Who Is Eligible to Participate in LAS Study Abroad Programs?

Updated

LAS Study Abroad programs are open to all Iowa State University students, not just students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). The program explicitly states that it "provides international study, work, and service opportunities for all Iowa State students." So if you are enrolled at Iowa State University, you are eligible to explore and apply for LAS Study Abroad programs regardless of your major or college.

What "Open to All Iowa State Students" Means in Practice

The eligibility baseline is Iowa State University enrollment. LAS Study Abroad is housed within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, but its programs are not restricted to LAS majors. The site describes its offerings as serving "all Iowa State students," and the "All programs" section notes that options are available for students looking across different time periods or wanting to see everything available.

This means:

  • Any Iowa State student can browse and pursue LAS Study Abroad opportunities.
  • Non-LAS majors are not excluded at the program level.
  • Program-specific requirements (such as language proficiency, prerequisites, or faculty-led enrollment caps) may still apply to individual programs.

Program Types and Who They Suit

LAS Study Abroad organizes its offerings by duration and term, which can help you decide which format fits your schedule and goals.

Program Type Description Best For
Fall/Winter/Spring Break Short-term immersive programs over academic breaks Students wanting a brief but immersive cultural experience
Summer Ranging from faculty-led programs (e.g., a 6-week program at Universidad de Valencia in Spain) to thematic programs like Berlin's tech industry and artistic cultures Students who want a focused experience without missing a semester
Semester Intensive language programs or cultural immersion (e.g., Cáceres, Spain; Urbino, Italy) Students seeking deep language or cultural study
All Programs A full listing across time periods and options Anyone wanting to compare everything at once

The site also points to the broader ISU Study Abroad site for even more options beyond LAS.

What to Check Before Assuming You Qualify

While the general eligibility is broad, individual programs may carry their own conditions. The page mentions that some programs are "led by ISU faculty" and that LAS partners with organizations to offer a breadth of options. Faculty-led programs, in particular, may have specific enrollment processes or prerequisites tied to the faculty or department running them.

Before applying, confirm:

  • Whether the specific program has language or coursework prerequisites.
  • Whether it is faculty-led with limited enrollment.
  • Whether the term structure (break, summer, semester) conflicts with your degree plan.

How to Get Started

If you are an Iowa State student interested in any LAS Study Abroad program, the site directs you to schedule an appointment or contact the office to set up an information session. You can also browse upcoming events and deadlines to stay on top of application timelines.

The key takeaway: eligibility is not limited by your college or major—it starts with being an Iowa State University student. From there, the specific program's requirements determine whether it is the right fit for you.