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Here is a good set of questions to ask yourself in determining whether or not a study abroad program meets your needs. Please note that these questions were developed specifically to help students assess programs that are not affiliated with MU. MU Study Abroad Program Coordinators can provide this information for MU and MU Partner Programs.
- ACCREDITATION: Is the organization offering the program accredited? By whom? Does the organization appear to be a bona fide study abroad organization, or does its major interest appear to be elsewhere (e.g. travel sales)?
- STAFF to STUDENT RATIO: How many students participate in this program each term? How many staff members are available to assist these students?
- FORMER PARTICIPANTS: Will the organization give you the names and addresses of former participants to contact?
- PROGRAM FEES: How is the program fee calculated? Does the literature specify which services are covered, and, more importantly, which are not? Under what circumstances will fees be refunded to you if you withdraw from the program?
- COURSES: What courses are offered? Who teaches them?
- HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE: All MU students who study abroad are required to enroll in the University of Missouri-Columbia Study Abroad Insurance administered by HTH Worldwide. This requirement applies to MU students who are participating on Non-MU study abroad programs. You must maintain coverage for the entire duration of your study abroad program.
- HOUSING: What sort of overseas housing is arranged for programparticipants? If you will be living with a host family, how was the family chosen? If you will be living in a residence hall, how was the hall chosen? If housing will not be arranged for you, what are your plans for securing accommodations on your own?
- ORIENTATION: Is a comprehensive on-site orientation program provided? What topics will be covered? In particular, will health and safety issues be covered?
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Has the program sponsor provided information regarding local safety, cross-cultural and practical issues?
- EXCURSIONS: Does the program include any site visits or excursions? Who will be leading the trip(s)? Where will you go? For how long? What is the purpose of the excursion(s)?
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