Steps to Study Abroad
1. Define your Objectives for your Education Abroad Experience
- Here are some reflection questions to get you started:
- How do I want my education abroad experience to benefit my academic and career development?
- How do I want my education abroad experience to grow me personally?
- What do I want to gain from my education abroad experience?
2. Explore your Education Abroad Program Options
- Start to research program options on the SAU Education Abroad Portal. Identify a few intriguing options that are well-aligned with your academic, personal, and professional goals.
- More reflection questions to take you further…
- Does the coursework align with my needs to stay on track for graduation?
- Does the program align with my financial budget?
- You are not alone in your program search. Meet with an Education Abroad Ambassador to discuss your goals and what programs best align.
3. Meet with the Education Abroad Coordinator
- Once you have established some of your goals for your education abroad experience and begun to narrow down your options, it is time to schedule an appointment with the Education Abroad Coordinator.
- Come up with some questions that you may have about the process of applying, the program you’re applying for, or any other study abroad questions you may have - like whether or not your program requires you to get a visa.
4. Meet with your Academic Advisor
- After all, this is study abroad! Meet with your academic advisor to ensure your chosen program fits with your academic schedule to graduate on time. Your academic advisor must approve that the courses you complete while abroad will apply toward major and minor requirements.
5. Research your Intended Destination
- The U.S. State Department details the safety and security information, entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other important details to consider for every country. Use this resource to assess the risks of travel and whether traveling to a particular country is right for you.
- Travel blogs are another great resource to get some tips on how to travel abroad, creating a travel bucket list, and most importantly gathering information right from people who have traveled to where you’ll be studying and/or places you want to visit. Here are a few to get you started:
6. Apply to the Program of your Choice
- All students must complete an application online through the Education Abroad Portal. Select programs also require a supplemental application through the provider or university partner.
7. Get your Passport
- Passport applications are available online or in-person at the Post Office.
8. Explore your Funding Options and Apply for Scholarships
- Applicable financial aid varies for each program. Speak with the Education Abroad Coordinator to understand how financial aid may be applied toward your specific program.
- Also, there is a variety of education abroad scholarships available. Please apply for any awards you’re eligible for.
- Gilman Scholarship: students currently receiving Pell grants as part of their federal financial aid are eligible
- Education Abroad Scholarship Databases
- Diversity Abroad Scholarships and Funding
- Go Overseas Study Abroad Scholarship
- And you’re sure to find more if you research!