First Step

Welcome!

Welcome and congratulations on making the first step toward studying abroad! This session is designed to give you an overview of studying abroad through the Learning Abroad Center. Whether you are just getting started or have already started an application, this session will provide valuable information about academic and financial planning and choosing the program that best meets your goals.

How to Complete the Session

The First Step session can be completed one of two ways.

Option One: Attend a live virtual session. This session will take place over zoom and you will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear from a peer adviser who has been abroad. Click here to register for a live virtual session. Once you sign up, you only need to attend and your attendance will be recorded. You do not need to return to this page.

Option Two: Complete the online module. This module contains 8 sections and will take about 25 minutes. It is best viewed on a computer or tablet (not a smartphone). To complete the online module simply continue with this form.

Choosing a Program
Academic Planning
Finances
Health & Safety
Disability Accommodations
Your Identity Abroad
Application Process
Your Next Steps

You will be asked to answer questions throughout the session to advance. After you answer each questions, you will be able to advance to the next section.

You can only hit "Submit" at the end of the form once you have gone through all sections and answered all quiz questions. Be sure to click on the links to explore our website and go more in depth on each topic.

First Name:

Last Name:

UofM Student ID Number:

University of Minnesota Email Address:

Hidden First Step Interaction:

Hidden First Step Interaction User:

Ready to get started?

Yes

Choosing a Program

Duration

Program duration varies from one week up to an entire academic year.

Program Provider/Sponsor

Programs are run by one of the following, but regardless of the sponsor you will apply through the Learning Abroad Center.

Learning Abroad Center (browse programs)
Affiliate (CET, IES, IFSA, ISEP, School for Field Studies, BCSP, Chinese Flagship - browse programs)
UofM College or Department (e.g. CSE Exchanges, Carlson Global Institute programs - browse programs)

LAC and affiliate programs have a designated contact person in the LAC. For UofM college or department programs, contact the college, department, or program leader for more information.

Program Model

We offer 3 main types of program models: study center, host university study, and instructor-led. When comparing the program models, consider these factors:

	Where	Classmates	Instructors	Examples
Study Center	Off-campus study center	Other US study abroad students	Local Instructors	See examples
University Study	Host university campus	Local, international, and US study abroad students	Local, host university instructors	See examples
Instructor-led	Varies, often includes excursions	UofM students	UMN instructor, local guest lecturers	See examples

Academics

When comparing program models, consider how the course offerings, instruction style, and academic calendar differ:

	Course Availability	Instruction/Grading	Calendar
Study Center	typically more limited compared to university study	teaching style may differ, grading typically aligns with US norms	generally aligns with UofM calendar
University Study	wide variety of courses; options for a specific discipline vary by program	teaching style, learning expectations, and grading may differ significantly from US norms	may differ from UofM calendar, especially in southern hemisphere
Instructor-led	typically one course is offered	follows UofM standards and norms	typically take place over winter break, May session, or spring break; does not conflict with fall or spring UofM calendar

Some programs may offer a combination of study center and university study courses.

Housing

Your housing options will vary depending on the program model. Housing is always arranged through the program.
Most programs offer some combination of homestay (living with a local host family), apartment (typically shared with other students on your program), or dormitory (usually shared with other students attending the host university). Housing on instructor-led programs is typically at a hotel or hostel.
As you’re planning for your term abroad, remember to plan housing arrangements in Minnesota before and after your study abroad program.

Question 1

After learning about the different program models, which are you most interested in?

Study Center

Host University Study

Instructor-led

Ready to move onto the next section about academic planning?

Yes

Academic Planning

It's important to work closely with your academic adviser(s) to make sure that the courses that you plan to take abroad fit into your graduation plan.

Course Approval

Who approves study abroad courses?

Academic adviser(s)/department - approve or deny a course to count for college or major/minor requirements and link courses in APAS (Academic Progress Audit System) when you return from abroad.
Office of Admissions - approves courses for Liberal Education requirements.

LAC advisers do not approve courses, but can identify potential programs matches, help you navigate course information and understand academic terminology, credit conversion, grading, etc.

Academic Planning Resources

Academic Planning Tools

Use these tools to determine which courses you will take abroad to keep you on track to graduate.

Academic Planning Form - document courses approved by your adviser(s).
Major Advising Pages - get advising tips and program suggestions from your major or minor department.
U Credit Abroad Search- search the database of courses approved for liberal education requirements or submit a new course to be reviewed.

Academic Policies

Semester programs require a minimum of 13 credit enrollment. Short term programs may have their own credit minimums.
In order to be eligible for some types of financial aid, you may need to enroll in more credits than the minimum set by your program.
Nearly all programs require A–F grading; S/N grading is rarely an option, even if you don't need the course to count toward graduation requirements.
You will receive resident credit on nearly all study abroad programs. Resident credit courses are automatically posted to your transcript and count toward your UofM GPA.

