Getting Started	Directed Study Abroad vs. On Campus	Registration & Financial Aid
Graduate Students	"Know Before You Go" Guide	Process upon Return

Deadlines

• May and summer term programs: June 1
• Fall semester and academic year programs: August 15
• Winter break, spring semester, and calendar year programs: January 1

Directed Study Steps

• Complete a Student/Faculty Contract for each directed study project.
• Submit a complete Directed Study Abroad application to the Learning Abroad Center at the same time. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• When you submit your complete application, schedule a Directed Study Pre-Departure Meeting with a Learning Abroad Center adviser. At this meeting you create the Study Aboard Cost Estimate, so bring all of your researched costs. If you need to schedule the appointment later, call 612.626.9000. This meeting is scheduled a minimum of three business days after you turn in your application materials so that your application can be reviewed.
• If you use financial aid, meet with your study abroad financial aid adviser (call the Office of Student Finance at 612.624.1111 for an appointment). Bring along the signed SACE you received at your Directed Study Pre-departure Meeting.

Important to Know

Here are a number of things you should keep in mind. These items are your responsibility.

• Identify someone who will serve as a contact for you and take care of your affairs while you are away.
• Grant your contact person Power of Attorney! This is particularly critical if you receive financial aid. You receive an informational handout on Power of Attorney from the Learning Abroad Center.
• Complete a Student Information Release Authorization form with One Stop Student Services Center that will allow your contact person access to your University of Minnesota account. The form and instructions are available at Onestop.
• Take care of any negative service indicators (previously referred to as holds) on your record. Negative service indicators prevent registration. As a result, the University of Minnesota may charge you a late registration fee or you may lose your University of Minnesota student status and financial aid eligibility.
• Register for your directed study credits and the FOST registration after meeting with the Learning Aboard Center.  
• Maintain your US health insurance coverage while you are abroad.

Last modified on November 21, 2008