As with language study, area studies preparation beyond the minimum is highly recommended. Most students plan a significant amount of academic work toward the major while abroad. Whether or not you intend to earn major credit, the college requires that time spent abroad will not impede progress toward the degree. Continuing discussion with your advisor via e-mail while abroad is often necessary as well, and works best when you have already established communication with your advisor. Credit for the major is actually awarded by the DUS after you return from study abroad.
Most students find the junior year optimal for study abroad.
Study abroad in the sophomore year is possible, however, if you have chosen a major and satisfied its prerequisites early on. Science majors may find the sophomore year preferable to the junior year because of the highly sequenced nature of science courses. The first semester of the senior year works well if you have entered a major or begun language study late. College policy requires the final semester to be completed on the Cornell campus. Courses that fall outside the scope of the liberal arts and sciences may earn non-Arts credits.