Student Steps to Studying Abroad

There are many reasons students should study abroad including:

• have a transformational learning experience,
• gain global citizenship and leadership skills,
• enhance your academic knowledge,
• gain cross-cultural understanding,
• learn a foreign language,
• network with professionals in your field,
• make international friendships, and
• increase your employability.

There are many things a student can do to start preparing to study abroad, including:

• Apply for a passport,
• consult major/minor-specific Transformational Learning Maps with an academic advisor,
• take foreign language courses, international CORE courses, regional studies courses, and cross-cultural communication courses,
• start working toward Global Justice Certificate,
• join an international student group on campus,
• become a conversation partner with an international student,
• attend international events such as India Night & Cruise the World, and
• live in Global Village.

Search for a program on the our website 

Search by country, field of study, or program type, find program terms, fees, etc.

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Attend the bi-annual Study Abroad Fair (early September & late January)

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Program costs

Costs vary widely. Programs typically cost $1200 - $5200/semester more than a UI semester.

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Scholarships

UI International Experience Grants of $1000/semester, year or $750/summer ($141,000 available annually). No application necessary; approximately 1 out of 2 eligible students receive awards.
Many departments and colleges provide study abroad scholarships.
Many national and program scholarships also available.

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Program length options

Academic year - ideal for language acquisition, biggest bang for the buck, and greatest opportunity for cultural assimilation. 
Semester - good compromise between ideal length and financial feasibility.  Up to 4 semesters of language acquisition in 1 semester of study.
Summer - a good introduction to international experience.
Faculty-led programs tailored to specific disciplines (summer, fall, winter and spring breaks).

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Program support

Direct enrollment – best for independent students
Programs with Resident Directors and Faculty-led programs - best for students wanting more support.

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Program Eligibility

2.5 GPA for most
Language abilities – many programs in non-English-speaking countries offer programs in English

Attend a First-Time Study Abroad Information Session

Group meetings 5 days a week throughout the academic year in the International Programs Office.

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One-on-one advising with a Study Abroad Advisor

Available for appointments 10:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday - Friday

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Meet with Academic Advisor

Discuss credit transfer (see Tools for Advisors)

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Meet with Financial Aid Advisor 

Take program cost breakdown from Study Abroad Office to determine financial options.

Complete application

Deadlines

As soon as decision is made, programs may fill prior to program deadlines.

Application deadlines (may be later than program deadlines):

October 15	Spring Programs
April 1	Fall/Academic Year/Summer Programs

Read Study Abroad Survival Guide and program-specific manual

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Complete mandatory Study Abroad forms

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Attend mandatory study abroad orientation

At this important orientation, the Study Abroad Office covers important topics including:

• safety
• health
• insurance
• cultural assimilation
• visas
• registration
• billing
• credit transfer
• financial aid
• scholarships
• travel
• packing
• foreign educational systems
• housing
• maximizing the experience

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Find post-application requirements here

The Study Abroad Office sends specific cost breakdowns to Financial Aid in early November (for spring programs) and April (for summer, fall, and academic year programs).

Additional aid, if any, is usually in the form of loans.

The Study Abroad Office registers students for a generic block of full-time study abroad credits in November (for spring programs) and April (for summer, fall, and academic year programs).
 
Students will register for specific courses directly with host institution or program.

Once the University of Idaho receives the transcript, the generic block of Study Abroad credits will be replaced by actual courses taken.

Study Abroad application and programming fees as well as UI Direct and Faculty-led program fees are billed directly to students’ accounts.

Program providers (eg. USAC, ISA, etc.) bill students directly for program fees.

Students will learn how to make a smooth transition back to their life at UI. The following topics will be covered:

• reverse culture shock
• career planning
• campus engagement with international initiatives and groups
• educating others about your experience 
• continuing your international education