DID YOU KNOW that the city of Rome was founded by the two sons of Mars, Romulus and Remus, on April 21, 753 BC, according to legend. Romulus, who later killed Remus, was Rome's first ruler and reigned until he disappeared during a storm created up by his father.
Students from the School of Management strike
a pose during their study abroad in Rome, 2003.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How can I get a Student Identity Card?
You can apply for and receive the International Student
Identity Card from UTD's Office of International Education.
The cost is $22.00.
The ISIC provides discounts for flights, accommodations,
transportation, museums, etc. In addition the ISIC provides
Travel Guard Assistance, and accidental medical, dental
and dismemberment insurance, emergency evacuation, repatriation
of remains, and passport replacement.
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
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 .
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.
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.
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.
