Global Summer Studies

Is Global Summer Studies right for me?

If you are a RISD or Brown University student with a GPA of 2.5 and up, you are eligible to apply. If you are a college student currently enrolled at another art/design college or institution around the world, you are eligible too! This 3-credit studio model is well suited for a wide variety of emerging artists, designers, and architects. Course topics and activities are based on faculty proposals and change annually, so there will always be something new and of interest to you! You can explore past courses in our programs database to get a feel for the type of courses we offer. Learn more – Apply to Global Summer Studies.

What credits do Global Summer Studies offer?

RISD Global Summer Studies offer 3 RISD academic credits. Credits are typically assigned from the leading faculty’s academic department. RISD Global Summer Studies comply with RISD’s class attendance policy.

Who teaches Global Summer Studies?

When you take a Global Summer Studies course you can be sure that your instructor will be a RISD faculty member and that your course will offer RISD credits. You can search our program database to see who has led Global Summer Studies in the past.

Do I need to be fluent in English to attend?

Yes, English fluency is required. All RISD coursework is delivered in English.

I'm not a RISD student but I'm enrolled in another university/ college. How will I transfer my credits?

You may order an official RISD transcript at the end of Global Summer Studies which will detail your RISD course and credit information. Your home institution may use this to transfer your RISD credits, at their discretion.

I'm a RISD student, is there any eligibility requirement for me?

All RISD students enrolled in RISD and other full degree schools/universities are required to remain in good academic standing in order to participate in Global Summer Studies. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for all RISD students. Failure to remain in good academic standing can lead to removal from the course, either before or during the course.

How much do Global Summer Studies cost?

The course fee for Global Summer Studies typically costs $4000 to $7000. A $500 non-refundable deposit is required in order to reserve your seat in the course. Once you pay your non-refundable deposit with your debit/credit card, you will receive, within a few days, an email from RISD Global with your acceptance and a payment link for your course balance.

The deadline to apply for Global Summer Studies has now passed.

What is the deposit for?

Our Global Summer Studies require a $500 non-refundable deposit as an advance on the cost of the class to reserve your space. The deposit will be credited towards your total course fee and you will have some additional time to pay your balance. Payment in full is due by April 1, 2025.

The deadline to apply for Global Summer Studies has now passed.

Is the deposit refundable?

No. The deposit is not refundable unless the course is canceled by RISD for low enrollment.

Will I be refunded if a course is canceled?

If a Global Summer Studies course is canceled* by the time the application closes the $500 deposit, as well as the balance (if already charged), will be fully refunded to all students who have submitted payment.

*RISD Global is committed to doing everything possible to ensure these programs can take place, but please note RISD continues to monitor and work with ever-changing travel regulations and COVID protocols. We will keep the community informed if significant changes or alerts come up.

SFS Balance Payment Policy

Per Student Financial Services policy, RISD students who plan to register for these studios must first pay their student account balance in full.

Are scholarships available for Summer 2025?

RISD Global partners with Student Financial Services and Institutional Engagement as well as the Office of Social Equity and Inclusion to offer limited need-based global scholarships. Only RISD students (including Brown | RISD Dual Degree students) are eligible to apply. Learn more – Scholarships.

Are other funding opportunities available?

Finding funding for global learning experiences can seem daunting, but persistence pays off! Explore this proven list of trusted sources for external scholarship funding for global programs, beyond the scope of RISD’s Global Scholarship Funding.

How do I apply?

Courses are first-come, first-serve. Learn more – Apply to Global Summer Studies.

Off-Campus Programs Policy

As per RISD's Off-Campus Programs policy, all Global Summer Studies students enrolled at RISD must remain in good standing, in terms of conduct and finances, up until and throughout your summer course. Failure to remain in good academic standing can lead to removal from the course, either before or during the course.

Where do Global Summer Studies take place?

Global Summer Studies occur in a variety of destinations in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania, Europe, and the Middle East. You can explore past courses in our programs database.

How is housing different? What should I expect?

Student housing varies around the world and on our programs. Make sure you read your program page carefully to determine if the housing situation will match your comfort level. Typically accommodation is in hotels or dorm-style (or equivalent) and booked in double rooms, but can also include tents and camping, or pods in Tokyo, among many other variations.

Can I find my own accommodation and not pay part of the program fee?

No, mandatory group accommodation is included in all Global Summer Studies courses. For health and safety reasons we require that you reside with the group. You are not permitted to find alternative accommodation at any stage during the course.

Can I get a single room?

Requesting a single may be possible in some venues, but is not guaranteed, and in such cases, you will be directly responsible for the difference in the total accommodation fee. If you anticipate needing a single to comply with a formal disability accommodation, please get in touch with Disability Student Services well in advance of your global learning program to see if this is possible.

Can I request a roommate?

Yes, in most cases you can. If you do request a roommate, make sure that your potential roommate requests you as well!

Will there be a group airline reservation?

Usually, no. We realize many students have different departure points and post-trip destinations, so traveling with the group to and from the course location is typically not compulsory. We simply require that you arrange your schedule to be at a prearranged meeting point on the first day and remain with the group until the final day. You will be asked to provide your flight schedule details to RISD Global so we know when to expect you.

