Study Abroad Process

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This is the basic process you’ll complete in order to study abroad. The order in which you do things is somewhat flexible. Apply or renew your passport any time during the process. 

Yellow borders indicate required steps. Those without borders are optional but recommended.

Complete a First Step Meeting & online profile

  • First Step Meetings guide you through the basics of going abroad. They can be done via a 30 minute online module or a 20-30 minute in-person group advising session. 
  • Your Online Profile creates a record of your interests and needs for going abroad and provides Learning Abroad Center advisers with the basics about you

Research programs and options

Visit the Resource Center for Program Selection Advising

  • Advisers can work one on one with you to assist you in selecting a program, considering academic implications and discussing financial aid basics
  • Advising Hours and Office Hours

 

Consult with your Academic Adviser(s)

  • Review the academic considerations section on your Learning Abroad Major Advising Page
  • Discuss coursework abroad and how it may meet major or minor requirements
  • Complete the Academic Planning Form and obtain your academic adviser(s) signature

 

Select a program

  • If you meet the eligibility requirements of the program and it is in advance of the deadline, there is typically no reason to apply to more than one program

Talk to your Parents

  • It’s normal not to know what your parents will think of this study abroad idea, but since they’ll likely be paying at least part of the bill it’s important to discuss it with them soon
  • The Talking to your Parents section provides rationale, explanations and information for you and your parents on why this is an important component of your college experience

Schedule a Financial Aid Preview Meeting

  • Office of Student Finance will meet one on one with you to discuss how your financial aid package applies to the program you selected
  • Consider inviting your parents to this meeting
  • Call 612.624.1111 to schedule, be clear that it is for a ‘study abroad preview meeting’
  • Consult the Financial Aid section for more basics on financial aid and study abroad

Research and apply for scholarships

  • Free money is way better than loan money and there is a lot of it out there for study abroad
  • The Scholarships section of the website lists program discounts, the Learning Abroad Center scholarship information and features a search function for a wider look at what’s available

Complete the program application

  • What the application consists of and how to complete it is found under the ‘apply’ tab for each program, each program has different requirements and instructions
  • For most programs it will take 2-3 weeks after your application is complete to know if you’ve been offered a spot on the program