*Seniors Vania Andrade and Jennifer Lopes on the Great Wall of China
Advising
- Contact IPO for an appointment with an advisor, or a peer advisor who has studied abroad themselves
- Watch for announcements of study abroad information fairs, and small group presentations sponsored by IPO
Eligibility
- To be eligible for study abroad, a student must be at least 18 years of age and have completed one semester and at least 15 credits at time of application.
- All participants in UMass Dartmouth study abroad programs must be matriculated students and registered for credit.
- Criteria to be considered "in good standing" at UMass Dartmouth, including, but not limited to:
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 (for semester or academic year) or 2.0 (for summer) at time of application
- Student account paid in full
- Judicial record cleared by Student Affairs
Application Process
Note: The steps below are for academic-credit programs. Students participating in any UMass Dartmouth sponsored non-credit activity must instead register using the Non-credit Project Abroad Registration format.
I. UMass Dartmouth Study Abroad Application
- Step 1: Search in the UMass Dartmouth database of approved programs to identify your preferred program. Complete the Pre-Eligibility Step. See the UMass Dartmouth Program Database.
- Step 2: Submit the Pre-Eligibility Step. The IPO will review to ensure you meet the 3 eligibility requirements and will email you within 2 weeks to confirm your eligibility.
- Step 3: Complete the Post-Eligibility Step promptly. IPO will then confirm your Approved Study Abroad Status (see III below).
II. The Program Application
A notification of acceptance to a specific study abroad program will come from that program, not from the International Programs Office. Make sure to send a copy of the program acceptance to the IPO to complete your student file.
Faculty-led UMass Dartmouth Programs: The IPO will forward your UMass Dartmouth Study Abroad Application to the Faculty Director. The Faculty Director will review the application, contact you to request any additional information, and then notify you about acceptance to that specific program.
UMass Exchange Programs: In some cases, additional materials are required besides the UMass Dartmouth Study Abroad Application. The International Programs Office will notify you accordingly and will forward the completed application packet to the partner university on your behalf.
All Other Study Abroad Programs: Program Providers, other UMass campuses, or other non-UMass Dartmouth study abroad programs have their own applications. The student is responsible for submitting this second application directly to the program, as soon as possible their UMass Dartmouth Study Abroad Application has been confirmed and eligibility confirmation received from the IPO.
III. Approved Study Abroad Status
Students who have been confirmed as eligible to participate in a UMass Dartmouth Study Abroad Program are responsible for maintaining their approved status. Every student is required to participate in one of the IPO's Pre-Departure Orientation sessions each semester.
- Financial: Full payment becomes due at the time of acceptance to any UMass Dartmouth short-term program (winter, summer, or embedded in a semester course). For students currently on financial aid ONLY: Prepare the , Financial Aid Information for Study Abroad Programs (Fall 2012 and Spring 2013) (Fall 2012 and Spring 2013) attach documentation of anticipated costs (you should receive this from the program), and make an appointment with an advisor in the IPO to review and sign. Make prior arrangements with the Bursar's Office for distribution of your funds while on study abroad.
- Student Conduct: Students who are placed on disciplinary status prior to departure for or during any study abroad program will have their approved status revoked.
- Academic: Students who do not maintain the minimum required gpa are subject to revision of approved study abroad status.
- Registration: The IPO will register all approved students for a given term in EXH "study abroad" status and a $250 study abroad fee will appear on the student COIN account. It is EXH status which allows the student to maintain continuing student status, and have access to financial aid, student services and to earn study abroad academic credits while away from campus. If plans change, the student must notify IPO and the EXH status will be removed.
How to choose the best study abroad program for you
Think about your personal and professional goals after graduation. What kind of experiences abroad will help you most in meeting those goals?
- Living and working in a different culture?
Consider a semester or full year program and look for a community service or internship element. - Furthering language skills?
(Intro or Intermediate) Consider a program with some language classes plus some content classes taught in English.
(Advanced) Consider a program that offers all regular classes at a local university in the national language alongside local students.
(Language Immersion) Consider a full-time, intensive language study program. - For majors in Engineering, Nursing or other technical fields
Consider a program in an English-speaking country where you qualify for advanced level courses alongside local students. - Gaining hands-on experience with concepts taught at UMass Dartmouth
Consider a faculty-led intersession or summer program. - Introducing yourself to unfamiliar cultures or new topics
Consider a short-term winter or summer program.
Talk to your Academic Advisor, and other faculty and staff about the best time period for you to study abroad, and other considerations unique to you.
