A successful study abroad experience requires that you plan ahead and take responsibility for key actions along the way. Your faculty and university advisors, and Study Abroad staff in our office can assist you but the responsibility for ensuring a successful experience is yours. Be sure you take the action steps outlined below.
6 to 12 months before departure
ACTION: Discuss your plans to study abroad with your faculty or university advisor(s). Begin exploring study abroad options by reviewing the program options available on our website.
As you work with your advisors to plan possible coursework abroad, we recommend that you focus on identifying study abroad courses that might satisfy major electives, general electives and/or Core requirements. You should plan to complete major requirements with USM courses.
6 to 8 months before departure
ACTION: Finalize your choice of program. Consider the following in narrowing your choice to one or two programs:
- Look at the program options available on our website
Considerations:
- Cost
- Major & availability of courses
- Location
- Note: Not all reciprocal exchanges have available slots each term so we recommend you begin planning early! More information will be listed on our “Program Options” Page.
ACTION: Once you’ve narrowed your final choice of program to one or two options, make an appointment to meet with a study abroad advisor in the Office of international Programs to review your preparation so far, and to ready you for your next action steps.
3 to 6 months before departure
ACTION: Apply to Study Abroad: Complete all of the steps outlined at the application link. You can email Kaoru (kphill50@maine.edu)with questions about the application process.
ACTION: Apply for a scholarships!
2 to 3 months before departure
ACTION: Prepare to depart! Be sure you have finalized all your USM logistics and that your program abroad has everything they need.
- Completed all risk forms for USM & attended a pre-departure orienattion
- Fianlized any necessary paperwork with USM financial aid/billing (if it applies to you)
- Secured a visa
- Finalized your plane ticket
- Secured housing abroad & registered for courses (if your program allows registration prior to arrival)