Frecuently Asked Questions
What kinds of study abroad programs are available?
Short-term sessions, summer sessions, semester-long, and year-long opportunities are available.
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Can I afford to study abroad?
Study abroad can be done cost effectively! In addition, financial aid and scholarships are available.
Reciprocal exchanges can be an inexpensive way to study abroad. Outgoing students pay tuition and fees at UTD just as if they would be on the UTD campus; all other costs (housing, meals) are paid at the host university. The main additional costs are airfare and traveling money. Check with OIE for existing exchanges that UTD may be participating in.
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Can graduate students study abroad?
Yes! Please note, though, that it can be a bit more complicated to fit study abroad into a graduate degree. Please contact the Office of International Education (OIE) to talk about your wishes for an international education experience. Speaking with your major professor or mentor can be a good starting point.
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Can international students study abroad?
Yes! Study abroad is for EVERY UTD student. Please let the OIE know early on what non-US citizenship you hold, so that we can refer you to appropriate UTD offices and resources. You may not elect to return to your home country and study to be considered study abroad.
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If I am a non-traditional age student, have children, or have a disability, can I still study abroad?
Yes! Please do not hesitate to let us know about your special circumstances. We are committed to making an international experience available to all students, and we'll be happy to advise individually to identify the best program for a particular student (for instance, a site with child care available, or with wheelchair-accessible facilities.)
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Is financial aid applicable to study abroad?
Yes! The OIE will work with you and the Financial Aid Office to have your need level re-assessed and your federal and state financial possibilities explored.
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What is the International Education Fund Scholarship (IEFS)?
Each semester, every UTD student pays $3 for the International Education Fee. This fee appears on the UTD billing statement. EVERY PENNY of the IEF money is deposited into an account which may only be used for student scholarships. At UTD, eligible recipients of the funds are awarded money directly or have the award credited directly to their UTD account. Students that have been enrolled at UTD at least half-time, as a degree seeking students for at least one semester may be eligible for this scholarship.
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Is there a grade-point average requirement to study abroad?
A minimum GPA of 3.0 is recommended. Some program requirements may vary. Check with the OIE for further details or requirements.
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I'm just a little bit below that GPA. Can I still be considered for a program?
It never hurts to ask! The answers may be different for different programs.
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What are my program options?
Come to the Office of International Education and look through our materials! We have information on thousands and thousands of international education programs offered by other US institutions and foreign schools. We can help you with the process of choosing a program, receiving your financial aid, and determining if coursework can be transferred.
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Is there an application?
Yes. UTD requires a one page application and a written personal statement of intent. An interview will also be required.
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What are the application deadlines?
The application deadlines are as follows
Spring 2010 - October 30
Summer 2010 - March 29
Fall 2010 - May 27
Spring 2011 - October 29
Summer 2011 - March 29
Fall 2011 - May 27
Spring 2012 - October 31
Summer 2012 - March 30
Fall 2012 - May 29
Spring 2013 - October 31
Summer 2013 - March 29
Fall 2013 - May 29
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When do most students study abroad?
First of all, students need to have completed their first year
and have at least 30 credits to be eligible to attend any of the
programs.
For semester programs, many of the students are juniors, but sophomores
and seniors also participate in the programs. For summer programs,
the summer before or after the junior year seems to work well.
About the same number of students attend programs in the fall
as in the spring. One semester does not seem to be more popular
than the other. Summer programs, which tend to be shorter, have
typically been quite popular among UTD students.
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How do I apply to study abroad with UTD?
Students can now apply with forms available in the Office of International
Education.
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Is there an application fee?
Currently, there is not an application fee. There may be various
program fees, depending on the program you choose.
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Do I need to submit a transcript?
After you've completed your study abroad, you must submit an official
transcript in English from your study abroad school. If the transcript
is issued in a foreign language, you will need to have it translated
and submit both the original and official English version for
evaluation of transfer credit to the Office of the Registrar at
UTD.
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Are there any foreign language requirements?
Many programs will require language proficiency and may require
a placement exam. In many cases at least two years of college
level foreign language proficiency may be required. However, there
are many English program options in a variety of countries. Check
with OIE for further information.
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How many classes do I have to take?
Students are required to enroll for full time student status.
Summer programs may vary in length and minimum number of required
hours.
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Will my classes transfer to UTD?
You must complete a Pre-Approval of Transfer Credit Form prior
to departure. This will ensure proper credit and transferability.
Students who do not complete this form are at risk of not receiving
transfer credit upon completion. You should always check with
your academic advisor regarding your plans.
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When will I hear of my application status?
After a student submits an application, he/she is notified which
component are missing from the application. Or if student's application
is complete, the student will be contacted to have a personal
interview. The student will be notified shortly after the interview
with the decision.
