Study Abroad

So You Want to Study Abroad...

Why Study Abroad?

It's Relevant...

No matter what field you're in, the chance to add a global context to your studies is invaluable to employers in an ever-globalizing market.

It's Life-Changing...

Whether for a week or a month, an opportunity to experience another culture will alter how you view your own. Going abroad expands your understanding and interest in the world around you.

It Makes a Difference...

Apply your skills in a way that makes a difference for a community that may not have access to reliable healthcare, technology, or other infrastructures and get credit for it at the same time.

Are you excited to study abroad? You should schedule an appointment with the Office of Academic Affairs to discuss your plans to study abroad. If you choose to utilize a third-party provider or work directly with an institution abroad, OIESP may be required to approve your application. To receive this approval, you must meet with OIESP to assess your current academic standing and readiness to study abroad. Please get in touch with Abbey Jones, Associate Director for Specialty Programs, at studyabroad@nvcc.edu.

NOVA Opportunities Abroad

Flag of South Korea

Program Overview

This program is a collaboration between NOVA and George Mason University’s international branch campus in Incheon, South Korea. Students will live and study on the Mason Korea campus, taking two courses (one in business and one in economics) that will transfer directly back to NOVA.

Courses will be taught by Mason Korea faculty, and students will learn alongside Korean and international students. The program includes cultural excursions and lessons in South Korean history, art, and cooking to enrich the experience. Students will also have networking opportunities on and off campus with international faculty and community members.

While the program is designed for Business Administration majors, any student meeting the eligibility criteria, including completion of the BUS 100 prerequisite, is encouraged to apply.

Program Dates

  • Program Duration: June 20 – July 31, 2024
  • Travel Dates (DC to South Korea): June 20 – 21
  • Course Dates: June 24 – July 29
  • Return to the United States: July 30 – 31

Note: Dates are subject to change based on housing availability.

Academics

  • BUS 280: International Business (3 credits)
  • ECO 201: Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credits)

Prerequisite: BUS 100 or departmental approval

Questions?

Abbey Jones
studyabroad@nvcc.edu

Office of Academic Affairs
Annandale Campus, Brault (CH) Building
4001 Wakefield Chapel Road
Annandale, VA 22003
703.425.0795

Flag of the Czech Republic

Program Overview

This immersive filmmaking experience, hosted by NOVA in collaboration with George Mason University, takes place in the beautiful Czech Republic. Students can choose between two tracks: Live-Action or Animation, both offering practical training, professional instruction, and cultural enrichment.

The Live-Action Track involves collaboration with Czech students (crew) and Slovakian students (talent) to produce music videos featuring Eurovision band finalist Lake Malawi. The Animation Track includes specialized training at Sladovna—Central Europe’s largest interactive animation center.

Students will attend master classes taught by industry professionals, including Academy Award-winning or nominated instructors, gaining both theoretical knowledge and hands-on production experience. Additional cultural excursions, tours, and events will enhance students’ understanding of Czech history, art, and traditions.

Program Dates

  • Program Duration: May 28 – June 26, 2025
  • Travel Date (US to Czech Republic): Tuesday, May 27 – overnight flight arriving May 28
  • Course Schedule:
    • May 16–26: In-person or Zoom instruction at NOVA
    • May 28–June 25: In-person instruction in the Czech Republic
  • Return to the US: Thursday, June 26, 2025

Academics

Live-Action Track
  • ART 208: Video Techniques (3 credits)
  • CST 250: The Art of the Film (3 credits)

Prerequisite: ART 160 or departmental approval

Animation Track
  • ART 150: History of Film and Animation (3 credits)
  • ART 203: Video Techniques (3 credits)

Prerequisites: ART 121 and ART 140 or departmental approval

Questions?

Abbey Jones
studyabroad@nvcc.edu

Office of Academic Affairs
Annandale Campus, Brault (CH) Building
4001 Wakefield Chapel Road
Annandale, VA 22003
703.425.0795

Flag of Spain

Application Deadline: February 15, 2025

Submit Application Here

Program Overview

Experience language immersion in the vibrant city of Salamanca, Spain! Students will live and study in Salamanca while taking SPA 102 or SPA 201, which count toward NOVA's A.A. degrees and fulfill humanities electives for A.S. or General Studies programs.

Residential NOVA faculty will teach the courses, complemented by cultural excursions to explore Spanish history, art, architecture, dancing, and cooking. Students will also enjoy a walking tour of Madrid, Spain’s capital, and a day trip to the historic city of Segovia.

The program is open to all students who meet the prerequisites for SPA 102 or SPA 201. Explore Spanish culture, enhance your language skills, and join Salamanca’s tradition of searching for the university's legendary carved frog—an experience said to bring a year of good luck!

