International students who wish to study abroad in a third country during their undergraduate program should consult the Office of Study Abroad for program options and the transfer credit process. Note: Students who wish to take classes from a U.S. institution or from an institution within their home country would receive transfer credit via the Office of the Registrar.

Studying abroad as an international student also requires some extra consideration and paperwork to ensure compliance with all regulations. For F-1 students, it is important to note that there is a requirement for students to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester (fall and spring only) in order to maintain their legal status in the United States. Doing a study abroad while on an F-1 visa may impact your future work authorization, so we encourage you to speak to an OISS advisor before making any decisions.

Things to consider

Timing
Summer registration is not required for F-1 students, so this may be the perfect time to do a session abroad in a third country. Fall and spring semesters are also an option, but must be discussed with an OISS advisor to ensure that your F-1 visa status will be maintained. If you fail to maintain your F-1 visa status, you may have to get a new I-20, pay a new SEVIS fee, and you may jeopardize your CPT and OPT work authorization for when you return. Finally, study abroad during your final semester can impact your ability to apply for Post-Completion OPT even if you maintain your F-1 status, so consult with OISS in advance.

Type of Program
As an international student participating in a Rice University-approved study abroad program for a fall or spring semester, you will be enrolled at Rice as a full-time student and will be registered in 12 credit hours of "XCHG 100" or "AWAY 100" credit in order to legally maintain your F-1 status. If you have a valid visa in your passport, you would not need to go to another visa interview to re-enter the United States. Be aware of the date when U.S. visa in your passport expires. If it expires before you return to the U.S., you will need to apply for a visa renewal at a U.S. Consulate abroad.

Visa requirements
You are responsible for any visa requirements that may exist for entering a third country. Some countries have restrictions based on country of citizenship and/or your current visa status. It is important to check what specific regulations relate to your case based on your home country and your status in the United States. Also, be sure to have a valid travel signature on your I-20 so that you can re-enter the U.S. after you complete your study abroad.

Before you plan your study abroad program, please talk to OISS. It is your responsibility to understand the requirements of your particular circumstances for maintaining legal F-1 status. After having met with an OISS advisor, you may then schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor in the Office of International Programs (call 713-348-5836).