Show Me How To: Study Abroad

An incomparable personal experience, academic improvement and the chance to learn new languages: Those are just some of the advantages of participating in the University’s Study Abroad Program.

International exchange programs have become a great option for students who want to improve their college experience and have high expectations for their career paths. Not sure where to start? These are the steps that students must take to study abroad according to Jason Jones, a study-abroad recruitment coordinator for UNM’s Global Education Office.

Step 1
Go to studyabroad.unm.edu and log in with your Net ID and password. The system will generate a profile from which you may choose a program in whatever country you would like to visit. On the website, you can also decide whether you want to go for the summer, one semester or two semesters.

Step 2
Go to an “Abroad 101” session. They’re held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in room 3097 of Mesa Vista Hall. There, students receive information about scholarships and the different programs offered. Sessions have up to five students to ensure personalized advisement. Students do not have to make an appointment.

Step 3
Applications are due Feb. 15 for the fall semester, April 1 for the summer and Sep. 15 for the spring semester. The following must be submitted to the Global Education Office before then:

- An official transcript.

- Two letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty, and a $200 application fee if you want to stay for a semester rather than during the summer. In the case of a summer stay, the fee is $100 and only one letter of recommendation is required.

- Visit the website of the partner university and search for courses that you would like to take or whose credit will transfer for coursework within your major. Then, fill out a course approval form from GEO.

- Obtain copies of your passport and proof of health insurance, fill out the application of the host university and a write a brief statement of purpose explaining why you want to study aboard there.

Step 4
Upon acceptance to a study abroad program, students will be responsible for obtaining their own visa. But students don’t have to scramble about this on their own. GEO advisers will be able to assist with the process as long as students fill out a visa questionnaire and bring it to an appointment with an adviser. The visa questionnaire will be available to the student online after being accepted to the program.

Step 5
The student will then move on to an interview with GEO staff, to see if they are mentally prepared for the program. About two months before leaving, there is a day-long orientation, where the student will learn about safety, financial aid and how to readjust when they come back.