Step 1: Plan for a Semester Abroad

Some pointers to help you prepare for, and make the most of your study abroad experience:

• Proof of volunteer work, extracurricular activities and/or internships will increase your chances for acceptance into the exchange program you are applying for.
• It is advised to have  flexible electives options of courses for your study abroad semester. It will facilitate your registration abroad and help you to have a smooth transfer of credits upon your return.
• Maintain a good academic record. Your Cumulative GPA can affect your chances at getting accepted.

Step 2: Check your Eligibility

Every program has its own set of requirements, here are some general guidelines for outgoing students:

• You should be in your third or fourth semester at LAU (junior year or beginning sophomore year).
• Your last 30 credits should be completed at LAU (this not applicable to exchange students under MOUs, so check with the office first).
• If you are an undergraduate student, you should have a minimum CGPA of 2.7, or a minimum CGPA of 3 if you are a graduate student.
• The grade of English language courses completed at LAU can affect the selection decision. 
• You are outgoing and eager to learn about other cultures.

Step 3: Choose the Right Program

There are three different types of programs to apply to:

• Exchange: You trade places with a student from a partner university after paying your LAU tuition fees in full (scholarships and financial aid will be applicable), in addition to travel and living expenses in the host country.
• Erasmus+: You pay your LAU tuition fees in full (scholarships and financial aid will be applicable) and receive a scholarship to cover your travel and living expenses in the host country.
• Study Abroad: You pay the tuition fees in full at the host university in addition to your travel and living expenses in the host country.

Choose from the programs listed below. You can apply to two universities at most, per semester. Our university finder tool can help you identify the right program based on your choice of country, semester, school, major or program of study.
Once decided, schedule an appointment with the Office of International Students (OIS) in order to identify and discuss your compatibility with these programs.

To know which universities are available during the time of application make sure to select the semester and the program type on the below university finder tool. 

Step 4: Apply

1- Check Available Courses and Complete the Course Transfer Form

• Generate your degree evaluation record from Banner.
• From the record above, take note of or prepare a list of the courses you still need at LAU.
• Check out the course offerings of the program you are applying to.
• Try to identify courses that match your list.
• Fill out the Course Transfer Form accordingly (make sure to download the form in PDF fillable format as posted in this link).
• Seek the approval and signature of the concerned chairperson(s).
• Make sure to take with you the course descriptions to facilitate input from the departments.

While completing the course transfer form, keep in mind the below information:

European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) Conversion Formula

• 4 ECTS =3 LAU credits
• 4.5 ECTS =3 LAU credits
• 5 ECTS= 3 LAU Credits
• 5 ECTS is not transferred as 4 US credits
• 6 ECTS= 3 LAU credits
• 10 ECTS= 6 LAU credits (2 courses)

More Information

• Only passing credits may be transferred, and a passing grade abroad is equivalent to C and above for undergraduate students, and to B and above for graduate students. This rule excludes engineering, education, nutrition, and graduate level courses, whereby higher grades are required.
• Courses with Pass or Satisfactory grades are not transferable.
• Courses already completed at LAU may not be retaken at another institution and then transferred at LAU.
• Architecture students are required to submit their portfolio by hand to the department before the deadline.
• Engineering students are required to submit two separate course transfer forms. Please contact OIS for instructions.  

School Exchange Advisors Can Help You

• School of Arts & Sciences: Robin Taleb
• School of Architecture & Design: Roula El Khoury and Yasime Taan
• Adnan Kassar School of Business: Samar Aad Makhoul
• School of Engineering: Joe Tekli
• Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine: Carmel Bouclaous
• School of Pharmacy: Lamis Karaoui
• Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing: Bahia Abdallah

2 - Complete the Online Application Form and Submit Supporting Documents

1. Complete the Application form.
2. Upload the following required documents to your online application:
   • Student Advising/Course Transfer Form
   • Sponsorship letter

Application Deadline

• Summer: January 30
• Fall: February 20
• Spring: September 30

What Happens Next?

• Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit additional documents;
• You will receive the final selection result by email;
• Once you confirm your participation, we will nominate you to your host university;
• Pay the $500 study abroad deposit as instructed by OIS;
• Start your application at the host university;
• Attend the pre-departure orientation to be held by OIS (see Step 5).

Step 5: Attend the Pre-Departure Orientation

The Office conducts mandatory pre-departure orientation sessions every semester that cover the following topics:

• Forms to submit before you leave
  • Attestation and Commitment Form
  • Sponsorship letter
  • Health Form
• Registration
• VISA
• Housing
• Health Insurance/Medical Report

Study Abroad Checklist

These steps will guide you throughout the study abroad process.