1. Attend a First Step Meeting and then meet with a Learning Abroad Center program selection adviser to ensure that you have chosen a program that best fits your academic, personal, and financial needs. Be certain to verify that your program is reputable and accredited.
2. Apply to the Outside Program you have chosen. You will need to obtain information and application forms directly from your program sponsor or host university. Be sure to follow their timeline for forms. Please note: If there is a portion of your study abroad sponsor's program application that needs a signature from someone at your home institution, you can bring it to the Learning Abroad Center for the Outside Program adviser to fill out.
3. Obtain a Learning Abroad Center Outside Program Application.

4. Submit a complete Outside Program Application to the Learning Abroad Center. The $100 administrative fee is non-refundable after you hand in the application so it is best to be confirmed into your program before doing this step.

5. Students using financial aid (grants, loans, and/or scholarships): submit the Study Abroad Cost Estimate (SACE) and Consortium Agreement (items are part of the Outside Program Application Packet) to your program sponsor. These items must be completed and returned by your program sponsor directly to the University of Minnesota Office of Student Finance. Once the Office of Student Finance has received these forms then you can set up a meeting by calling 612.624.1111 or email helpingU@umn.edu to talk about your financial aid package.

Academic Planning
Prior to departure, be sure to meet with your college and major/minor advisers to fill out the Academic Planning form. They will let you know if the transfer credit can be used toward degree and graduation requirements as well as indicate if you may have surpassed the transfer credit limit. You can hand in a copy of this form to the Learning Abroad center before you depart for your program. This form is not necessary for Graduate Students as they need to turn in the Degree Program Form with their application.

After you Hand in Your Application
You will receive an email in about two weeks with important information and next steps. You are responsible for reading the email and following through on:

1. Registering yourself for your time abroad
2. Communicating pertinent information to your family and friends

Application Deadlines

Fall semester and academic year	August 15
Spring semester, winter term, and calendar year	January 1
May and summer terms	June 1

Last modified on April 7, 2009