Student Athletes & Education Abroad

CU Boulder Education Abroad supports our student athletes! An increasing number of collegiate athletes are studying abroad and there are ways for you to make it happen. Learn about how you can be a student athlete and a Global Buff. This will take careful planning and additional considerations but is possible.

  • When is my athletic off-season, and how might studying abroad fit into that timeline?
  • What strategies can I use to stay in shape and maintain my skills while abroad?
  • Have I discussed my plans with my coach and athletic department to get their input and support?
  • Will my athletic scholarship or financial aid apply to my study abroad program?
  • What kind of training facilities or resources will I have access to in my host country?
  • Do I need to modify my training plan while abroad? If so, how?
  • Is there a program length (summer, semester, short-term) that works best for my schedule?

Many athletes are able to go abroad by participating in shorter programs during the summer, winter, or even during fall or spring semesters. Your coach can help you decide which time works best with your sport(s).

  • If a short-term program fits better for your schedule, Education Abroad offers many options, including Maymester, summer, and winter break.
  • Global Intensives are short-term faculty-led programs taught throughout the semester with a global experience built into them. This global experience may take place during fall or spring break, winter break, or in May.
  • You can go abroad after your NCAA eligibility ends, but before you graduate. For example, in the past, fall season athletes studied abroad the spring of their final year.

The key to a successful education abroad experience is early planning, with the approval of your coach and the help of your academic advisor(s), the Education Abroad office, and others. Reference the charts below for an idea of possible terms.

  • Join a local team or training facility, which provides a unique opportunity to engage in a local community.
  • Experience a new environment, which can enhance your training as well as improve your ability to react and adapt on and off the field.
  • Return with valuable experiences and skills that not only benefit you, but will also benefit your teammates.
  • Gain some perspective on planning for life after college.

If you plan to use your scholarship or financial aid to study abroad, consult with your Herbst Academic Coordinator and the Scholarship Coordinator in the Compliance Office about its applicability.

See the Finances Page for more information on scholarships for going abroad, using financial aid, and going abroad within your budget. 

 

Student Stories and Other Resources

Suggested Time to Go Abroad by Sport

Some of the times listed will only work if you are able to find sufficient facilities to train while you are abroad, consult early with your coach.

Women's Sports

Sport

Fall Sem

Winter Break

Spring Sem

Maymester

Summer*

Spring Senior Year

Basketball

 

 

 

 

Y

 

Cross Country

 

 

 

 

 

M

Golf

 

Y

 

 

M

 

Lacrosse

 

 

 

 

M

 

Skiing

M

 

 

 

Y

 

Soccer

 

M

 

 

Y

Y

Tennis

 

M

 

 

M

 

Track

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volleyball

 

M

 

 

Y

Y

Men's Sports

SportFall SemWinter BreakSpring Sem

Maymester

Summer*

Spring Senior Year

Basketball   

Y

M

 

Cross Country   

 

Y

M

Football   

Y

M

Y

Golf 

Y

 

 

Y

 

Skiing   

Y

M

 

Tennis   

M

Y

 

Track   

 

Y

 

Key

Y - Times generally work for students

M- Times that are less than optimal but might work after speaking w/ a Herbst Academic Coordinator

Blank - Times that most student athletes should not consider (except maybe during a redshirt year)

*For many sports summer suitability depends on length of program and which month(s). Consult with your Herbst Academic Coordinator and coach early when planning a study abroad experience.

 

Transcript Timelines

Transcript processing timelines vary by program. Prior to applying for your selected program & term, consult with your Ed Abroad Program Manager to ensure transcripts will be received in time to meet NCAA deadlines for next period/term of competition. A small percentage of study abroad programs will not meet the NCAA deadlines.

  Austria by Zack Herzer

Disclaimer: This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by the University of Colorado Boulder or Education Abroad. CU Boulder Education Abroad is not an agent for these organizations.