*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 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 with their group using a Noncredit Project Form.
Step 1: Submit a complete application with all required attachements. Study Abroad Application (Fall or Spring Semester and Year-Long Programs) or Short-Term Application or the appropriate UMass in Lisbon application.
Download the application materials from the website or pick them up at the IPO.
- IPO will process your application and email you to confirm university approval of eligibility to study abroad as a UMass Dartmouth student.
- Prepare a Study Abroad Course Plan Form to discuss with your academic advisor(s).
- Present the final form to your department chair for signature and submit the original to the IPO.
Step 3: Apply to your chosen program
- The program provider or UMass faculty member generally have their own application that should be submitted directly to them. Please note that required application materials may include an official copy of your transcript and passport photos.
- You will be notified by the provider if you have been accepted to the program and must forward that application to the IPO. The IPO can assist in choosing an alternative program if necessary.
Step 4:
- Payment is due in full at time of acceptance to any UMass Dartmouth or UMass in Lisbon program. Payment plans are available. See the study abroad Finances page for details and for cancellation refund scale.
- For students currently on financial aid ONLY: Prepare the , 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.
Step 5: Make sure you are registered for EXH status
- Plan to attend the mandatory pre-departure orientation session held during the last month of each semester. Check the IPO website for dates.
Step 6: While on the study abroad program, you must meet all the academic requirements of the host program
- Courses taken in most study abroad programs will count for credit but not towards the GPA. (See "Grade Policy" under "International Programs" of the UMass Dartmouth catalog.)
Note: UMD faculty-led courses are treated as any other UMass Dartmouth course; grading standards and grade scale are the same as on campus. - The IPO authorizes all transcripts for posting to the academic record by the Registrar's Office. Advise the host program to send transcripts directly to IPO. Click here for the IPO's address. Order UMass Dartmouth transcripts from the Registrar's Office.
Step 7: Returning to Campus
- Complete the IPO's survey (sent by email)
- Participate in IPO events to share your experience with others and meet others interested in education abroad.
Advance Preparation
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.
