Where to Start

Make a commitment to your study abroad experience and plan ahead.

Resources to use during the planning process

• Visit the Education Abroad Resource library (Plant Hall, Rm. 305)
• Utilize the programs resource information found on the Education Abroad Web page
• Attend Education Abroad events: The Study Abroad Fair at the end of September and January; meet with visiting program provider representatives; attend the “Welcome Back”  reception for returning study abroad students
• Make an appointment to speak with the Education Abroad Coordinator

Define your OBJECTIVES

Why do you want to go abroad? Where do you want to go, and why? Here are some questions to ask when researching the various program options:

Requirements

• Is there a language requirement?
• Is there a GPA requirement?

Academic

• How will study abroad fit in with my academic program at UT?
• What is the academic focus of the program I'm looking at?
• Will I be able to take regular classes with local students?
• Does the university abroad allow students to take the combination of courses I want to take?
• How many courses do I need to take to get full credit at UT?

Culture and location

• What degree of cultural immersion do I want? Or am I ready for?
• What cultures/countries interest me the most?
• Do I want to be in a large city or in a more rural setting?
• Will I have opportunities to meet and interact with local people? How important is that to me?

Timing

• What is the best semester for me to study abroad?
• How long should I stay abroad?
• Are the academic calendars similar?
• What are the start and end dates of the program?

Housing

• Where do students on the program live - dorms, apartments, home stays?
• With whom will I be living - local students, or other international students?

Cost

• How much does the program cost?
• Apart from tuition, what other expenses will I be responsible for?
• Are excursions and field trips covered in the program cost?