Academic Success Abroad

If you receive academic accommodations at Purdue, you will want to be sure that you explore your options for accommodations overseas. While most programs are very accommodating, specific accommodations may be unavailable in some locations or programs. If this is the case, the University will attempt to provide alternative accommodations whenever possible. Please feel free to be upfront about your needs with your study abroad advisor, program leader, and/or Access Consultant.

Students are responsible for requesting any reasonable accommodations required for any disability for their program and should do so within two weeks of acceptance of a program to ensure adequate time to arrange for and understand accommodation options on their program. 

In order to obtain accommodations while studying abroad, you must provide the University's Disability Resource Center (DRC) with appropriate documentation of disability. For more information, contact the DRC.

If you are participating on an exchange, co-sponsor, or direct-enroll program, these programs may have additional accommodation request procedures and deadlines to be aware of. 

Attend all pre-departure orientations. Take advantage of these sessions, particularly the regional orientation which will often give you an opportunity to meet Purdue students who have participated on the same program or to interact with students from that country. Pay attention to information provided to you, and ask questions to help you prepare!

It sounds simple, but it is one of the best things you can do to help ensure success. The level of academic support that exists at Purdue may not be the same around the world, so make it a policy to attend every class. On co-sponsored programs, there is often a strict attendance policy and missing too many classes will certainly impact your grade. On exchange programs, they may not take attendance at all - but this doesn't mean skipping class won't impact your grade. Miss class and you'll miss vital information - which may not be made available to you in other ways. It can be tempting to skip class and make long weekends for travel, but remember if you want to do well in your class that actually attending class should be your priority. 

There is less hand-holding, support, and reminders in universities overseas. If you are studying abroad, you may not have as many internal checks and supports to keep you on track - syllabi may be less detailed, less homework assignments, no reminders about due dates once given, etc...

You'll need to find ways to manage your time on your own and stay on top of things, especially with distractions such as fun weekend trips, sightseeing, and wanting to experience everything your new city has to offer. One of the most important things you can do for success is to find a balance between "work" and "play" early on, and not only once you realize you are starting to struggle.

Keep a detailed schedule, put things on the calendar, and set reminders if you need to. 

Ask professors and classmates what you need to do to be successful. In some countries, classes are often less structured, but the students know what is expected of them and are used to studying with less guidance. In others, classes are quite structured and students can be quite competitive. Local students fully understand the system and how to navigate it, so even if it seems they aren’t putting in the work, they’re probably studying more than you think. Several of your classes may include a reading list, be sure to read the materials on the list; it may not be optional and could show up on the exam.

Even on programs that appear similarly structured to Purdue, small things matter. Some programs may award points for attendance, or have penalties for missing class that can quickly affect your grade.

Make sure you know what the academic system is like at your host institution. Do not assume the grading system will be the same or that you can put in the same effort you did at Purdue to earn and still earn As and Bs. In many universities overseas, only a truly exceptional student earns top marks.

Try to connect with the degree-seeking students at the host university. They will likely know the ropes, shortcuts, and easiest and best ways to do things. In the process, you could even gain some new friends! If you’re attending a program at a study center, ask program staff or instructors for tips on how to do well.

Of course you will prepare for the exam, but the final exam may be weighted much more heavily in universities abroad than at Purdue, particularly on exchange programs. In some universities, the final can make up as much as 100% of your grade - which may change how you typically study for your finals.

Ask around to help ensure you know what to expect from the final - what are they typically like? What kind of questions might be asked? Are there practice exams or old exams you can obtain to get a feel for it?

There is no grade inflation or curving overseas. Don’t expect your usual A and B grades unless you put effort into your schoolwork. If your classmates seem content to simply pass, don’t be lulled by their casual attitude. If your classmates take their studies very seriously, you will have to do the same to hold your own. The effort you put in affects your performance in class. Many students may find it tempting to skip a day here or there to make a long weekend trip work, but this often has a negative impact on your grade and is frowned upon by professors.

Many former study abroad participants have thrived while studying abroad in different academic environments abroad. There’s no reason why the same thing won’t happen for you with a little thought and planning! 

Asking for help at the first signs of struggle -  not only when you realize you're in way over your head, will set you up for a successful term. Take some time at the beginning of the term to explore available resources, this will make it easier to utilize them later if you need them. 

Don't understand something on the syllabus? Ask! Having trouble following the course in another language? Talk with the professor about options. Share how hard you are trying and identify where you are struggling. If offered, utilize office hours, study groups, or ask around for what support is available.

If you're having trouble figuring out where to go, the study abroad or international student office is a great place to start - they're used to helping students navigate and can point out resources you may not have known existed. 

Whatever you do, don't struggle in silence - waiting until a week before the final exam is too late to get assistance that will really be of use, so ask early and often.