In Nashville, Tennessee – Music City – Vanderbilt University grew out of a vision of providing a ‘gateway to greatness,’ an environment that inspires and invigorates. In a city where dreams emerge and evolve, faculty challenge you to ask big questions about culture and society – musically and academically. Southern hospitality and generous welcomes add to the warmth of the city, and cowboy hats and country music become part of your everyday life.
Vanderbilt University Academic Program
About the Program
Program Advisor
SAFFY
Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests.
At a Glance
Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
Advanced
GPA Requirements:
3.00
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Academic Strengths:
Sociology,
Biological & Physical Sciences,
Business, Economics & Finance,
Music, Film & Performing Arts
Housing:
On-campus dormitory
Visa Required:
Maybe
Credits:
15 units
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Gerning Liu
The campus itself is breathtaking. I feel like I am living in a forest.
Vanderbilt University SAF Alumni
About the University
Vanderbilt University
Built with the vision of providing a "gateway to greatness," Vanderbilt has created an atmosphere to inspire and invigorate students. Faculty and staff encourage students to strive to meet their educational goals and address the big questions that affect culture and society. The majority of students focus on a joint combination of rigorous academics and community involvement.
The campus lies near downtown Nashville, known as "Music City," for its connection to world famous American singers. Due to Tennessee's geographical location, you'll be introduced to a mix of Eastern, Southern and Mid-Western American cultures. This eclectic mix will provide you with broad insight into American culture. And don't forget to take in the views of the Great Smoky Mountains, one of America's most beautiful natural attractions.
Learn more at Vanderbilt University's official website.
Academics
Vanderbilt University Academic Approach
With its vision of creating boundary breakers, explorers, and collaborators, Vanderbilt College of Arts and Sciences has an environment that encourages you to question, to find your passion, and to succeed in your chosen career.
In outstanding, academically rich programs that equal the standards and educational attainments of Ivy League schools, you work with encouraging faculty to build skills for life and cultivate your intellect through experiential learning.
For the high-achieving student that wants to attend a highly ranked university, Vanderbilt is an excellent option, with an 8 to 1 student to faculty ratio and a rich culture of volunteering and service.
Courses
As a SAF Scholar, you register for classes through the university’s international/study abroad office. A staff member from their office personally enrolls you, so you just have to submit you course preferences. The international office work with you to meet any pre-requisites.
Course & Departmental Restrictions
Vanderbilt has a thriving academic community, and every program at the College of Arts and Science is available to you for your study abroad experience. Courses do, however, fill up early, so you can register for classes before you arrive in Nashville.
On average, expect to take 15 credit hours per semester, but if you’d like to push beyond 18 credit hours, talk with the SAF Staff for more information and the college dean for permission. Vanderbilt opens very early for admissions.
SAF scholars are able to take any course at Vanderbilt’s college of Arts & Sciences, but they may not take courses outside of this college. However, due to the popularity of some courses, it is not advised for SAF scholars to take courses in the following subjects:
- Managerial Studies
- Animation
These classes tend to fill up quickly, and are sometimes reserved for degree-seeking students only. However, students determined to take these courses may attend the course on their first day to ask the professor for permission to take the course. A previous SAF scholar was able to gain access to a desired course using this method.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university—and SAF is here to set you up for success.
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
Language Test Score Requirements
To prove your language proficiency, you can use any of the following:
- IELTS: 7.0
- TOEFL iBT: 100
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Fall 2022
Program dates:
Late August - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
42,740
Fall 2022 + Spring 2023
Program dates:
Late August - Early May
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
80,900
Housing Information
On-campus dormitory
As part of the immersive all-American experience, the SAF program fee includes a shared room with a shared bathroom in a traditional and welcoming on-campus dormitory. It’s all about on-campus life in a twin shared dormitory with communal living, kitchen, laundry, and bathroom facilities. There’s also free Wi-Fi.
SAF program fee is based upon double room in an on-campus dormitory with a shared bath in McTyeire International House. SAF program fee does not include break stay housing. SAF program fee does not include early arrival housing.
About Nashville
Why Nashville
Nashville’s culture is a mix of eastern, southern, and mid-western cultures. This eclectic mix provides students with a unique insight into how America operates. Furthermore, the university is close to the famous Great Smoky Mountains, allowing a student to experience one of America’s most beautiful natural attractions.
Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs
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Language Standalone
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Why Travel With SAF?
Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.