Program Dates

  • Program Dates: May 29 – June 14, 2025
  • Departure from the US: Evening of May 28, 2025
  • Arrival in Madrid, Spain: May 29, 2025
  • Return to the US: June 14, 2025

Academics

  • SPA 102: Beginning Spanish II (4 credits)
  • SPA 201: Intermediate Spanish I (3 credits)
  • Prerequisites: SPA 102 requires SPA 101; SPA 201 requires SPA 102 or SPA 115; or departmental approval.

Questions?

Abbey Jones
studyabroad@nvcc.edu

Office of Academic Affairs
Annandale Campus, Brault (CH) Building
4001 Wakefield Chapel Road
Annandale, VA 22003
703.425.0795

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External Resources

You may wish to pursue Independent Study Abroad Opportunities. While NOVA does not make program recommendations or endorsements, the following directories may help you in your search:

Speak with your intended transfer institutions to research their study-abroad options. This is not an all-inclusive list, and you should plan to spend significant time researching institutions abroad that align with your academic, personal, and professional goals.

Schedule an advising session with the Study Abroad Office before you get started. You will need to complete a course equivalency form, which requires a syllabus for each class you intend to take abroad. Please note: Transferability of credits is not guaranteed.

Critical Language Scholarship
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a summer study abroad opportunity for American college and university students to learn languages essential to America's engagement with the world.

Boren Scholarships and Fellowships
Provide unique funding opportunities for US undergraduate and graduate students to add an important international and language component to their educations. They focus on geographic areas, languages, and fields of study that are critical to US national security, broadly defined and underrepresented in study abroad.

Freeman Scholarship
Accept applications from US citizens or permanent residents studying at the undergraduate level at a two-year or four-year college or university who demonstrate financial need to study abroad in East or Southeast Asia.

Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship
The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) invests in promising students with financial need who wish to study abroad. Potential applicants who meet our eligibility requirements may participate in any international education program that meets their academic objectives. Scholarships range from $1,250 – $10,000

Explore the World Travel Scholarship
Hostelling International USA is offering recipients $2,000 to help finance their international trip that includes an educational or service component. Must be a Pell grant recipient in the DC metro area. US citizen or permanent resident.

International Scholarships
A comprehensive financial aid, college scholarship, and international scholarship resource for students wishing to study abroad. Provide a comprehensive listing of grants, scholarships, loan programs, and other information to assist college and university students in their pursuit to study abroad.

Scott's Cheap Flights Study Abroad Scholarship
The Scott's Cheap Flights Study Abroad $1,000 Scholarship is open to any citizen and/or resident of the United States (and its territories and possessions) who will be enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher learning.

Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship
A fully funded leadership seminar in an overseas location for outstanding students from Minority Serving Institutions. All qualified applicants will receive an additional $1500 scholarship to study abroad this summer, even if they're not selected as a Global Fellow. To be eligible, you must be a first or second-year student with evidence of financial need and a minimum GPA of 3.0.

US Intern Abroad Armenia Scholarships
Offers undergraduate exposure to the global workplace through eight-week summer internships in Armenia. Students gain valuable insight and experience into the tourism/ecotourism sector and economic development in Armenia while developing the professional and intercultural skills demanded by today's market. Internships are conducted in English, with placements available in nature conservation, preservation of wildlife, agribusiness research, cultural heritage, and environmental education.

US Intern Abroad Russia Scholarships
American Councils is pleased to announce that the Business, Technology, and Innovation (BTI) Scholarship offers travel, lodging, and tuition support for U.S. students participating in an American Councils' summer internship program in Moscow. Undergraduates interested in business, innovation, or STEM fields are eligible to apply for scholarships of $3,000-5,000. Awards are made based on financial need, compatibility, and academic merit. No prior study of Russian is required.

If you are hoping to use financial aid for study abroad expenses, you will need to visit a NOVA financial aid adviser to discuss the specifics of your aid package.

For summer study abroad programs, consider these additional expenses when you are planning your academic year fund distribution or apply for a Summer Pell Grant. Students who have used 100% of their academic year Pell could get another term if enrolled at least half-time in eligible courses.

To apply for federal financial aid to study abroad, the courses must be required as part of the student's program of study. A financial aid adviser must approve specific eligibility.

529 accounts can typically be used to pay for expenses related to study abroad, which include; tuition, fees, books, room, and board but usually not airfare. Check with your 529 plan administrator to confirm specific study abroad program coverage.

Veteran students, just like any other student, can benefit greatly from a study abroad experience. Many veterans use their GI Bill® benefits to help fund their credit-bearing study abroad experience. If you are interested in using your VA benefits to assist in the payment of your Study Abroad program, please review the VA Study Abroad Guidelines and connect with NOVA's Military and Veteran Services Office.