In special cases when group flights to and from the course location are included in the course fee, this will be noted on the program page.

Do I need a passport?

Yes, participation in Global Summer Studies requires a valid passport that should not expire within 6 months of the return date from your course. Additional requirements may apply.

• U.S. citizens: Check the Department of State website for application/renewal guidance.
• Citizens of all other countries: Check your embassy/consulate’s website for renewal guidance. If you have an I-20 form, you must also ensure that you get it signed for travel by a member of the International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA) before departing the United States. If you are a Permanent Resident you should carry your green card together with your passport.

If you determine that your passport is not valid prior to travel, contact RISD Global immediately!

Do I need a visa?

This depends on your citizenship and the countries to which you are traveling to and through. Check your destination country’s embassy/consulate website for visa application guidance. You are responsible for maintaining their own legal status and applying for your visa (if applicable). Upon request, RISD Global will provide you with an enrollment letter in support of the visa application.

Do I need health insurance?

Yes, travel health insurance offered by RISD Global’s preferred provider is included in your course fee. This is supplementary coverage meant to complement, not replace, your standard health insurance coverage.

I am an international student. What should I think about prior to travel?

Be mindful that you may need a visa to visit the course location. Check the country’s consulate/ embassy website for visa application guidance. RISD Global can assist, upon request.

If you have an I-20 form, you must also ensure that you get it signed for travel by a member of the International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA) before departing the United States. If you are a Permanent Resident you should carry your green card together with your passport. For further support, don’t hesitate to reach out to the International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA)

Will my phone work internationally?

It’s essential that you have a working phone with data throughout the duration of your global program. Check with your cell provider to ensure you can add an international plan to your coverage or replace your SIM card with a local (or international) SIM in advance or upon arrival.

How do I prepare for handling money internationally?

1. Tell your bank your destination and travel dates.
2. Get to know your bank’s policies for international transaction and exchange fees.
3. Make sure you have a chipped debit or credit card and request a pin for ATM withdrawals.
4. Get to know the exchange rates for currency in your travel destination.
5. Consider that many countries are more cash-based than the US, so you can't always rely on a debit card or credit card for small purchases. Make a plan for having local cash upon arrival.
6. Always have a backup plan! Work with trusted family or friends to understand how you will access funds if you need them in an emergency.

How can I prepare for my physical/mental health while off-campus?

We recommend a physical checkup with your primary care provider prior to travel. If you take daily medications, request a refill with enough medication to last the duration of your trip. If you currently see a mental health professional on a regular basis, share your travel plans and brainstorm how you can maintain your mental health away from home. Once enrolled, you are eligible to contact our travel health insurance provider in advance to explore local services in your course location and even make appointments and order prescriptions in advance. For further support, don’t hesitate to reach out to RISD Health and Wellness

I am a RISD international student. What should I think about prior to travel?

Be mindful that you may need a visa to visit the course location. Check the country’s consulate/ embassy website for visa application guidance. RISD Global can assist in providing institutional documents that may be necessary but cannot advise on the process. Only consulates and embassies can provide advising on the visa application process, as it pertains to their country's needs and regulations.

If you have an I-20 form, you must also ensure that you get it signed for travel by a member of the International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA) before departing the United States. If you are a Permanent Resident you should carry your green card together with your passport. For further support, don’t hesitate to reach out to the International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA)

How do I submit the required documents to RISD Global, once accepted?

You will continue to utilize the status page of your online application portal to complete tasks and uploads relevant to your participation in Global Summer Studies, such as important health and safety processes. You are responsible for checking the portal frequently and completing these tasks in a timely manner once accepted to your Global Summer Studies course.

What are Pre-departure Meetings?

You will meet your fellow Global Summer Studies participants at our mandatory pre-departure meetings, where you will learn more about your class, itinerary, assignments, important preparation actions to be taken, travel arrangements, health and safety information, and what to pack! Meeting days, times, and locations will be communicated to you upon your acceptance.

How else can I prepare?

For more general pre-departure preparation suggestions, visit our Study Globally FAQ.

Cancellation Policy

RISD reserves the right to cancel a course due to under-enrollment after the time application closes. As such, all students are advised not to consider their participation in Global Summer Studies final until the course is confirmed, which will happen no later than one week after the final Global Summer Studies payment period.

In case of a RISD approved cancellation prior to course departure/commencement, all payments will be refunded in full.

Any cost incurred prior to receiving course confirmation is the participant’s sole responsibility.

Withdrawal Policy

Requesting to withdraw from a RISD global learning program, including RISD Global Summer Studies, prior to the start of the course is highly discouraged and requires a formal process outlined in the RISD course withdrawal policy. It is not possible for a student to drop a RISD Global Summer Studies travel course via the standard Add/Drop process after it has commenced. In the case of unforeseen and extenuating circumstances (and only after students have spoken with the faculty lead and RISD Global for approval to withdraw from the program), students should be aware that no refund will be issued.

RISD Global Summer Studios follow the RISD withdrawal policy for off-campus global learning programs