Study Abroad: Getting Started

1. Investigate Your Goals

Ask yourself the following questions: Where in the world do I want to go? What do I want to study in the foreign country? Do I want to learn a language or take classes in English... Or both? In what type of an environment do I want to study? Do I want to stay with a host family or in a dorm?

2. Get the Info

• Check out the Study Abroad Resource Center in Whitman 149. Open during regular office hours, it has a growing library of materials to help you find a study abroad program to fit your academic goals. There's also a comprehensive study abroad brochure center located just outside the door.
• Come to a Study Abroad Coffee Chat. Enjoy free coffee and cookies while exploring study abroad options with an NMU adviser and former study abroad students. See the International Programs home page for detailed information.
• The NMU Study Abroad Fair is held every fall semester. The next fair will tentatively take place in Whitman Commons on September 19 from 10-4. Keep checking the International Programs home page for updated info.
• Study Abroad General Sessions are scheduled throughout the semester. For more info, check the student announcements or contact International Programs: 227-2510.

3. Know the Different Types of Program Models

There are many types of programs, including exchanges, faculty-led, short-term, long-term, student teaching, volunteer, and internships abroad. Click here to read about program models, then take a look at the different countries where these programs offer study abroad experiences.

4. Select a Program

When selecting a program and country for your study abroad experience, keep in mind the following:

• Academic quality: Do the individual course descriptions compare to similar credit loads on the NMU campus? Can you access the actual syllabi?

• Price: What is included in the quoted program fee? Does the price include housing and meals? Course-related field excursions? Airfare and personal spending money are generally not included.

• Housing/Meals: Does the program place students with host families? Shared flats or residence housing? What about meals?

• Scholarships: Are scholarships available?

• Deadlines: What is the deadline for applying?

5. Meet your Study Abroad Adviser

Once you have have selected your program--or you have at least a few that interest you-- contact the International Programs Office to set up an appointment with a study abroad adviser: 227-2510 or goabroad@nmu.edu.

6. Start the Application Process

Take a look at the study abroad checklist and begin the application process.

• Application Due Dates:
  Summer NMU Faculty-led programs - February 1
  Summer term programs - April 1
  Fall term programs - April 15
  Winter/spring term programs - October 15
  Spring break programs - December 1