Getting Started

Imagine yourself exploring the Italian countryside, volunteering with Xhosa children in South Africa, learning Mandarin in Beijing or studying tropical ecology in Costa Rica.  You can do all of this and more when you study abroad! 

The 10 Steps to Study Abroad listed below will help you determine which study abroad program is right for you.  In addition, the Steps cover financial aid and credit transfer information, application deadlines and the process leading up to your departure.

Step 1:  What kind of experience are you looking for?

The Programs Abroad Office is here to help you plan your study abroad experience.  You can study abroad from one week up to an academic year, study in one country or travel to multiple sites and take courses in almost every discipline offered at UT.  This experience will expand your cross-cultural communication and problem solving skills, expose you to new ways of thinking and learning and prepare you to work in a diverse and global workplace.

A few things to consider:

• When would you like to go abroad?
• It’s never too early to start planning!  You can go abroad as soon as you have completed your freshman year (or one semester at UT if you are a transfer student).
• It’s never too late to go abroad!  You can go abroad during your last 30 hours at UT.  All you have to do is tell your academic advisor and he/she will fill out the appropriate form.
• What do you want to do?
• Take classes that aren’t normally offered at UT (e.g. Marine Biology)?
• Complete your intermediate foreign language requirement during the summer?
• Immerse yourself in another culture by living with a host family or live in an apartment with other international students?
• Volunteer in the local community or do an internship while studying abroad? 
• Do you want to study a foreign language or would you prefer to take classes in English?
• There are lots of places you can go and take classes in English, even in non-English speaking countries (e.g. Sweden, the Netherlands, S. Korea, Mexico).
• Usually, you need to complete an intermediate-level course (212 or equivalent) before you can take classes in a foreign language.
• Finances
• What is your budget?  Even though there are plenty of affordable places to study abroad, it’s a good idea to think about this before you start looking into programs.
• You can use most financial aid and scholarships (including the Lottery Hope Scholarship) for semester and year programs.  If you’re taking at least 6 credit hours during the summer, you can apply for financial aid to use for your study abroad program.
• There are scholarships just for study abroad!  Check out the PAO website for more information.
• Do you want to take classes in your major or receive elective credit?
• As long as you go on an approved program and earn a C- or higher in your classes, you will receive UT elective credits.  The credits will appear on your UT Academic History Report (as S/NC) but the grades will not appear on your official UT transcript.
• If you would like to receive credit for major, minor or general education requirements, see your academic advisor for advice on courses to take while abroad.
• For UT short-term Faculty-led programs, you will register for the class that same way you register for all of your UT classes.  Since the course will be taught by a UT professor, the credits will automatically appear on your Official UT transcript and the grade(s) will be factored into your official UT GPA.

Step 2:  Get informed.

The Programs Abroad website is a great place to get started.  Every weekday during the academic year, we have general information sessions at 2 pm.  During the info session, an advisor will cover study abroad basics and answer any questions that you have.

The Study Abroad Fair is another way in which you can get general information about study abroad programs.  There are two fairs each year—the fall fair is held in September and the spring fair takes place in early February.

Step 3: Talk to your academic advisor before selecting a program.

If you want to receive major, minor or general education credit, ask your academic advisor when would be the best time for you to go abroad and ask them to list the courses you’ll need to take in order to stay “on-track” for graduation.  Refer to this list when researching your study abroad options.

Step 4: Select a program!

After you have narrowed your choices to 3 programs, meet with a Programs Abroad Coordinator.  You can also talk to a Peer Advisor and look at past program evaluations.

Step 5: Apply!

Download the study abroad application at least 4 weeks before the deadline.  If you need faculty recommendations, make sure you request them 3 weeks before the application is due.

NOTE: If you're applying for a UT faculty-led program, here's a convenient application checklist.

Step 6: Apply for a passport (if applicable).

Go to the Programs Abroad website for information on obtaining a passport.  We recommend that you apply for a passport at least 5 months before the start of your study abroad program.

Step 7: Complete the Programs Abroad forms and pay your fees.

After you have been accepted to study abroad, you will receive the Programs Abroad Handbook and packet of forms.  These documents are available in the Programs Abroad Office.

Step 8: Apply for a Visa or Study Permit (if applicable) and purchase airline ticket.

Most students going abroad for a semester or year will need to apply for a visa.  This should be done 2-3 months before the start of your program.  If you are going on a UT Faculty-led program, please check with your program director to see if you will need to apply for a visa. 

Step 9: Attend pre-departure orientation or pre-departure meetings with faculty program director.

Step 10: Go abroad!