Students on exchange pay in-state tuition directly to USC and do not pay tuition to Groningen. All housing, food, and personal expenses are paid by the student in Groningen. Students can expect to pay €500-900 per month for housing and meals. Extra expenses include travel, phone, supplies, etc. Estimated expenses can be found here. Students will also need to show evidence of €800/month for their time at Groningen.  

Students attending the University of Groningen on exchange may choose from a variety of courses in the humanities, business and social sciences.

Students typically earn 15 credit hours per semester,  which is broken into 2 block periods; Students will take 2-3 courses/block. The University is ranked in the top 3 of European Research Universities in the fields of Ecology, Material Sciences, Chemistry and Astronomy. Other strong research groups are in Nanoscience, Molecular Biology, Medical Sciences, Neurosciences, Sociology, Philosophy, Theology, Archeology and Arts.  Please note that courses at Groningen are typically more self-taught and self-driven than those in the U.S.

To see courses USC students have taken at this university, please reference the Registrar's Course Equivalency Table. 

This program does not offer organized excursions, however students have the opportunity for individual travel. Additionally, there are plenty of ways to get involved on campus and join one of University of Groningen's many clubs, or take advantage of the biking capital of the world and ride along the scenic canals. 

Per university policy, all USC students will be charged for  emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance of  for their time abroad. Students will be enrolled in this insurance by the education abroad office prior to their departure. Contact the Education Abroad Office for more details. Additionally, exchange students at Groningen will have to purchase national medical insurance upon arrival. 

Students will have to secure their own accommodation in town. Assistance is provided through the Housing Office. The Housing Office suggests furnished rooms in International Student Houses and Dutch Student Houses. Housing costs vary based on what type of accommodation is chosen.

Students can study at Groningen for the spring semester or the academic year. Spring semester begins in early February and goes through early July. Students studying for the full Academic Year will arrive in late August and return in early July. 

Students will attend an orientation session prior to the start of classes in Groningen. They will learn important information about the campus and local area at this orientation.

Exchange students who are US citizens do not need a visa to enter the country. However, all students who stay longer than 90 days need to apply for a residence permit once in Groningen. A residence permit is a document that states your identity, your nationality, and your right to reside in the Netherlands. The University of Groningen will help you apply for this permit which costs approximately 600 Euro.