CU Boulder Programs vs. Non-Approved Programs
| CU Boulder Programs | Non-Approved Programs | |
| Advising | The study abroad advisors on campus are available from 9:00am-4:30pm M-F on a walk-in basis or on Zoom. | Students can call or email the program sponsor with questions. |
| Application Process | The application process is easy and convenient. Students can go over the application pieces with a study abroad advisor. | Students need to contact the program directly if they have questions about the application process. |
| Academic Credit | Students earn CU Boulder "in residence" credit; not transfer credit. Credits earned abroad can be applied to GenEd and/or major requirements with prior approval from your academic advisor. | Students may be able to earn transfer credit for a non-approved program but, there are no guarantees. See the Non-Approved Programs page for more information. |
| Financial Aid and Scholarships | Financial aid and CU Boulder scholarships can be applied to the program fee. Education Abroad scholarships are available for CU Boulder program participants. | No financial aid from CU Boulder can be used for non-approved programs. Students can contact the their program sponsor about scholarships. |
| On-site Support | Program on-site staff and university contacts are familiar with CU Boulder regulations & procedures. | On-site staff are not usually familiar with CU Boulder regulations & procedures which can make certain processes more challenging. |
| Pre-departure orientations in Boulder |
All CU Boulder programs will have a pre-departure orientation on campus before the start of the program. | Not available. |
| Program Alumni & Evaluations | Former student evaluations are available on the CU Education Abroad website. Program alumni also participate in pre-departure orientations and students can contact them directly with any questions. | Students need to contact the program directly to request evaluations and a list of program alumni. |
| Program Offerings | CU Education Abroad offers a wide variety of program sites and program models at costs that fit all budgets. We help match you with a good fit. | There is a wide variety of program sites and program models but it can be hard to sift through the thousands of programs in existence to find a good match. |
Last Updated August 2023