Get Started with Study Abroad

Get Started with study abroad

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.  

Finding a Program That is Right For You

Top Study Abroad Destinations

  • 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 here 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)

Benefits of Studying abroad

Types of Programs

Semester and 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, and 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.
  • All study abroad applicants must pass the Study Abroad Applicant Assessment with a score of 70% or greater.
  • Applicants may be selected for an in-person interview before being accepted. Selection for an interview does not guarantee acceptance into the program. You will be contacted directly by the Study Abroad Center if selected for an interview.

Deadlines for Study Abroad Applications

Summer Schools, Fall, and 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"!

Starting your Application 

Application Stages

How to create a Study Abroad app

how to log back into your study abroad app

Stages of the online applicationStages of the application part 2