Study Abroad Process
Ready to study abroad but don't know where to start? This page will help walk you through how the entire process works! From your first meeting with our office until you return to campus after your program is completed, all the steps are listed below so that you can know exactly what to expect as you prepare to embark on your new adventure!
UNI has two different types of programs, Faculty-Led and Partner University. To review the differences between these, please visit the Types of Programs page. For both types of programs, the process is divided into 4 stages: Application, Next Steps, Preparation, and Return. While the process for both types of programs are similar, their are some key differences between the two. Please review the process for the type of program you plan to participate in.
Faculty-Led
- Application
Info Meeting: Optional meeting with a Peer Advisor to talk through the different program options and locations offered.First Steps Meeting: Once you have decided on a program, meet with the Study Abroad Advisor to go over program specific details including academics, costs, scholarships, etc.
Complete Online Application: After your First Steps Meeting, you will be emailed a link to the online application. Complete the application by following the instructions and reading through the materials. You will also input your academic advisor and the course leaders information to receive their recommendations.
Meeting with Course Leader(s): Meet with the course leader(s) of the program. You will need to meet with the course leader(s) in order for them to fill out the recommendation as part of your online application.
Sign Acceptance Letter: Once your online application has been completed and your recommendations have been received, our office will review your application and accept you into the program. You will be emailed a link to your acceptance form, which you will need to review and sign indicating your commitment to the program. Signing this document will secure your spot on the program.
- Next Steps
Start applying for scholarships: Visit our website to review and apply for as many Study Abroad scholarships as possible by the deadline.
Complete e-Learning training courses: Prepare to travel abroad by reviewing materials that go over important information including cultural preparation, safety, technology, and more.
Attend at least one Prep Session: A requirement for participating on your program, attend one or both Prep sessions during either the fall or spring semester. One session will go over health and making the most of your time abroad. The other session will go over packing tips, money, and electronics.
- Preparation
Class Group Meetings with Course Leaders: During the semester before your trip, there will be a number of required meetings determined by the course leader(s). These meetings will go over important information related to your trip including the syllabus, coursework, required class materials, and more.
Attend Required Pre-Departure Meeting hosted by Study Abroad Center: Meet with Study Abroad Advisor and other students traveling on your program in the few weeks before your departure. This required meeting will go over information including U-bill details, safety, arrival abroad, and more.
Travel abroad on your program and have the best time ever!
- Return
Attend a Welcome Back debrief session with the Study Abroad Center: Meet with Study Abroad Center staff and other students who recently traveled abroad to chat about readjusting to life at home and to UNI, how to stay international, and how to incorporate study abroad into your resume.
Partner University
- Application
Info Meeting: Optional meeting with a Peer Advisor to talk through the different program options and locations offered.
First Steps Meeting: Once you have decided on a program, meet with the Study Abroad Advisor to go over program specific details including academics, costs, scholarships, etc.
Complete Online Application: After your First Steps Meeting, you will be emailed a link to the online application. Complete the application by following the instructions and reading through the materials. You will also input your academic advisors information to receive their recommendation.
Meeting with Academic Contact: Meet with an academic staff or faculty from UNI to determine how the courses you plan to take abroad will transfer back for credit. This can be an academic advisor, professor, or a faculty who is familiar with you and would be willing to fill out the recommendation for you to support your pursuit to study abroad.
Sign Acceptance Letter: Once your online application has been completed and your recommendation has been received, our office will review your application and accept you into the program. You will be emailed a link to your acceptance form, which you will need to review and sign indicating your commitment to the program. Signing this document allows you to move forward in the process.
- Next Steps
Start applying for scholarships: Visit our website to review and apply for as many Study Abroad scholarships as possible by the deadline.
Complete TCA: Find 8-10 courses offered during the term of your program that will transfer back for credit towards your degree. For major and minor credits, work with the department head to get approval for these courses. Finalize TCA before you go abroad.
Complete e-Learning training courses: Prepare to travel abroad by reviewing materials that go over important information including cultural preparation, safety, technology, and more.
Next Steps Meeting: Meet with the Study Abroad Advisor and other students traveling on the program to over information including applying to the foreign university, the visa application process (if applicable), securing housing, etc.
Visa Check-in: If applicable, meet with the Study Abroad Advisor to go over materials necessary for the student visa before applying.
- Preparation
Pre-Departure Meeting: Meet with Study Abroad Advisor and other students traveling on the program in the few weeks before your departure. This required meeting will go over information including packing tips, safety abroad, cell phone plans, and more.
Travel abroad on your program and have the best time ever!
- Return
Attend a Welcome Back debrief session with the Study Abroad Center: Meet with Study Abroad Center staff and other students who recently traveled abroad to chat about readjusting to life at home and to UNI, how to stay international, and how to incorporate study abroad into your resume.
Application Deadlines
Make sure to complete everything on time by reviewing the deadlines for each term.