STEPS TO STUDY ABROAD

With careful planning, any qualified student can spend a semester or a year abroad (usually during the junior year) and transfer courses to their home campus degree. Use this sheet to guide you through the steps. Be sure to plan ahead.

AS SOON AS YOU THINK YOU WANT TO STUDY ABROAD:

• APPLY FOR A PASSPORT    Apply for a passport early. Forms are available at: http://travel.state.gov/passport.  Read the information carefully on this site. Some passport agencies accept passport applications by appointment only. It takes between 10-12 weeks to receive a passport. Apply now!
• TAKE A FOREIGN LANGUAGE COURSE    Enroll in language courses through cross-registration at the COF if you want to study in a non-English speaking country. Some programs require students to take at least two semesters of college-level courses in the native language of the host country. There are many study abroad programs in countries that offer general education classes taught in English; however, knowing the local language will significantly enhance your connections with locals and make travel easier.
• START SAVING   Especially for extra travel!

TALK TO YOUR ADVISOR    Let your academic or faculty advisor know your plans to study abroad. Go through your degree requirements to choose classes that you can potentially take abroad.

ATTEND A STUDY ABROAD INFO SESSION   This is an excellent opportunity to speak with study abroad program representatives, learn more about travel programs offered by COF schools, and get information about financial aid and scholarships. See the GEO Center Calendar for the next scheduled Study Abroad Fair and campus visits by study abroad providers

 RESEARCH PROGRAM OPTIONS

• Attend the Study Abroad Fair    This is an excellent opportunity to speak with study abroad program representatives, learn more about travel programs offered by COF schools, and get information about financial aid and scholarships.
• Shop Around   Research programs on the COF Global Education Center website. Look for programs that meet your budget, course requirements, personal interests, and career goals. Download the easy comparison chart to see pros and cons of your programs of interest. Discuss your options with your faculty advisor or academic advisor. They may have other recommendations.
• Talk to students who have studied abroad   They often have great insight and advice. Your study abroad advisor can put you in contact with past study abroad participants and international exchange students. Program providers can also give you contact information for alumni through their organization.

MEET WITH YOUR ADVISOR   Meet with your academic or faculty advisor to review your chosen study abroad program and graduation requirements. Keep in mind that most major requirements must be taken in sequence. Some courses are only offered in the fall or spring semesters and are prerequisites to move ahead in your major. If you cannot find courses that meet your major requirements abroad, you may decide to study abroad during the summer or postpone your graduation date to allow for a semester or year abroad.

Your faculty advisor will need to pre-approve the courses you plan to take while you are abroad. Before you meet with your advisor, gather as much information as possible about each course you want to take abroad. Course descriptions are generally available in the program’s booklets and/or on the provider’s websites. If you cannot find it there, contact the provider directly. All coursework intended to meet major course requirements will be subject to review upon return from study abroad.

MEET WITH STUDY ABROAD ADVISOR   Once you have narrowed your choices to two or three options, schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor to discuss your program options and begin the application process. Allow yourself at least one month to prepare your final application.

Note: COF student application deadlines on your home campus for study abroad (ex.: Emmanuel, Simmons, MassArt) are October 15 for Spring Semester and March 15 for Fall Semester. Each study abroad program has its own deadline. Check websites and catalogs for specific program dates and deadlines.

Please meet with a study abroad advisor at least one month before your deadline.

BUDGET & FINANCIAL AID: Research and budget for your semester abroad including travel, tuition & fees, accommodations, insurance, food, and supplies.  If you are planning to use financial aid, be sure to complete your FAFSA and schedule an appointment to meet with a Financial Aid representative to budget for your semester abroad and file the proper paperwork.

APPLY: Fill out your application and all required forms, and get required signatures.

Additional Considerations
HOUSING: If you live on campus, be sure to notify the Office of Residence Life of your intention to spend a semester abroad. Ask for advice regarding your housing arrangements for your return semester. You should be aware that there is no guarantee for on-campus housing when you return.