Study Abroad Withdrawal Policy

Enrolling in a global experience means committing not only to an exciting educational opportunity, but also a significant investment of money. It’s important to understand what happens if you can no longer participate for any reason.

Policies regarding withdrawing from a Study Abroad or Study Away program exist in parallel with Suffolk University’s course withdrawal policy. When you commit to participate in a Study Abroad or Study Away program, arrangements—and in some cases financial payments—are made on your behalf.

When you are accepted to participate in a Study Abroad program, you’ll have ten days to commit to your program. You will confirm your intention to participate by:

  1. Providing your online electronic signature for the Commitment Status Explanation
  2. Providing your online electronic signature for the Commitment Status - Withdrawal Policy
  3. Providing your online electronic signature for the Participation Agreement
  4. Changing your application status to Committed by clicking “commit”

If you decide to withdraw from a Study Abroad or Study Away program after you commit to the program, you may incur significant fees apart from the University’s course withdrawal fees.

Withdrawal Policy by Program Type

Once you completed the steps to officially commit, your commitment status carries financial responsibility after:

  • June 1 for programs starting in fall semester
  • Nov 15 for programs starting in spring semester
  • April 15 for programs starting in summer term

If you withdraw or are dismissed* prior to the listed date for your program term, there are no financial penalties.
If you withdraw or are dismissed* after the listed date for our program, you will be held to the Study Abroad withdrawal penalties.

You must officially indicate your withdrawal in one of two ways:

  • If you have not yet committed to your program, you can click the “decline” button in your Study Abroad application
  • If you have already committed to your program, you must email the Study Abroad Office to inform us of your intent to withdraw

A phone call or in-person conversation is not sufficient, you must still officially indicate your intent to withdraw.

If you withdraw after the listed date but before the start of your semester abroad, your commitment status carries financial responsibility and you will be charged $500.
If you withdraw from your Study Abroad program after your semester abroad begins, you will be charged $500, plus any additional fees from your host institution.

*Dismissal for study abroad can be due to financial holds, failed judiciary check, incomplete courses, or GPA falling below the requirement.

In planning Academic Travel Seminars, Suffolk University is contractually obligated to begin making payments to vendors and partners for student participants before the start date of the program. The withdrawal penalties cover these non-refundable expenses and are based on the withdrawal timeline. 

Withdrawal or dismissal* date CIESA late withdrawal penalty
76 days or more before program travel start date $0
60-75 days before program travel start date $250
30-59 days before program travel start date $500
15-29 days before program travel start date $750
1-14 days before program travel start date $1000
On or after program travel start date Full program cost

You must officially indicate your withdrawal in one of two ways:

  • If you have not yet committed to your program, you can click the “decline” button in your Study Abroad application
  • If you have already committed to your program, you must email the Study Abroad Office to inform us of your intent to withdraw

A phone call or in-person conversation is not sufficient, you must still officially indicate your intent to withdraw.

*Dismissal for study abroad can be due to financial holds, failed judiciary check, incomplete courses, or GPA falling below the requirement.