World Scholars

Yes, your financial aid package applies to World Scholars. Financial aid is split evenly between the fall and spring semesters, including your freshman semester abroad.

The World Scholars Program is for students who are confident that they want to study abroad at least twice, beginning in the fall of their freshman year. However, any UD student—regardless of major—can study abroad. Each year, we offer 100+ study abroad programs across six continents and 40+ countries. In fact, 100 years ago, we founded the first study abroad program in the U.S. and, today, over a third of our undergraduates study abroad at least once before graduating.

Students admitted to eligible majors at UD are invited to apply for World Scholars program. If offered an interview, we look for traits that we know make for a successful Scholar, including openness to other cultures and experiences, resilience, independence and maturity, sustained commitment to current or previous activities, a desire to contribute as a member of the World Scholars community and a strong academic profile.

Yes! Approximately a quarter of World Scholars are also honors students. Scholars can earn three honors credits during their first semester abroad and continue to meet honors requirements and World Scholars requirements, both on-campus and abroad, throughout their four-year undergraduate careers. World Scholars can also participate in most of the UD Scholars and Fellows programs.

Yes, but there are two caveats—your choice of major and your age at time of departure. During the interview process, students are asked to prioritize their preference for their first study abroad site. In a small number of cases, a student’s academic major will impact their choice. You may view the list of which locations are available by major here. Additionally, our partner institutions in Athens, Rome, the United Kingdom and Madrid do not allow minors to study abroad at their universities; as such, if you will not be 18 years old by the beginning of your freshman fall semester, you cannot travel to those sites. Estimated departure dates for 25F will be announced later this season. However, students under 18 can still enroll at UD as a World Scholar and travel to Auckland, NZ for their first semester abroad, which begins in early July.

Students who wish to enroll in World Scholars must complete the appropriate forms in their My Blue Hen Home portal and make two non-refundable deposits by May 15: a $500 deposit to confirm enrollment at UD and a $500 deposit to confirm enrollment in the World Scholars Program.

All students who plan to enroll in the World Scholars Program must have, by April 15, a U.S. passport valid through June 2025 and must upload their passport to their My Blue Hen Home portal by May 15. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the departure date from your World Scholar site, although some locations may allow for a passport that is valid only three months after the end of your program abroad. Scholars studying in Madrid or Rome must surrender their passports to UD from June 14 - July 19 so that their visa applications may be batch processed by the Italian and Spanish consulates, respectively.

UD World Scholars will enroll in 12 - 17 credits (about 4 to 5 classes) during their fall semester abroad. All World Scholars will take a required course as a cohort—Introduction to Maori Studies in New Zealand and Introduction to Global Politics in our four European locations. Students will meet with their UD academic advisors to choose from a variety of additional courses that are offered at their location, are recommended for freshman students and meet UD credit and graduation requirements. All courses are taught in English.

World Scholar partner sites are chosen for their infrastructure and ability to support student success. Each offers American-style amenities such as residence halls, a meal plan, and support services for health, mental health and academic enrichment. Additionally, Scholars are encouraged to participate in student organizations and athletics. Students in need of accommodations for a physical, psychological or medical condition must first register with UD’s Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) prior to departure. The Center for Global Programs & Services works closely with DSS and the host institution to ensure that Scholars receive the support they need while abroad. Working with DSS in advance of study abroad also ensures that students receive the necessary accommodations when they arrive on UD’s campus in the spring.

World Scholars move into their residence hall rooms earlier than returning students and participate in orientation and transition programs during their first weekend on campus. Within their first two weeks on campus, Scholars begin classes, including First Year Seminar, explore and join student organizations, and dive into the life of a Blue Hen! The spring semester kicks off with the World Scholars All Class Welcome, continues with monthly World Scholars workshops and culminates with the Spring Formal.