What are your goals?

For some students, studying abroad is all about building skills and bulking up your resume with applicable coursework and international experiences. For others, it’s about leaving home for the first time or simply trying something new. Other students may even choose to study abroad because they’re passionate about learning a second language and want the opportunity for full language immersion. In most cases, your goals for studying abroad might be a combination of all of the above, and that’s what makes studying abroad such an impactful experience. You’ll remember your study abroad experience for the rest of your life as a pivotal moment in your academic, personal, and professional growth. So whatever your goals are right now, just know the perfect program for you is out there and the Study Abroad office is always here to help you find it.

When thinking of your goals, here are some things to consider:

• Academic Benefits: Studying abroad on a faculty led program, following a Global Track specifically for your major, or consulting with your academic advisor to find the ideal courses for your program of study are great ways to take courses abroad that directly apply to your major or minor requirements. You might also study abroad to take courses for your second language requirement or general education. 
• Personal Growth: Students who return from abroad often report feelings of higher confidence, independence, global awareness, and a desire to travel again. You will likely learn a lot about yourself, your values, and your strengths through your study abroad experience. 
• Career Development: Employers love candidates that can clearly demonstrate intercultural communication skills, adaptability, and problem solving. You’ll learn all of this and more when you live in another country. Having international internship experience or competency in a second language will set you apart in the job market.
• Digital Competency: In an ever-changing world where we are connected digitally now more than ever, your future career may rely heavily on your ability to adapt to a virtual setting. You can gain intercultural tech skills through our virtual global internships, virtual consulting projects, and the new Global Tech Experience program.

Are you eligible?

In order to Study Abroad, you must meet the following minimum qualifications. Some programs may have additional requirements, which can be found on individual program pages.

• The University of Arizona requires students to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 when applying to–and when departing for–their program. Specific programs and partner institutions may require a higher GPA, so students should always refer to their program page to review eligibility requirements.
• Additionally, students must be at least 18 years of age, have sophomore class standing (have 30 completed units) by the beginning of the program, and maintain full-time enrollment during fall and spring semester programs.
• Students must not have any registration holds preventing their enrollment nor any disciplinary violation sanctions imposed.

Can I study abroad too?

• Non-UA Students: Non-UArizona students are welcome to apply to the University of Arizona as non-degree seeking students, and, once accepted, can then participate in faculty-led programs or can work directly with a third-party provider to attend an outside program. Non-degree seeking students may not participate in exchange programs. International non-degree seeking students must demonstrate English language proficiency as determined by the University of Arizona.
• Graduating Seniors: Students who want to study abroad the term immediately following their intended graduation date can delay their official graduation term until the completion of their study abroad program. Students in this situation should work directly with their academic advisor to make this change.
• Graduate Students: Some study abroad programs can offer graduate-level courses. Students should first check the program page for the program they are interested in, then work with a Study Abroad coordinator and their home department to see if this program is a good option for their course of study. In the case of faculty led programs, students will also need to work with the program’s home department to determine their eligibility.
• International Students: International students are welcome to apply to study abroad programs. Your study abroad application will contain additional information to consider, and you will need to make sure you discuss your intent to study abroad with International Student Services.
• AZ Online and Distance Campus Students: Both short term and long term Study abroad programs are open to students studying through AZ Online and Distance Campuses. You do not need to change your campus to the Main Campus in order to study abroad. You should talk to a study abroad coordinator for more details about the application process and talk with your academic advisor about how this experience will impact and benefit your academic plan.

Ready to Get Started?

• Located in the main entrance of the Global Center, the Global Lounge offers drop-in advising, general Study Abroad information, and 1:1 program exploration appointments (virtual or in-person) with our knowledgeable team of Study Abroad Peer Advisors throughout the fall and spring semesters.
• You can find the drop-in advising hours for each semester on our Calendar.
• You can also schedule an appointment with a peer advisor to help answer your initial questions and make a plan to get started.
• Once you’ve selected a program, your Program Coordinator will be in contact with you for any application or program-specific questions.
• Join us for information sessions and events like Study Abroad 101 and Voices From Abroad panels. Visit the Calendar to find out when and where.
  • If you can’t make it, here’s a recording from one of our previous events (video) or check out our Global Wildcat Voices Podcast (https://soundcloud.com/user-669368828/sets/study-abroad-pre-departure).
• Follow us on Instagram: @uastudyabroad.

