Vanderbilt University Academic Program

Academic
Globally Recognized
Delivery Method:
In-Person
Duration:
Multi Term, Single Term

About the Program

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.

Nashville is one of the best places in the world for musical talent

Elvis Presley to Taylor Swift to Bob Dylan, some great artists have lived...

Learn more about the delights of Southern hospitality

Economics, math, and political science programs receive national...

Program Advisor

Saffyが挨拶をしているイラスト
Student Counselor 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.
Schedule a Consultation

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

Vanderbilt 4

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.
  • Language Proficiency
  • Academics & GPA
  • Application Documents & Materials

Language Test Score Requirements

To prove your language proficiency, you can use any of the following:

  • IELTS: 7.0
  • TOEFL iBT: 100

Learn More About Language Requirements

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.

Housing Information

on-campus-dormitory_Housing_011

On-campus dormitory

As part of the immersive all-American experience, the SAF program fee includes a shared accommodation on campus. Most accommodations have shared kitchen, laundry, and bathroom facilities.

*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.

 

About Nashville

Nashville Image 01

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.

Learn more about Nashville 

The Student Experience

View All Blogs

Student Health & Safety

We champion health, safety, and security. As part of IES Abroad, the largest study abroad organization in the United States, we have set the standard for health and safety in study abroad for decades. We plan for the ‘what if’, so you can get on with the experience of a lifetime.
International Health Insurance

International health insurance included in the cost of your program

24/7 Emergency Phone Support

Total coverage to support you while traveling and in your new city

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information prepared based on your destination

Health In Your Language

Highly trained multilingual staff to connect you to healthcare providers

Secure Housing

Quality, safe, secure housing within close proximity to your classes

Dedicated Expertise

Protection by a Dean of Students Office advocating for your interests

Orientation

On Arrival

Your SAF pre-departure process will arm you with all the information you need for a smooth arrival to your new campus, city, and country.

To Housing

Your SAF program will include a safe transfer from your arrival airport to your new study abroad housing. We'll even provide you with top tips to make the most of your new city!

Home Sweet Home

Your SAF Program Specialist will coordinate with you to ensure you have arrived safely and settled into your new secure housing.

Keeping You Safe

As you settle in, you will learn about the SAF emergency alert system, our 24/7 phone support, and any safety concerns relevant to you.

Get Social

Your new university and SAF will arrange social and cultural events so that you can meet other study abroad and local students. Make the most of your adventure!

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

Student Blogs

Upcoming Events

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.

Girl Standing in Arch