Step-by-Step Guide to Study Abroad for Students in the College of Communication
The following was prepared as a general guide for students who are unsure of where to begin. The College collaborates closely with the UT Study Abroad Office in order to provide students with a wide range of international opportunities, including special courses and programs that are sponsored by the College of Communication in conjunction with other Colleges on campus and institutional partners abroad. If you plan to participate in one of a UT faculty-led program, you may find that you can skip some of the suggested steps in this step-by-step guide since course credit is generally identified in advance.
Begin by identifying your priorities:
• How important is it that you take courses in your major?
• Are you set on going to a particular country, or are you flexible?
• Would you like to improve your foreign language skills?
• When do you want to go (summer, over a long semester or over one year)?
• How important is on-site support to you and your family?
• Are scholarships a priority?
• Will internship options factor into your decision-making process?
Once you’ve identified your priorities, proceed to the first step.
STEP 1. Attend an information session. You can attend a general information session, a program-specific session or review an online information session. Any of these sessions will be useful.
STEP 2. Schedule a visit with your academic advisor in the College of Communication and ask for a degree check, so you can identify the best courses (or types of courses) to reserve for study abroad. Ask how your participation may impact your plans for graduation, and any policies you may need to be mindful of as you begin planning.
STEP 3. Review the Study Abroad Office’s searchable online database for a preview of your study abroad options. If you’re flexible about your destination, try searching by your major(s), and review the list of results. Please note that in a given list of results for “Communication,” for example, some programs will include a small selection of courses in Communication, and others may offer a much wider selection. Note also that the types of programs differ. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each in order to select the option that best meets your needs and interests. Note that if a particular study abroad program or provider is not included in this database, it will be considered a “non-UT program,” and special provisions apply (non-UT programs may or may not qualify for transfer credit).
STEP 4. Make a list of the programs you’re considering. Visit the designated study abroad advisor for your programs of interest. Use this opportunity to discuss course offerings, credit transfer, cost, funding for study abroad, housing and travel-related questions, etc.). Remember to do this early, so that you can request access to the online application as soon as possible. Don’t wait, as some application materials require advance planning. Students who plan ahead typically increase their options in terms of programs, destinations, scholarships financial aid, etc. Add relevant application and scholarship deadlines to your calendar, and allow enough time to prepare your applications and request letters of recommendation.
STEP 5. Apply for the program of your choice. You can review application requirements for each type of program here, and be sure to check information on deadlines, as they can vary by type of program. Please note that some programs, providers and host schools have an additional application process (if you’re unsure, be sure to check with the Study Abroad Office).
Once you’ve been informed of your acceptance
STEP 1. Begin completing and submitting acceptance materials on the “MY SAO” online portal. All this information is required by the University and can be vitally important to your wellbeing. Review, note and keep payment and registration deadlines and instructions for your particular study abroad program.
STEP 2. Inform your academic advisor in the College of Communication about your confirmed study abroad plans and make a second appointment. Get your planned/contemplated courses evaluated in advance whenever possible, and have your advisor sign off on the foreign course approval form (FCAF) furnished by the Study Abroad Office (Note: most faculty-led programs don’t require this form).
STEP 3. On the online application, if you’ve indicated that you will be applying for financial aid, the Study Abroad Office will send the UT Office of Student Financial Services an estimated student budget for your program. Your financial aid advisor will use the budget to review and revise your financial aid award for the semester you will be away, and will send you a financial aid notification. Review the information on financial aid as it applies to study abroad in a timely manner, as there are important steps you will need to take to ensure that your award is disbursed as planned and on time.
STEP 4. Review important general student travel and safety information, as well as information specific to your host country, and learn about your responsibilities while you are abroad. Passports are required for all destinations. If you don’t have one, apply for a passport as soon as possible, or, if yours will expire before the end of the time you’re planning to be abroad, you should apply for one now. The UT International Office offers convenient passport and ID services. You will need to have a passport before you can apply for either a residency permit or a visa (if required). Allow up to a few months for this process. You will be responsible for contacting the appropriate consulate or embassy for guidelines and to secure the necessary paperwork.
STEP 5. Attend the required pre-departure orientation session(s) for your program. Students who receive aid or scholarships through the Office of Student Financial Services must complete online training, available through CASH, the application website. Students studying or planning to travel in Asia, Latin America, Africa or Eastern Europe will also need to complete online travel counseling, offered by UT Health Services, and may need immunizations (also offered by UHS).
