Overseas Study

The Inter-University Programs in Chinese and Japanese Language are very well regarded, intensive language programs. Students who complete these programs typically emerge with high proficiency levels, preparing them to conduct detailed research or seek employment in the language of study.

If you are thinking about applying, you should first discuss your plans with the EALC faculty coordinators listed below.   Applications to the Inter-University Programs must be made in the fall of the year prior to enrollment. Students apply directly to the program and are encouraged to seek external funding options to help finance their participation. The listings on our Funding Opportunities page may help with this search.

Students in these programs can register for IU overseas study credit, which can usually be transferred to graduate credit after the program is completed. EALC encourages you to register for the overseas studies credit, because it will keep you in good standing in terms of student loans, IU computer accounts, etc. You should contact the IU Office of Overseas Study for permission to register for overseas study credits.

Inter-University Program (IUP) Tsinghua University, Beijing PRC

Academic year and summer programs available.
Information and application: http://ieas.berkeley.edu/iup/
Contact Yingling Bao for more information.

Inter-University Center (IUC), Yokohama, Japan

Academic year and summer programs available.
Information and application: www.stanford.edu/dept/IUC or www.iucjapan.org

Through the Office of the Vice President for International Affairs (OVPIA), IU maintains exchange agreements with a few overseas universities, and students with advanced language skills are encouraged to apply for these programs. If students are accepted, the host university will cover most or all costs associated with study, and room-and-board and travel stipends are available from IU.  Applications are made though the Overseas Study Office.  

In most cases, these exchange programs will not result in IU graduate credit, but in some cases, certain degree requirements can be waived when the program is completed successfully.  EALC graduate students should contact the EALC DGS (Director of Graduate Studies) for more information before and after their program.

There are many study abroad opportunities available that are not directly associated with IU, and students are encouraged to research other options. You should talk to your advisor, the DGS (Director of Graduate Studies), and fellow students to get ideas for programs that might be appropriate. You should also look into outside funding sources.

In most cases, completing a term of study at a non-IU-affiliated school will not result in graduate credit. However, if participants can produce documentation of their studies, certain degree requirements can be waived in some cases. You should talk to your advisor and the DGS about this possibility both before and after the program. 

In consultation with their advisors, many students choose to live abroad for some time while researching and writing their theses or dissertations.

EALC encourages you to look into funding options for living and researching overseas. One option for PhD students is Fulbright fellowships, which pay living expenses while students are abroad. Graduate students can access Fulbright Award webpage for more information on the Fulbright program.