Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri, Seoul’s Lantern Festival, Shanghai’s Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival celebrations, 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 Shanghai), and extensive bus networks. Southern cities have a mix of metro systems (Santiago, Buenos Aires), commuter rail (Sydney), and minibus networks (Cape Town). Monteverde is accessible mainly by road transport and shuttle services 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. Shanghai is celebrated for its refined Jiangnan cuisine, including xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), braised dishes, and subtly sweet flavors. 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 the Yucatán offers flavorful Mayan-inspired dishes such as cochinita pibil. In the Southern Hemisphere, 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 such as Singapore, Shanghai, Copenhagen, Sydney, and Milan. Gluten-free choices are increasingly common, though awareness varies by region. Food allergies require vigilance, but large urban centers usually provide better labeling and dining options. Halal and kosher foods are accessible in diverse cities including Singapore, Shanghai, Sydney, and Cape Town. Monteverde and the Yucatán may offer fewer specialty options due to their more rural settings, but fresh, simple foods can make managing many dietary needs easier.

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. Consulate General Shanghai: 9th floor of Westgate Mall, No. 1038 West Nanjing Road, Shanghai (Phone: 021-8011 2400)
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, Seoul, and Shanghai offer accessible public transportation and facilities in newer or modernized areas, though historic districts and older infrastructure can pose challenges. Athens, Kyoto, Monteverde, and Yucatán have more uneven accessibility. While some tourist sites and transit systems provide accommodations, older architecture and difficult 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, Kyoto, and Shanghai have growing LGBTQ+ visibility and informal support networks, though legal protections and public acceptance remain limited. Singapore and Yucatán operate under more conservative legal frameworks; while social acceptance is increasing—particularly among younger generations—legal recognition and public expression may be restricted.
Religion: Singapore, Cape Town, Sydney, Buenos Aires, and Shanghai display broad religious diversity, with freedom of worship and visible practice of multiple faiths. Copenhagen, Milan, Santiago, and Yucatán retain predominantly Christian traditions alongside growing religious diversity due to immigration. Athens, Kyoto, Seoul, and Monteverde have strong dominant religious traditions (Orthodox Christianity; Buddhism/Shinto; Christianity), with smaller minority faiths present but less prominent.
Race & Ethnicity: Singapore, Cape Town, Sydney, and Shanghai are highly diverse, with visible ethnic variation and long histories of internal or international migration. Copenhagen, Milan, Buenos Aires, and Santiago have growing immigrant and ethnic minority populations, though diversity varies by neighborhood and region. Athens, Kyoto, Seoul, Monteverde, and Yucatán remain more homogeneous, though tourism, education, and global mobility are gradually increasing diversity.
Gender: Copenhagen and Sydney demonstrate strong gender-equality policies, broad social support, and higher representation in leadership. Milan, Singapore, Shanghai, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, and Santiago show steady progress in education and workforce participation, alongside ongoing advocacy for pay equity and leadership parity. Athens, Seoul, Kyoto, Monteverde, and Yucatán continue to be influenced by traditional gender norms, though younger generations and academic or urban communities are driving 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.

Open Campus - 18 Weeks

About this Program

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