Exchange and Study Abroad | International Services and Programs Office (ISP)

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.
Note: Architecture students need to have completed Design VII to be able to apply.

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 above. You can apply to two universities at most, per semester. Our Publisher tool can help you identify the right program based on your choice of country, semester, school, or program of study.
Once decided, schedule an appointment with the International Services and Programs Office (ISP) 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 visit the following Publisher tool.

Step 4: Apply

1- Check Available Courses and Complete the Course Transfer Form on EDMS

Generate your degree evaluation record from Banner.
From the record above, take note of or prepare a list of the courses you still need to take at LAU.
Check out the course offerings of the program you are applying to at the host university of your choice.
Try to identify courses at the host university that match your list.
Fill out a digital Course Transfer Form on EDMS. This form shall include all the courses you intend to take at the host university. Upon submission, the form will be transferred to the respective chairperson(s) for approval.
Fill out the following Mobility Course Form based on the EDMS approved courses.
Upload the filled Learning agreement on your online application.

Note: The Course Transfer Form should be submitted before the application deadline.

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 ISP for instructions.

School Exchange Advisors Can Help You

School of Arts & Sciences: Pia Tohme and Nadine Zeeni
School of Architecture & Design: Roula El Khoury and Yasime Taan
Adnan Kassar School of Business: Samar Aad Makhoul
School of Engineering: Dani Tannir
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

Complete the Application form.
Upload the following required documents to your online application:
- Mobility Course Form
- Sponsorship Letter

Application Deadline

Summer: January 15
Fall: February 15
Spring: September 26

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;
Start your application at the host university;
Attend the pre-departure orientation to be held by ISP (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
Registration
VISA
Housing
Health Insurance/Medical Report

Study Abroad Checklist

These steps will guide you throughout the study abroad process.

At least six months before traveling	Discuss your plans with instructors, advisor, family, and friends. Contact the International office on your campus. Choose the program of your interest. Check eligibility requirements of the program you are interested in. Assess the cost entailed for such an adventure. Try to get in touch with students who already studied abroad. Apply.
Just before traveling	Schedule a meeting with your advisor to discuss any final concerns about your courses. Submit the Course Transfer Form to ISP before you travel. Apply for a worldwide credit card. Research the culture of the country you are going to and read about “culture shock”. Check whether any of your hobbies can be found in the host university or area you are going to. Have a general medical checkup to obtain a medical report if required. Prepare an emergency medical kit. Make sure you buy valid medical insurance for your stay abroad. Make multiple copies of all important documents. Make sure you have the contact information of all people you might need to contact while you are away. Exchange currency for local cash. Start packing based on climate conditions in the host country. Things that you may want to consider: power adapter (if needed)/voltage converter, hair dryer, electric razor, etc. Make sure you have the address you will be staying in. Pack your carry-on bag: passport, airline ticket, emergency contact info, address and numbers of destination contacts, one change of clothes if needed, toothbrush if needed, wallet, local cash, credit cards, and documents. Do not carry any liquids or sharp utensils.
Upon arriving to your destination country	Call your family and loved ones to let them know you arrived safely. Email us at the ISP to confirm your arrival. Attend orientation and any other events organized by the host university. Check in with the international office at the host university. Get to know your surroundings. Make sure to take proper safety measures, such as avoiding use of large money notes at street kiosks while at the same time keeping your calm and composure. Avoid making any insulting comments as you get to meet people from different cultures.
Preparing for your return back home	Contact the International Office at the host university and confirm that they will provide ISP at LAU with a letter-graded transcript. Make sure you provide ISP with the final, signed Course Transfer Form. Save the contact information of the people you met there. It is important to keep in touch with them. Check the registration dates for your next semester back at LAU and prepare for the transition of going back home.
After returning back home	Share your experience with others. It is now your turn to offer valuable, real-life advice! Contact the International Services & Programs Office at LAU and provide information about your experience. Volunteer with the ISP Buddy Program to help others in their study abroad experiences.