The Outside Program process requires a high degree of independence.  It is your responsibility to thoroughly investigate programs and verify their quality.  For Outside Programs:

1) Minimal services are provided to Outside Program students. The Learning Abroad Center generally only advises on the administrative process for Outside Programs as we have no knowledge of the program itself.

Alternatively, Learning Abroad Center programs offer comprehensive orientation and walk-in advising to assist students in the preparation process. The Learning Abroad Center also provides grades, registration services, and advising during and after the program as necessary for students on its programs.

2) You may have to pay the entire program fee up to several months prior to departure and you will not have access to financial aid until the term you go abroad. Financial aid is disbursed the term you go abroad and that cannot be modified. You must find a way to pay the program fee up front.

Alternatively, the University of Minnesota makes arrangements for Learning Abroad Center programs so participants do not have to pay prior to departure but will be billed through their student account the term they go abroad. Financial aid is then disbursed into the same account to pay the fee.

3) Transfer credit is given for Outside Programs. There is a limit to the amount of transfer credit you may earn and still graduate with a University of Minnesota degree. Be sure to speak with your academic adviser about this guideline. Also, read more about Transfer Credit to see how it will appear on your transcript and what that means for your GPA.

Alternatively, most Learning Abroad Center programs earn University of Minnesota resident credit.