Direct Enroll Programs
Direct enroll programs are a mix between an exchange program and a provider program, and offer the best of both worlds. Like an exchange, students have the unparalleled academic opportunity to fully immerse in a local university while abroad, however, like a provider program, the university has created a specific program for international students that offers more programming, support, and often special classes unique for study abroad students.
While these programs are often geared towards students coming from U.S. and other international universities, you will still be immersed in the local university culture and have access to university classes and amenities, such as clubs and organizations, library services, and more. Students will also have the option to either live on campus, if available, or live independently in their host city. Housing will be arranged by and paid directly to the host university or external housing provider.
Outside of the classroom, there will be opportunities to take part in a greater level of programming, events and cultural activities organized by the international offices of the host university to help students gain a greater awareness and cultural understanding of their host city. Just like exchanges, though, you will have the opportunity to potentially meet students from your host university who are studying at GW prior to departure! This program type is truly the best of both worlds.
Lock in a spot for a fall semester abroad with Fall Early Decision and secure your nomination, additional scholarship benefits, and other fall semester perks in advance! Applications for Fall Early Decision open for select direct enroll programs each summer!
Program Options
- Semester in Amsterdam @ Vrije Universiteit
"Semester in Amsterdam" is the free mover study abroad program for students to attend Vrije Universiteit and receive a bit more additional support and programming than they would on Exchange.
Through Semester in Amsterdam, you can choose to follow a cohesive minor programme or create your own schedule of courses from the 1,100+ English-taught courses VU offers in eight different faculties. VU also offers a full schedule of social activities throughout the semester as well as on-site advising and support. All activities are free for Semester in Amsterdam students.
This social program could include but is not limited to cultural activities such as visits to the Anne Frank House or Mezrab House of Stories, group dinners and outings, as well as an excursion outside of Amsterdam (which is typically offered at an additional cost, but a portion is covered by VU).
- Semester in Auckland @ University of Auckland
Established in 1883, The University of Auckland (UoA) is the largest university in New Zealand. With over 41,000 students, it is New Zealand's top research university. Priding itself on academic success, the university also ranks within the top 100 universities in the world and has 18 subjects ranked in the top 50 in the world. The university has subjects and courses that may be new to you or not offered at GW, such as Māori Studies, Pacific Studies, Marine Science, etc.
- Semester in Bristol @ University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is one of the most popular and highly ranked universities in the UK, with a diverse community of nearly 30,000 students from more than 150 countries.
In Bristol, you will experience outstanding teaching shaped by cutting-edge research, and learn from academics at the forefront of their fields. Living and studying at the heart of Bristol, one of Europe’s most exciting, creative cities, you will find a world of opportunities right outside the lecture theatre.- Semester in Cambridge @ Pembroke College, University of Cambridge
Pembroke College, University of Cambridge, offers an academically rigorous program tailored to students who wish to follow a regular Cambridge degree course as fully matriculated members of the university.
- Semester in Florence @ Accademia Italiana
Accademia Italiana is an international institute of art, fashion and design welcoming students from all over the world and from every region in Italy. It is among the most highly qualified European institutes in the field of design, fashion, art, and professional training at the university level, providing students with unparalleled professional opportunities to advance in the fields of art and design.
Accademia Italiana’s study abroad programs offer U.S. university students the unique opportunity to share their academic experience with Italian and other international students who regularly attend the Accademia Italiana, where nearly 50% of the student body is Italian and the other 50% is international.
A well-rounded study abroad experience in Italy is not limited to academics. Students should also have the opportunity to explore their host country, to gain a better understanding of its culture and history. Accademia Italiana offers special trips and excursions to encourage our study abroad students to enjoy Italy’s justifiably famous artistic monuments and historic towns.
AI offers two overnight and two day trips in the fall and spring semester study abroad programs at no additional cost to students.
Accademia Italiana organizes the transportation, hotel accommodation and guides for these trips, which take students to both world-renowned destinations such as Pompeii, Rome and Venice and to lesser known towns in the Chianti region.
Courses for study abroad students are held in English, with the exception of some laboratory-based design classes which are taught in both Italian and English. Students do not need to know Italian to study at Accademia Italiana.
- Semester in London @ SOAS University of London
School for Oriental and African Studies, University of London, located in the heart of London, is one of the world's leading institutions specializing in the study of Africa, Asia, and the Near and Middle East.
- Semester in Prague - East and Central European Studies @ Charles University
Charles University was founded in 1348 and is the oldest university in Central Europe. Located in the historic city of Prague, Charles University enrolls more than 42,000 students in 270 academic disciplines.
GW students on the "Semester in Prague" program enroll in the East and Central European Studies (ECES) program offered through Charles University's Faculty of the Arts. ECES is an interdisciplinary program designed specifically for international undergraduate students, with courses taught in English. This program is particularly well-suited for students with an interest in East and Central Europe, Czech studies, history and culture.
ECES helps you feel like a local with their trips and activities as well. Learn more about the Charles student experience.
- Semester in Sydney - Spring Friendly @ University of Sydney
University of Sydney's Spring Friendly program is designed with business students in mind to enable them to study a full semester worth of USYD classes and get home by late May for their summer jobs and internships.
Students in the Spring Friendly program study 24 USYD credit points of study in total, with 6 USYD credit points chosen from the Summer session followed by 18 USYD credit points chosen from the Semester session. Units chosen in the Semester session may include up to 2 units of study with final exams in the Spring Friendly exam weekend.
Students have the opportunity to develop familiarity with Australian workplace culture while applying their academic learning in real workplace situations. By enrolling in our credit-bearing internship unit of study (ARTS2600), students can enhance their communication, cross-cultural and interpersonal skills, while gaining a competitive advantage in the graduate employment market.
- Year in London @ London School of Economics
London School of Economics and Political Science, with its world-wide academic reputation and an international student body, offers a full range of courses in the social, political, and economic fields.
- Year in Oxford @ Pembroke College, University of Oxford
Pembroke College, University of Oxford, one of about 40 residential colleges at the University of Oxford, offers vigorous and challenging study in the liberal arts through a small community of 400 students fully enrolled at the oldest university of the English speaking world.
- Year in Oxford @ St. Anne's College, University of Oxford
St. Anne's College, University of Oxford, one of about 40 residential colleges at the University of Oxford, offers challenging coursework in the liberal arts and stands out as a modern and informal college with a strong sense of academic purpose.
"I truly loved my time abroad! Not only did I love SOAS, but I loved London as a whole, it's such a lovely city with so much to do (literally always). I chose SOAS because of their dedication to educating people on Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, which are generally geographic parts of the world that aren't covered as often, and when they are, severely lack much regard for people and their experiences. Not only did SOAS provide me with a challenging academic environment, but it opened me up to a unique social environment, one where I was exposed to all kinds of people, cultures, backgrounds, and livelihoods. My experience abroad has definitely helped steer my professional interests to where I want it to be."
Udochi Esomonu
SOAS University of London
Political Science & Sociocultural Anthropology Major
