Get Started

Interested in studying abroad but not sure where to start? We offer a wide selection of programs ranging from two weeks to an academic year abroad. Many programs offer a cost of attendance comparable to studying on campus at UNI. Approximately 80% of our programs offer courses in English.

Find a program that's right for you!

‌For a successful study abroad experience, students must have certain skill sets like self-reliance, adaptability, flexibility, emotional stability and more.
We offer a variety of program types to fit students needs. It is important to think about what type of dynamic and experience you want with your study abroad program.
Think about what you want out of a program (consider destination, cost, course offerings, etc.) and explore the programs under our "locations" tab.
View the guide for top universities by studies if you want to learn what semester, academic year or summer school program works well with your major or minor studies.
Meet with your academic advisor to discuss how study abroad will fit into your academic plan. We recommend considering going abroad earlier in your academic career to help you stay on track for graduation. Any major can study abroad and take a combination of major, minor, liberal arts core courses or elective courses.
Stop by our office to talk with our Peer Advisors about study abroad. They can explain the basic steps with study abroad and answer questions based on their past experience. Interested in a particular location? Our Peer Advisors have been on a variety of programs and perhaps even the one you are interested in doing.
Schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor
Complete the Pre-Advising Worksheet before your first appointment with the Study Abroad Advisor (this will be sent via email once an appointment is scheduled).

Top study abroad locations

Types of Programs

Semester & Academic Year:

Live and learn at a university abroad during the fall and/or spring semester
Study with classmates from the US and around the world (local and other international)
Grow personally and integrate with local community

Summer School:

Study and explore with a university abroad for 1 to 3 months
Gain unique learning experiences by participating in specialized courses
Enjoy group excursions arranged by the university abroad

Faculty-led:

Learn course content from UNI Faculty/Staff through hands on, dynamic experiences
Travel for 2 to 4 weeks (winter break and summer)
Participate in enriching group activities with a class of 10-25 UNI students

Internship, Research & Work Abroad:

Gain professional internship/work experience in your chosen field of study while earning academic credit
Work with Study Abroad Center staff to define goals and identify your opportunities abroad
Opportunities available year-round

Steps to Get Started

Begin your online application at anytime.
For semester, academic year, summer school and internship, research & work abroad programs, meet with your study abroad advisor in 103 East Bartlett.
Apply for scholarships.
Meet with Financial Aid.

Roles in Study Abroad Advising

Your Role as the Advisee:

In order to have a successful advising experience, you must do your part and assume responsibility for your decisions.

Keep the advising appointments you have scheduled.
Be prepared for your appointments. Bring information ready for review if asked.
Be self-reliant through all phases of the study abroad process. Your advisor provides you with information and advice so you can make decisions.
Follow through with important dates and deadlines pertaining to applications, course registration, housing, immigration, etc.
Be responsible for reviewing latest updates related to immigrations, customs and entry requirements pertaining to your destination.
Maintain consistent and honest communication with your advisor. The more open you are with your advisor, the better they can assist you. If you have any obstacles or challenges that are interfering with your studies and/or preparation for study abroad, do not hesitate to share this with your advisor.

A successful study abroad experience is a team effort. Having a close relationship with your advisor is an important component in a successful and enriching study abroad experience.

Our Role as the Advisor:

Your study abroad advisor will support you as you plan your experience.

Guide you to find the best program for you. If you are unsure of how to get started, when or where to go, what classes to take, your advisor is there to help you.
Inform you of the “need-to-knows:” costs, program dates, course offerings, housing options, application processes, destination details, and funding opportunities.
Provides resources regarding immigration, airfare, and arrival abroad.
Provides you with information on using technology and money abroad.
Provides resources regarding health and safety information.

Finally, your advisor will encourage you to celebrate your successes before, during, and after your experience, while challenging you to grow as an individual and achieve your goals.

Eligibility Requirements to Study Abroad

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to Study Abroad. Students must have a completed study abroad application, including supportive recommendation form(s). Additionally, students must meet all of the following in order to be eligible to Study Abroad:

Have a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher at the time of application and maintain this cumulative GPA prior to departure and throughout the study abroad process
- If your cumulative GPA is lower than 2.5, submit the following to the Study Abroad Center (103 East Bartlett):
- Letters of reference from two academic contacts (e.g. academic advisor and former or current professor) supporting your pursuit of study abroad. If you are attending a faculty-led study abroad program, one of the letters must be from a course leader. However, if the program has two course leaders, only one of the letters can be from one of the course leaders.
Must be over the age of 18 years old
Must meet the course prerequisites (participation in the program is dependent upon meeting these)
Must be in good standing with the university
UNI's partner institutions may require additional eligibility requirements to be met, these vary from institution to institution. Please consult with the Study Abroad Center staff to discuss these additional requirements, if applicable.
Applicants traveling to a region of a country or a country with an overall Travel Advisory Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or 4 (Do Not Travel) will not be eligible.

Deadlines for Study Abroad Applications

Summer Schools, Fall & Academic Year: March 1

Spring: October 1

Winter Break Faculty-led: October 1 (some programs may have an earlier deadline)

Summer Faculty-led: February 1 (some programs may have an earlier deadline)

Application Process

Once you choose a program go to that program's brochure online and click "apply now"!

How to Create a Study Abroad App

Starting your Application
Step 1: Go to the study abroad website at uni.edu/studyabroad
Step 2: Once on the home page, click TERMS or LOCATIONS to see a listing of our programs
Step 3: Click on the name of the program to bring you to the program's page
Step 4: Click the APPLY tab on the program page. Then click the APPLY button.
Step 5: Select the term you are interested in. Then click APPLY
Step 6: Select "I have a CatID and passphrase" (this is what you use to sign into your UNI email). Then click SUBMIT
Step 7: You should then see your application

How to get back into an application you started

Accessing Application
Step 1: Go to the study abroad website and click LOGIN
Step 2: Enter in your CatID and Password
Step 3: Once you login click MY HOME. Then click the application you wish to work on

The Application Process

Application Stages
Pending Documents: Complete all items on your online application.
Pending Documents (Complete): All items on your online application are complete. Your application is now being reviewed* *Application review is a manual process and may take a few days. Watch your email for your acceptance!
Accepted: You're accepted into your program. Log back onto your application to commit.
Committed: You have successfully committed and your spot is secure!

Benefits of Study Abroad

Stronger communication skills
Increased maturity, self-confidence and independence
Global network of friends and connections

Acquisition of a foreign language
Enhanced resume
Broadened perspective of different cultures and values