Looking for a Study Abroad Program?

As you search for programs, you can filter by region, country, term, and/or academic interest area. Under Advanced Options, you can search by program type, features (like research, internship, or virtual), or search for a specific program by name.

PROGRAM SEARCH

There are several different types of programs to fit your unique Study Abroad needs. Take a look at the options below:

Arizona Abroad Locations

• Students study abroad at UA locations through our partner universities across the world and pay their regular UA tuition. Participants are also registered and billed for international health insurance. Students can choose from a variety of courses at each destination including those taught by on-site UA faculty, partner university courses, and, in certain cases, UA i-courses.

Faculty-Led

• Programs organized and/or taught by UA professors and staff. Students take classes with other UA students. Participants earn direct UA credit, which means grades received are calculated into the UA GPA. Participants are billed for UA tuition, international health insurance, and a program fee for logistical expenses.

Exchange

• Students attend one of UA's partner institutions abroad for a semester or academic year and attend classes with a mix of local and international students. Participants pay the equivalent of UA tuition and earn transfer credit, which does not affect the UA GPA. Participants are also registered and billed for international health insurance. Please note: space is limited on some exchanges, so apply early!

Non-UA Programs

• Study abroad programs are also available from non-UA providers if none of the UA Study Abroad programs meet your needs. Please view our non-UA programs information page.

When should I meet with my academic advisor?

It is important to talk to your academic advisor about your intent to study abroad, so that you can stay on track for graduation by taking classes that are relevant to your degree! Your academic advisor can help you plan ahead and give you recommendations for the best types of courses to take during your study abroad term. There might be great options at certain locations for your major or minor, or if you plan to satisfy your second language requirement or general education courses, you need to let your advisor know so they can help you make it happen!

Generally speaking, you should tell your advisor that you want to study abroad as soon as you’re interested, or at least one year before you want to go. Your advisor might have some specific programs in mind that are a great fit for your major such as a pre-approved Global Track or a faculty led program for your department.

If you already have a specific program in mind already, you’ll also need to let your advisor know so you can work together to determine which courses will help you satisfy your graduation requirements.

Which questions should I ask my academic advisor?

• Which graduation requirements can I fulfill abroad?
• When is the best semester for me to participate in study abroad?
• Does my major have any Global Tracks or faculty led programs?
• How can I satisfy an internship requirement through an international internship?
• Does my major department offer any scholarships that I can apply for?

Where can my family find resources that will help answer their questions?

As you look into studying abroad, your family might have questions about finances, academics, safety, communication, and more. Here are some resources that provide more information:

• Review the Resources for Family & Friends webpage.
• Read our article: “So Your Student Wants to Study Abroad?”
• Check our calendar to attend a Family Information Session
• Watch a recording of a previous family information session on our YouTube channel

What should I discuss with my family?

Discussing the benefits of study abroad with your family is important and does not have to be overwhelming! Think about the questions your family might have. Here are some tips for talking about some of the most common questions.

1. Why do you want to study abroad? Set 2-3 concrete personal, academic, and professional goals for your experience, and share them with your family! Goal setting is a proactive way to visualize what you would like to accomplish and learn through your time in another country. You can also compare how those goals abroad are unique to your goals in Tucson. Studying abroad is proven to improve retention, graduation rates, and employability. Know which goals are important to you and how studying abroad will help you reach them.
2. How much will it cost? Many programs cost the same amount of tuition as you pay on the Main Campus and allow you to use your scholarships and financial aid. Making a budget for your additional expenses such as flights, housing, and meals will help you talk to your parents about the overall costs of this experience. You can use the Budget Guide, which takes into account upfront costs, your scholarships and grants, program costs, and daily living expenses to have an honest discussion with your family about your finances.
3. Is it safe? Discuss the health and safety protocols Study Abroad has in place for you as a UArizona student. Those health and safety components include: automatic Geo Blue international health insurance enrollment, access to mental health resources, full-time Global Travel staff with expertise in safety abroad, faculty training, open communication with local program staff, a risk monitoring platform to send you alerts, and a mandatory pre-departure orientation. The pre-departure orientation is a comprehensive, online orientation that guides you through best practices for travel and other considerations before departing. Your program coordinator can help you find the answer to any additional questions you have about health and safety.
4. What kind of support will be available to you? Let your family know that you will have many support teams both at home and abroad to support you. Your University of Arizona Study Abroad Coordinator will be there for your questions and concerns, even after you leave our campus, and our Global Travel team will always keep an eye out for emerging risks in your host country. Your academic advisor will also always be available to you via email and you may be able to schedule virtual appointments. Depending on your program, you may have University of Arizona professors there with you! In your host country, your university will have a team of support staff there to help incoming students find resources and adjust to their new country and courses.
5. Where will you live? Most programs offer pre-approved housing arrangements. It depends on your program, but you may be staying with a host family, in a university dorm, or in a shared apartment with other study abroad students that your host university has indicated for you. Check your program page to see which kind of housing your program offers.
6. Will you still graduate on time? Share with your parents the plans you have made with your academic advisor. Talk about how your study abroad classes will keep you on track for graduation or will help you satisfy other academic and professional goals, such as experiencing second language immersion, completing an internship, or earning a minor.

