Study Abroad / Away Policies
Thank you for your patience as we consolidate our policies on this site.
The complete list of policies are listed in the Study Abroad Handbook.
- For Trinity sponsored programs, a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required.
- A minimum GPA of 2.3 is required for Trinity approved programs with providers.
- FY students on Trinity's FYE: Inventing Mexico program are exempt from the 2.0 GPA requirement.
- Students must be in good academic standing.
- Students may not be on disciplinary probation or have been suspended for conduct related issues. Students will be verified by the Dean of Students Office.
- Attendance to all Pre-departure meetings/ orientations are required.
- Students may not be on temporary withdrawal from Trinity prior to their term abroad.
- Courses may have prerequisites.
- Students must have in their possession a valid Passport. Acceptance to a Trinity study abroad program requires students upload a clear, color scan of their Passport.
- Students must be at least 18 years of age at the time of departure.
- Semester study abroad/away is prohibited for FY students.
- Final approval to study abroad is granted by the Trinity Study Abroad Office for summer/semester study with providers/ exchange partners.
- Final approval to study abroad on a Trinity sponsored program is granted by the program leader and the Trinity Study Abroad Office.
Approved Study Abroad/Away Programs
Trinity Study Abroad has an Approved Programs List for semester study. Approval to participate is granted on a student-by-student basis for an Approved Program and is not guaranteed. Students who wish to make an appeal for a program that is not on the Approved List should contact the Assistant Director for Study Abroad to learn more about the appeals process and restrictions. Trinity Study Abroad has a select list of approved summer programs available for students. Students who elect to study abroad on a short-term program that is not approved by Trinity University may petition to transfer any academic credits in accordance with the transfer credit policy. If granted, upon your return you may petition to transfer appropriate credit to Trinity. Students who participate in a non-approved program may not use institutional financial aid to meet program costs.
TU Study Abroad Standards
- TU Study Abroad programs will follow the posted University Standards for Students section of the Alcohol Policy, with the noted exceptions:
- TU Study Abroad program leaders have the sole discretion in permitting/ prohibiting alcohol consumption at any time and under any circumstance.
- Where permitted by local law and customs, students who are of legal drinking age may consume beer, wine, and champagne as stated in the Alcohol Policy.
- Hard alcohol (defined as a distilled beverage with a high alcohol content, such as brandy, whiskey, or vodka) possession and/or consumption on program sponsored activities and in program housing is prohibited.
- TU Study Abroad program housing (apartments, dorms, hostels, hotels, residence halls, field stations, host families, etc.) are considered Trinity property/ housing and will follow the alcohol policies outlined in the University Standards for Students section of the Alcohol Policy.
Regulations for University-authorized Use of Alcohol
- In instances where Trinity University directly sponsors a program/event abroad, beer, wine, champagne may be purchased/provided by the Trinity program leaders (two drinks or maximum 1 liter, whichever comes first, per person) only if purchased and consumed in a dining establishment.
- Program leaders may permit students to receive alcoholic beverages at receptions or other cultural events from local hosts that are legal and culturally appropriate as long as students act responsibly.
Trinity Study Abroad Housing Policy
(This policy applies to Trinity sponsored programs)
Trinity University is committed to supporting all students and providing an inclusive living environment for students while abroad. It is a priority for every student to feel welcomed and included on their study abroad program. The Trinity Study Abroad Housing Policy is so that students and program leaders know their rights and responsibilities while on a sponsored Trinity program.
Trinity Study Abroad program housing (apartments, dorms, hostels, hotels, residence halls, field stations, host families, etc.) are considered “upper class residence halls.” The following provisions apply to all Trinity Study Abroad programs.
- Students participating on a Trinity Study Abroad program are required to digitally sign the "Study Abroad Housing Agreement" on their program application in the TU International Portal. The agreement contains the following items:
- Students shall conduct themselves in a mature manner.
- Students are responsible for room damages.
- Students are required to return their "Study Abroad Move-In Move-Out Checklist" within 24 hours after arriving.
- Students should refrain from excessive noise.
- All housing is tobacco-free.
- The Gender Neutral Housing Policy (GNHP) allows students to select a roommate based upon compatibility, without the current constraints of only having access to select roommates of the same assigned sex. Trinity’s GNHP is available for all sophomore, junior, and senior students to support the university’s anti-harassment policy regarding housing assignments, and to respect the diversity within gender, sex, and sexuality. Trinity University rejects the use of assigned sex or gender as the default method of assigning housing.
- Program leaders will contact students with their housing preference and will do their best to match students. It is the students’ responsibility to contact their program leader prior to departure to request room changes. Requests onsite may not be permitted.
- Due to local laws and polices set by our overseas partners, mixed sex housing may not be permitted.
- Trinity program leaders may enter a room for inspection without advanced notice and with or without the students begin present.
- Guests (Trinity/non-Trinity) who are not affiliated with the Students program are not permitted in University housing under any circumstance.
- Students may be re-housed for health and safety concerns.
Trinity Study Abroad Attendance Policy
(This policy applies to Trinity sponsored programs)
Class attendance is mandatory. Due to the very intense and fast-moving nature of Trinity Study Abroad programs, NO unexcused absence is permitted. An excused absence for medical reasons is permitted with a doctor’s note. Students may contact their program faculty for other legitimate reasons. Unexcused absence may result in a course letter grade deduction or removal from the program.
Timely arrival to class is required; repeated tardiness will have an effect on your grade.
This strict attendance policy is justified for a program of the intensity, brevity, accreditation, reputation, and academic integrity of Trinity University. We have recognized the attraction of travel opportunities on our programs by scheduling free periods for students. In return, we require that students attend classes.
This class attendance policy includes, but is not limited to: class sessions, lectures, meetings, activities, field trips, events, dinners, and overnight travel.
For a full attendance policy, please refer to your course syllabus, which will be distributed on the first day of class or prior to arrival in country.
Trinity Study Abroad Cell Phone Policy
(This policy applies to Trinity sponsored programs)
All Trinity students, faculty, and Staff on Trinity programs are required to have a cell phone that functions in the host country. It is the responsibility of each program participant to acquire, either in the host country, United States, or in their home country, a cell phone for safety purposes. Trinity’s Study Abroad Office will provide information regarding cell phone/ SIM card options in your pre-departure materials. Once at the program destination, participants will be provided with detailed information on how to obtain a SIM card and/or phone. Cell phones must be activated and connected to a cellular network (either local or roaming). Participants cannot rely solely on wi-fi access to receive calls, send SMS messages, or access data. Cell phones must be charged, turned on at all times and carried continuously throughout your time abroad. The cost of the SIM card is included in your program cost. Program leaders have the sole discretion in permitting/ prohibiting the use of phones and other electronic devices at any time and under any circumstance.
Select Trinity Study Abroad courses/ programs do not require students to have a working cell phone while abroad. A notification will be listed on the program’s website.