Study Abroad

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Study Abroad

Applying for a study abroad program is a step by step process. Before you set off on this life-altering experience, you need to complete a few important steps. Each step along the way is important for your application and program plan to be a success. This guide provides an outline of the path you should follow when taking your first steps to studying abroad. Please read through each step carefully, keeping in mind that the steps are presented in the order that you should follow when investigating and applying to a study abroad program, your acceptance and your final preparations for departure.

If you are feeling lost, remember you can always contact OIP with any questions or concerns you may have.

Define your objectives

The program you ultimately choose will be determined by your own, individual objectives for study abroad. The following questions are designed to help you define your goals. Remember, there is no "right" or "wrong" answer.

Why do you want to study abroad?
Where do you want to go? Why?
How will study abroad fit into your academic program at the SFA?
Do you want to take coursework in your major? (Have you declared a major?) Have you completed your general education requirements? Do you have elective credits at your disposal?
Do you want to study in a foreign language? Are you proficient enough in that foreign language to enroll directly in a foreign university? Do you have the minimal proficiency required by the specific programs(s) you are considering? What are you doing now to improve your proficiency?
What degree of cultural immersion are you ready for? Do you want to attend classes with students from your host country, or with other American students? Can you handle classes requiring a lot of independent work?
When would you like to go?
How long would you like to stay?
How much money can you afford to spend? (The cost of study abroad varies widely according to program, location, exchange rates, and personal spending habits.)
Do you have family support?

Visit the OIP to explore possible study abroad programs available to you

SFA sponsors a variety of undergraduate study abroad programs. You may 1) enroll directly in a foreign university, 2) arrange for a faculty led program supervised by a SFA professor, 3) arrange for an independent study program, or 4) enroll in an exchange program. You should select a program that's right for you given your own needs, interests, and abilities. Shop around! Collect enough information so you're satisfied you've made an informed decision.

Consult with a peer adviser or staff member in the OIP
Research your options using printed directories, catalogs, brochures, flyers, videos, internet sites, etc. This website provides useful information.
Ask students who have studied abroad to tell you about their experience; keep in mind that your experience will probably be different from theirs.
Read through the information on country(s) that interest you. The literature may contain comments from previous participants in a variety of programs.
Read through the information on a specific SFA study abroad program(s).
Read through the information the OIP has received from other U.S. and foreign universities. They may give you a better idea of other types of programs that are available.

Discuss your interests and plans with your parents or other family members

Meet with your Dean, Academic Adviser, or another faculty member

Selecting a study abroad program is an important academic decision. We strongly encourage you to consult with a faculty member on campus as part of your program selection process to discuss your interests, plans and courses you'd like to take abroad.

Attend the Study Abroad Fair

Each major semester the OIP will hold an informative Study Abroad Fair on campus. The OIP staff and past participants will be on hand to discuss the various faculty led programs available. Individual booths will also be set up for private providers to share their study abroad programs with you. For more information contact the Study Abroad Coordinator.

Meet with the Study Abroad Coordinator

Schedule an appointment to see the Study Abroad Coordinator once you have a few specific ideas about where you'd like to go and what program(s) you're interested in.

Meet with the Admissions office

You should be aware that the application of credits toward major requirements is a departmental decision. Talk with admissions to see if the credits you want to take abroad are transferable to your specific degree plan at SFA.

Apply to the program of your choice being aware of the deadlines!

Application materials and procedures will be provided by the program. Applications for SFA sponsored study abroad programs are available at the OIP. Most applications are due the semester before you study abroad, but some programs have earlier deadlines! It is your responsibility to see that the application is complete. You can receive help with the application process by contacting the Study Abroad Coordinator. Also, complete special applications for your host university if your application for a SFA exchange program is approved. (From this point on, you will be dealing with both your "home" and your "host" university's exchange coordinating offices.)

Complete a Transferability of Credit Approval Form

How will the credit(s) you earn abroad count toward your degree plan? This form addresses your credit concerns and is available when you talk with the Admissions office. The form constitutes an agreement that specific courses taken abroad (assuming you successfully complete the work!) will satisfy specific major/minor/certificate/general education program requirements at SFA. It also specifies how the credit(s) (transfer or resident?) and grades will appear on your SFA transcript.

Scholarships/Financial Aid

There are several scholarships that support study/research abroad. You're encouraged to apply for any awards that you're eligible for. Don't forget to apply for the OIP Study Abroad Scholarship. More information is available in the OIP. If you qualify for or currently receive financial aid, contact a Financial Aid Counselor at the Office for Financial Aid on campus, to discuss the procedures for applying your SFA financial aid towards your study abroad program costs. In general, this can be done!

Address health & safety issues

Study abroad is not risk free. Identify your own health needs. It's up to you to make an informed decision about the relative risks associated with travel to any particular place around the world. Read carefully any information about health and safety provided by your program. You may also check out the National Center for Infectious Diseases web site to receive information on any required or recommended vaccinations. Make sure you have adequate health insurance coverage while you're abroad.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Read up on the history, politics, economics, and cultural aspects of the place(s) you're going. Talk with former participants and students from that country. Attend a pre-departure orientation meeting. Don't forget your passport!

Passport

If you do not already have a passport, you will need to apply for one. If you do have a passport make sure it is up to date. Also check any visa regulations/requirements; some countries require a visa before entry is granted. Check the rules! Questions about visas and other such matters can be answered by your host country's consulate.

Travel arrangements

Make any necessary travel reservations and purchase any necessary tickets for your study abroad. You may contact the Study Abroad Coordinator for help.

Pre-Departure

Attend the Pre-Departure Orientation. It is mandatory for ALL students going on an education abroad program to attend the Pre-Departure Orientation. During orientation, you will receive a packet of information, learn about the policies and procedures, as well as receive useful information from recently returned study abroad and exchange students.

Get Going!

Now that you're ready, go abroad and have a great experience! Don't forget to have your transcript sent back to SFA at the end of your program.

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Stephen F. Austin State University

Study Abroad