INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION OFFICE

Steps to Studying Abroad

Are thinking about studying abroad and wondering where to start? Where to go? What to study? How to pay for it? There are many decisions to make and much information to gather. The following steps are the starting point for planning your exciting study abroad experience!

1. Attend Study Abroad 101:  Study abroad 101 sessions are weekly information sessions on the basics of study abroad through the International Education Office at UMD.  Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. in SCC 21 across from the tutoring center
2. Make a list of your goals for study abroad: Prioritize as to what is most important.  Examples of things to consider: country of study, language of study, subject of study, term, weather and season and the desired experiences you want to have abroad (travel, program support, excursions, courses taught in English…).
3. Search for programs that match your goals:  A great place to start is the International Education Office website: www.d.umn.edu/ieo.  Speak with past student participants, contact the university, and faculty or program administrators to get more details.
4. Meet with a program associate in IEO:  Once you have narrowed your search to three programs or less, come and meet with a program associate in the International Education Office to assist you with all aspects of your study abroad experience.
5. Meet with your academic advisor:  Meet with your academic advisor to select the courses you will take while abroad and discuss requirements to fulfill your degree at UMD.  You are also encouraged to discuss the semester you will return to UMD with your advisor as you will most likely be registering for that semester while you are abroad.
6. Request Course Equivalencies:  Course equivalencies need to be done for all courses to be taken abroad for which you wish to receive UMD credit.  See the Course Transfer for Study Abroad information sheet. IEO encourages all students to complete this before they go abroad.
7. Apply!  Apply for selected study abroad program and check the expiration date of your passport.  Renew if necessary and for those of you that don’t have a passport...Apply for one!
8. Complete Acceptance Packet: After notification of acceptance to program pick up packet in IEO or complete materials emailed to you and return to IEO within two weeks.
9. Book Flight and Travel: Reserve your flight and travel arrangements if they are not paid for and organized by your program. 
10. Pack and Prepare: Pack light and prepare for an experience of a lifetime!