Does my funding apply to study abroad?

Studying abroad may seem like a large expense, but there are many ways to make this experience as affordable as a regular semester on campus. Many study abroad programs allow you to use your regular financial aid and scholarship awards toward your tuition–no separate application needed! However, there are some exceptions. As you search for a program, keep in mind the program type. This chart will help you determine which funding you can use. Additionally, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid has a page that can help clear up any questions you may have.

How can I Apply for More Funding?

• Applying for extra funding can help loosen up your budget as you go abroad. By saving money on tuition or fees, you’ll have more money to try new experiences in your host country.
• As you begin applying for scholarships, use resources such as our Study Abroad Scholarship Guide and Finance webpage to help assess your needs and organize your search. Remember to begin applying early for the best chance of success!

Here are a few places to start your search:

• The UA International Scholarship Tracker lists opportunities for various destinations, majors, minority groups, and more.
• Scholarship Universe contains thousands of opportunities for general scholarships, possibly including scholarships for your major, department, or college. Check with your advisor or faculty to learn more about scholarships specific to your studies.
• The Gilman Scholarship offers Study Abroad awards to students eligible for the Pell Grant. Students and Families should check the Study Abroad calendar for Gilman Information Sessions throughout the year.
• Arizona International Study Abroad Scholarships. When a student applies to study abroad, they are automatically entered into the running for some scholarships.
• The Fund for Education Abroad Scholarship is another great scholarship option for students with financial need to study abroad.
• Check out the Office for Nationally Competitive Scholarships and schedule an appointment if you want to learn more.

How do I learn more about the intersection of my identities and my host country?

As you explore your options and prepare to study abroad, reflect on aspects of your identity that may impact your experience, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, dietary lifestyle, disability, or religion. It is important to be aware of similar or differing social and cultural norms in your host country and prepare accordingly by doing your research and going in with an open mindset. The local socio-cultural context may present you with some challenges or rewards, but being knowledgeable beforehand equips you with the ability to better adjust in your new environment and find the perfect balance of honoring your identity and the local culture.

Being in a foreign country and unfamiliar surroundings can be overwhelming. Remember that your identities will uniquely shape your experience abroad and may impact your perception of certain situations. Nevertheless, you are never alone. Other students are also navigating their own personal identities during their study abroad program.

Here are a few resources to learn more about integrating your identity and international experience:

• Diversity & Identity Study Abroad Webpage
• Being an American Abroad (Global Wildcat Voices podcast)
• Identity While Abroad (Global Wildcat Voices podcast)
• Diversity Abroad Website

How do I apply?

• Once you have chosen a program, navigate to the program’s information page and click the Apply Now button directly under the Program Facts section.
• If you have started an application and still need to complete it, you can navigate to your program’s information page and click the Continue Existing Application button, or log in here.

Application requirements may vary by program, and your application may have additional items, but in general all applications will require you to do the following:

• Upload passport scan
• Read and sign documents
• Submit course information
• Secondary application (may be required for some programs)
• Submit application ($50 application fee due upon submission)
• Confirm participation after acceptance to the program (time frame varies by program).

Make sure to keep an eye on your program’s deadlines and give yourself enough time to complete your application. If you have any questions about your application, feel free to reach out to your Program Coordinator.

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