For more information, visit the Academic Policies section of our website.

Question 2

Who can approve your coursework abroad for major or minor requirements? *

My academic adviser and/or department

A Learning Abroad Center adviser

The program or university I am attending abroad

Any of the above

Incorrect.

Only your academic adviser(s) and/or department can approve coursework to fulfill major or minor requirements. Learning abroad advisers can help you locate information about courses abroad, but they are unable to grant approval of those courses to count toward your degree

Ready to learn about how to find course information?

Yes

Correct!

Only your academic adviser(s) and/or department can approve your coursework for major or minor requirements. Learning abroad advisers can help you locate information about courses abroad, but they are unable to grant approval of those courses to count toward your degree

Ready to learn about finding course information?

Yes

Finding Courses Offered Abroad

The process to locate program courses depends on the type of study abroad program. Follow these instructions to learn how to search for and navigate course information for study center-based, host university-based, and affiliated programs.

Study Center

Navigate to the 'Academics' tab on program page to find the full list of courses that program offers. In the course details, you will find a course description and syllabus. The course details will also tell you if the course meets a liberal education requirement and/or is equivalent to a course at the UofM.

If the study center program also offers courses at a host university, you will also find links to the university’s website for additional course information.
Example of course description for Argentina: Stereogypes & Identity

Example of course description for Argentina: Stereogypes & Identity

University Study

On the 'Academics' tab of the program page, you will find a link to the host university's course catalog and a grade and credit conversion scale. If you need help finding course information or understanding terminology or credit conversions, reach out to the program contact.
Academics page for Univeristy of Limerick

Academics page for Univeristy of Limerick

Affiliated

On the 'Academics' tab of the LAC program page you will find a link to the affiliate's webpage, which will include course descriptions and syllabi. If the program offers courses at a host university, you will also find links to the university’s website for additional course information.

Course information page for IES Japan

Question 3

Where can I find course information for my study abroad program?

My college or department academic adviser

The Academics section of my program on the Learning Abroad Center website

UMN course catalog

Incorrect.

Always start your search with the resources provided by the Learning Abroad Center, and use the Academics section of your program on the Learning Abroad Center website to find course information.

Ready to move onto the next section about finances?

Yes

Correct!

The Learning Abroad Center website provides you with resources for locating course information abroad. This may include full course listings, links to affiliate web course listings, or links to host university course information.

Ready to move onto the next section about finances?

Yes

Finances

Program Fees

You will be charged a program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees.
Fees vary by location, program model, term, and housing.
Program fees rarely include airfare and may or may not include housing and/or meals.
Your program fee will be billed to your UofM student account. It will be due at the same time that regular on-campus tuition and fees would normally be paid for that term.
The program fee for affiliate programs differs from what is listed on the affiliate's website. UofM students pay that fee plus an APAAC and may be eligible for automatic fee reductions.

Total Cost of Participation

Each program provides a cost of participation document that outlines all costs you can expect to pay for your program (both the program fee and out-of-pocket expenses, such as airfare, visa, and meals). To find your program's cost of participation, visit the program web page and navigate to the 'Fees' tab.

Screenshot of sample cost of participation for Study & Intern in Buenos Aires

Question 4

True or false: studying abroad costs the same as staying on campus.

True

False

Incorrect.

You will be billed a study abroad program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees. In most cases, studying abroad costs more than staying on campus. The program fee varies greatly depending on the program location, model, features, and duration.

Ready to learn about using financial aid for study abroad?

Yes

Correct!

You will be billed a study abroad program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees. In most cases, studying abroad costs more than staying on campus. However, program fees vary greatly depending on the program location, model, features, and duration.

Ready to learn about using financial aid for study abroad?

Yes

Financial Aid

Most federal and state financial aid (grants and loans) can be applied toward the cost of studying abroad. Keep in mind that financial aid disburses according to the UofM on-campus calendar, even if your program starts earlier.

Attend a financial aid preview meeting to learn what types and amount of aid may be available for study abroad before you apply for a program.

You CAN Afford to Study Abroad Info Session
These info sessions, offered twice a semester, cover:

An overview of study abroad scholarships and tips for applying
How to access financial aid for study abroad
How to determine the costs for your program
How your program choice and program features impact the cost of your program

Question 5

How can you find out how your financial aid will apply toward study abroad before you apply for a program? *

Ask a Learning Abroad Center adviser

Attend a Financial Aid Preview meeting

Ask your college adviser

Incorrect.

Attend a financial aid preview meeting with a counselor from the Office of Student Finance to discuss your financial aid (loans and grants) options. Schedule a financial aid preview meeting before financially committing to your program!

Ready to move onto the next section about scholarships?

Yes

Correct!

Attend a financial aid preview meeting with a counselor from the Office of Student Finance to discuss your financial aid (loans and grants) options. Schedule a financial aid preview meeting before financially committing to your program!

