How do American University study abroad programs work for undergraduate students?

At American University, undergraduates can study abroad through a few main routes, and the system is pretty flexible. Most students go through AU Abroad, which is the university’s central office for study abroad.

Faculty-led programs are usually shorter, often in the summer or during a specific term, and they are run by AU faculty. Exchange programs involve studying at a partner university abroad, and these are often a strong option if you want a more traditional semester or year experience.

One thing that makes AU appealing is that study abroad is fairly built into the undergraduate experience, especially for students interested in international affairs, language study, public health, business, and similar fields. The school has a strong international focus.

In practice, students usually work with AU Abroad and their academic advisor to choose a program that fits their major and graduation plan. That matters because credit transfer, course approvals, and timing can vary by department.