Students are welcome to call the Office of International Education
(972-883-4715) to check on the status of their application.
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Is airfare included in the cost of the
program?
Airfare is not included in the price of the program. Students
make their travel arrangements and make payment directly to the
travel agency or airline.
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How many suitcases can I bring?
You will need to check with your airline to be sure how many suitcases
you may check, as well as the dimensions and weight limit. Most
airlines allow one carry on bag with specific dimension and weight
limit requirements.
You will find that you do not need nearly as much as you think
you do. Remember, porters are seldom available to help with your
luggage, so plan to carry your own luggage at all times.
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Are there scholarships and financial
aid available?
Scholarships have been established to support opportunities for
UTD students to participate in study abroad programs. A variety
of third party or independent scholarships are also available.
Please contact the Office of International Education for specific
information and application instructions for available scholarships.
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How do I obtain a passport?
Find out how to obtain or renew a passport at
http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
In some countries you are required to have your passport with
you at all the times as official identification. U.S. officials
tend to recommend that your passport be kept in a safe place.
A compromise is to carry with you a photocopy of the passport
information page.
If you have a passport, make sure it does not expire while you
are abroad.
Remember if you plan to travel from one country to another country,
you must have a passport with you. And, of course, remember not
to pack your passport in your luggage.
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Do I need medical insurance?
If your current medical insurance does not cover you while abroad,
one option is to purchase insurance through International Student
Identity Card (ISIC). This is an insurance program for study abroad
students which offers various services including medical assistance.
There are a number of alternatives; please check OIE for a listing.
You should provide some proof of insurance coverage before you
leave.
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Do I really need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is a good idea. Some travel insurance plans cover
the cost of emergency health care. You can also be compensated
if you need to cancel your trip. Travel insurance may cover lost
and stolen baggage.
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How can I get a Student Identity Card?
You can apply for and receive the International Student Identity
Card (ISIC), which provides discounts for flights, accommodations,
transportation, museums, etc. In addition the ISIC provides Travel
Guard Assistance, accidental medical insurance, etc. For further
information please contact ISIC directly.
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Do I need a student visa?
If a visa is required, obtain it from the appropriate foreign
consular representative before proceeding abroad. Allow sufficient
time for processing your visa application, especially if you are
applying by mail. Most foreign consular representatives are located
in principal cities, and in many instances, a traveler may be
required to obtain visas from the consular office in the area
of his/her residence. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE
TRAVELER TO OBTAIN VISAS, WHERE REQUIRED, FROM THE APPROPIATE
EMBASSY OR NEAREST CONSULATE OF THE COUNTRY YOU ARE PLANNING TO
VISIT. As soon as you receive your visa, check it to
make sure no mistakes were made. Processing and visa fees vary,
and most fees may not be refundable. For specific details, consult
the Embassy or Consulate of the country you plan to visit.
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis_pa_tw_1168.html
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Do I need immunizations?
Under the International Health Regulations adopted by the World
Health Organization, a country may require International Certificates
of Vaccination against yellow fever, especially if your are traveling
from an area of the world that is infected with yellow fever.
Prophylactic medication for malaria and certain other preventive
measures are advisable for travel to some countries. No immunizations
are required to return to the United States. Detailed health information
may be obtained from your local healthcare provider or by contacting
the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, telephone 1-877-394-8747
or internet: www.cdc.gov .
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What options are available for students
with disabilities-based needs?
While the United States has certain standards for accessibility,
unfortunately; not all countries have comparable access. Some
cities are better than others with respect to accessibility. Many
study abroad programs attempt to make efforts to accommodate students
with learning disabilities and special access needs. The best
information can be obtained by speaking with an advisor in OIE
about options. A visit to the UTD Disability Services Office is
also highly recommended. An individualized approach is utilized
and discussions about needs and expectations are part of overall
planning process. A very useful website to consult would be Mobility
International for information about traveling with a disability.
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Can I study abroad if I am studying in
the Pre-Health Program?
Yes, you can study abroad if you are studying in the Pre-health
when considering these programs.
Obtaining information about specific admission policies at the
medical a schools you are interested in before you apply for a
study abroad program.
You should take your sciences or core pre-health courses at UTD.
Plan effectively around the timing of your study abroad experience.
Consider when you will take the MCAT and make applications to
medical schools. Junior and senior year abroad is not the best
choice.
International science courses are generally not considered by
review committees.
Consider taking a foreign language to enhance your packet.
Courses in humanities are typically more favorable options.
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How do I vote in an election while studying
abroad?
Visit the Texas
Secretary of State Website for information on the absentee
registration and voting process.
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