Ready to move onto the next section about scholarships?

Yes

Scholarships

Study abroad scholarships are available through the Learning Abroad Center, UofM college and departments, and nationally.

Scholarship Considerations

Many scholarships are based on the strength of your essay (not merit or need-based)
Scholarship deadlines may fall before your program’s application deadline
- You can apply for scholarships as soon as you have a program picked out (even if you have not yet applied to your program).
- In most cases you won't find out if you receive a scholarship until after you have financially committed to a program. Budget for your study abroad experience without relying on scholarships.

Question 6

True or false: I need to apply for my study abroad program before I research and apply for scholarships.

True

False

Incorrect.

Most scholarship deadlines occur before or around the same time as program application deadlines. Waiting until you finish your program application may put you at risk of missing many important scholarship opportunities.

Ready to move onto the next section about health, accommodations, and identity abroad?

Yes

Correct!

Most scholarship deadlines occur before or around the same time as program application deadlines. Waiting until you finish your program application may put you at risk of missing many important scholarship opportunities.

Ready to move onto the next section about health, accommodations, and identity abroad?

Yes

Health & Safety

You will be enrolled in mandatory, comprehensive international travel, health, and security insurance during your time abroad. The cost of this insurance is included in your program fee.
You will be required to complete a health information form that outlines your health history, conditions, and needs. Program staff will use this form to plan for your physical and mental health needs to be supported while you are abroad.
Pre-departure and onsite orientations will address how to stay safe and healthy during your time abroad.
Wondering how COVID-19 may impact your study abroad participation? Find COVID-19 updates and policies on our website.

Disability Accommodations Abroad

Contact your program staff before applying to your program if you have any kind of disability (whether hidden or visible) that may require accommodations while abroad.
You will request accommodations for your time abroad by completing the Student Accommodation Request Form with your Disability Resource Center Access Consultant.
For more information, visit the Students with Disabilities web page.

Your Identity Abroad

Have you considered how your identity will impact your experience abroad? These identities might include your ability, age, ethnicity, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
We encourage you to reflect on this question and talk to Learning Abroad Center staff as you plan your study abroad experience.
The Learning Abroad Center has developed online resources for LGBTQIA students, BIPOC students, and students with disabilities.

Ready to move onto the next section about the application process?

Yes

Application Process

Once you have looked into academic, financial, and other considerations and determined that a program is right for you, it's time to apply. You will submit your application online, submit specific checklist items for your program, and confirm your participation.

How to Apply

Follow the instructions on your program's 'Apply' tab.
You will be charged a $50 non-refundable application fee for each application you submit.

Your application portal will have a list of checklist items required for your application to be reviewed as well as confirmation items and optional items to be completed later in the process. The screenshot below gives you an idea of what a typical application checklist looks like.

Application Deadlines

Applications for most programs are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Deadlines generally occur the semester before the term you plan to go abroad. See below for specific deadlines.
Short-term Instructor-Led programs (e.g. Global & Freshman seminars), exchanges, and some other programs have a limited number of spaces available and may be competitive. Apply early for these programs. Most other programs do not reach capacity, and students who meet the eligibility requirements and apply on time are likely to be accepted.
We recommend that you only apply for one program, unless one of the programs you are applying for is a competitive exchange program and you need a second option.

Program deadlines by term abroad

Confirm Your Spot

If admitted to the program, you will need to confirm your spot by paying a $400 non-refundable deposit. The deposit will be billed to your student account.
By confirming your place on the program, you are financially committing to going on the program and you will be held to the cancelation policy. Canceling after that point will result in a financial penalty.

Question 7

What is the non-refundable application fee for each application you submit?

None

$50

$100

Incorrect.

You will be charged $50 to your UofM student account for each program you apply for.

Ready to move on to the final section about your next steps?

Yes

Correct!

You will be charged $50 to your UofM student account for each program you apply for.

Ready to move on to the final section about your next steps?

Yes

Your Next Steps

1. Research program options

Use the online program search and Major Advising Pages to explore programs.
As you explore your options, keep in mind academic planning and finances.

2. Schedule a program selection advising appointment

If you need additional help selecting a program, schedule a 30-minute, one-on-one program selection advising appointment. This is not required to apply.
Schedule an appointment online at z.umn.edu/LACadvising

3. Attend an upcoming event

View our upcoming events

4. Apply for a Passport

Current US passport processing times are significantly delayed. If you do not have a passport, or your passport expires less than 6 months after your return date from your expected time abroad, apply for a new passport as soon as possible. The UofM Passport Office is located in the University International Center at 331 17th Avenue SE on the East Bank.

Contact Us

The Learning Abroad Center is located in 230 Heller Hall.
Contact us by phone and email during our regular office hours.

Submit

Thanks for completing the First Step! Hit the 'Submit' button to complete the form.

We look forward to working with you as you plan your journey abroad!