6 to 12 months before departure

Discuss your plans to study abroad with your advisor(s).

We recommend that you focus your USM enrollment on major specific courses that might be hard to find outside of USM. Leave some of your major electives, general electives and CORE courses unfinished as they will be easier to complete abroad.

6 to 8 months before departure

Begin exploring study abroad options with the Office of International Programs. How?

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.

3 to 6 months before departure

Apply to Study Abroad: Request an appointment with a study abroad advisor in the Office of International Programs to learn how to apply.

Don’t forget to ask about scholarships!

2 to 3 months before departure

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)

Go Abroad! Have an amazing adventure

Application Period & Deadlines for AY 2025/26

  • September – October 14, 2024: Initial advising and/or completing study abroad application process for Winter and/or Spring 2025.
  • October 15, 2024 – March 7, 2025: Initial advising and/or completing study abroad application process for Summer, Fall 2025 and/or Academic Year 2025/26
  • March 8, 2025 – October 14, 2025: Initial advising and/or completing study abroad application process for Winter and/or Spring 2026
  • USM Faculty Led Summer Programs: TBD
  • Students should apply as early as possible to ensure their first choice school.