Skip to content

Non-Approved Programs


NOTE: Education Abroad does not decide if you’ll get credit for participating in a non-approved program, before or after you attend. Please contact your Academic Advisor or the Office of Admissions with any questions about credit.


Overview

Participating in a program that is not approved by CU Boulder comes with additional considerations. While we encourage you to go abroad, you must be aware of the major differences between approved and non-approved programs.
  1. Read and understand the info on this page
  2. Make an informed decision about choosing a non-approved program
  3. Register your non-approved program travel

If you choose to participate in a non-approved program, you opt out of all CU Boulder Education Abroad (EA) services. This means no advising on program selection, no access to federal, state, or institutional financial aid, no course pre-approval or academic advising, no in-residence credit, no emergency assistance, no CU-provided international health insurance, no support before departure or while abroad, and no graduation cords from our office. For more information, see CU Boulder Programs vs. Non-Approved Programs.

Academics and Course Approvals

Students in A&S and CMCI:
  1. Registering your program will provide you with forms to fill out to allow the Office of Admissions to evaluate whether they will accept a transcript from your non-approved program before you start your program. You cannot receive advising on what credit you will receive (major, CMCI Core, etc.) until you return to CU Boulder.
Students in ENVD, Engineering, Music, Business, Education, or the Graduate School:
  1. Registering your program will provide you with forms to fill out to obtain approval prior to your program. You can get advising on the transferability of credit to CU Boulder from your major advisor, your college advisor, and from the Admissions office before you attend your program.
  2. Obtaining course advising or pre-approvals does not imply program approval, oversight or responsibility on the part of Education Abroad or the University of Colorado.

Finances

You cannot use your federal, state, or institutional aid to pay for a non-approved program or any costs associated with going on the program. If you are looking for scholarships, you should contact your chosen study abroad program about options.

Many students choose non-approved programs abroad thinking they are cheaper, but this is often false. CU Education Abroad’s costs may appear higher because they cover all expenses such as airfare, books, meals, housing, visas, and personal costs, while non-approved program fees might only cover the program itself. Check the
programs cost page and compare what each fee includes, adding extra costs for an accurate comparison.

Health Insurance

If you choose to participate in a non-approved education abroad program, you will not be eligible to enroll in the CU Boulder Education Abroad insurance policy. We recommend you visit InsureMyTrip to research possible coverage options. Please understand these policies may not cover you while you are in your home country.

Health & Safety Considerations

If you choose to participate in a non-approved education abroad program, you will be ineligible for any of the health and safety resources and support that CU Boulder and Education Abroad provide. Research your program’s health and safety protocols and closely follow the resources it provides. Additionally, regularly monitor the following health and safety resources:

Education Abroad discourages students from participating in international travel where the CDC or U.S. State Department has restrictions/advisories against travel to specific countries or regions.

Applying to a Non-Approved Program

You are required to apply directly through the program sponsor, not through the CU Boulder Education Abroad office. However, you must register your program with our office using the green button on this page. This registration is mandatory for us to report essential statistics on all CU Boulder students studying abroad. Failure to comply will hinder your access to the step-by-step guidance necessary for having courses from your non-approved program evaluated for transfer credit. Registering your program does not imply program approval, oversight or responsibility on the part of Education Abroad or the University of Colorado.

Register your non-approved program travel

Why are some programs non-approved?

CU Boulder Education Abroad (EA) offers a carefully selected list of over 400 approved programs. To ensure high-quality advising and meet standards set by the Forum on Education Abroad, EA limits its options and regularly evaluates each program’s academics, services, and safety. The approved programs provide a variety of courses, costs, scholarships, and experiences. New programs may be added if gaps are identified, but this process takes 1–2 years for proper vetting and contract approval. EA does not accept ad-hoc requests for program approval.

Assessing a Non-Approved Program

Finding a quality education abroad program can be difficult since there’s no official rating system beyond student reviews. It’s important you evaluate which program best fits your needs. Talk to campus experts, past participants, and others familiar with the program. Ask the program sponsor key questions such as:

  • Is the program accredited and who issues transcripts?
  • How many students and staff support the program?
  • What is included in the program fee and refund policy?
  • What courses and housing options are available?
  • Does the program provide orientation and ensure student safety?

Last Updated May 2025