Most universities have an exchange office. NYU has a network of its own campuses and academic centres, from Accra and Buenos Aires to Berlin, Florence, London, Paris, Prague, Shanghai, Sydney and Abu Dhabi.
That difference matters more than it sounds. You are not a visitor at someone else's university — you are still enrolled at NYU, with NYU credit and NYU advisors.
Start with your degree, not the city
The most common study away mistake is picking the place first and discovering the coursework doesn't fit.
Every site has a different academic emphasis, and not every major is well served everywhere. Map the requirements you still need, then filter the sites that can actually deliver them.
Then be honest about what you want
- Language immersion? A site where English isn't the default street language will do far more for you.
- Internships and industry? The larger commercial cities have deeper placement networks.
- A cheaper semester? Living costs vary enormously between sites — some are genuinely less expensive than New York.
- Just a change of scene? Fine. Say so, and pick for quality of life.
The costs nobody plans for
Tuition typically travels with you. Flights, visas, insurance and the deposit on your New York housing generally don't.
Work these into your annual plan early — our cost and financial aid guide covers how these gaps tend to appear.
Also sort out what happens to your room. Leaving for a semester can mean giving it up; the housing guide is worth re-reading before you commit.
The part that pays off later
Study away alumni are unusually easy to contact, because a shared semester in Prague is a far better opening line than a shared degree. That's a real professional asset — see how to use the alumni network.
Editor's note: This is an independent guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by New York University. The global network, site offerings, eligibility rules and costs change from year to year. Confirm current details with NYU's Office of Global Programs.