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MU
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To do before October (spring programs) or before February (summer, fall, or academic year programs):
Step 1: Research your options.
- Visit the MU Study Abroad Resource Room in N52 Memorial Union. Speak with staff and/or peer advisors about program options and general MU policies regarding study abroad.
- Read the MU Guide to Study Abroad.
- Carefully review site-specific program information in the Resource Room, keeping your major, language ability and cultural interests in mind.
- Attend an MU Study Abroad 101 session, preferably during the semester prior to the application deadline.
- Attend the Study Abroad Fair in September and talk to past participants.
- Confer with academic advisors, faculty members, financial aid advisors for study abroad, MU peer advisors, past participants and exchange students.
- Begin thinking about who will write your academic recommendations.
- Apply for a passport, if you do not already have one. If you already have a passport, check the expriation date. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the time you will be abroad. Passport applications can be downloaded from http://travel.state.gov/passport/.
Step 2: Meet with an MU study abroad program coordinator.
- In the semester proceeding the application deadline, schedule an appointment to meet with the MU study abroad advisor for your geographical area by phoning the MU International Center desk at (573) 882-6007 or by making an appointment in person in the MU International Center (N52 Memorial Union).
- Come to your appointment on time and be prepared to discuss what you have learned about your options. Prepare a list of questions to ask your study abroad advisor.
- Your MU study abroad advisor will talk with you about your academic interests and requirements, help you narrow down program choices, explain application forms, discuss financial aid and billing, and provide information to help you fill out your "Course Proposal for Study Abroad" form. Keep in mind that you may need to speak with your Study Abroad Advisor more than once during the application process.
- Contact the program sponsor with specific questions regarding the MU Partner Program.
Step 3: Begin your Course Proposal for Study Abroad.
- Using catalogues, course listings, university websites, and other resources available in the IC Resource Room, draft a preliminary proposal of courses that you plan to complete abroad and list these on your "Course Proposal for Study Abroad" form.
- Meet with International Admissions, your academic advisor and your dean to have them review your preliminary proposal of courses. Your academic advisor and dean will be able to guide you as to how the courses you plan to take overseas will transfer toward your MU degree. Obtain their respective signatures.
Step 4: Complete your application.
- Thoroughly read all MU application materials for MU Partner study abroad programs from the International Center website.
- Complete the application for the MU Partner Program provider and mail it directly to the MU Partner Program by their deadline. (CIEE program applicants should complete the MU program application process)/
- Submit the "Parter Program Study Abroad Participant Information Sheet" to the MU International Center by the relavent study abroad application deadline.
- Submit yoru completed "Course Proposal for Study Abroad to the International Center by the relevant study abroad application deadline.
- Submit the Study Abroad Scholarship application by the relevant study abroad application deadline, if you wish to be considered for scholarships available through the International Center (optional).
To do before November (spring programs) or before March (summer, fall, or academic year programs):
Step 5: Prepare to GO!
- You will receive a participant packet once you have submitted your "MU Study Abroad Participant Information Sheet" and fully signed "Course Proposal for Study Abroad" to the International Center. Thoroughly read all acceptance materials and submit by the appropriate deadline listed above.
- Submit the "Program Confirmation & Conditions of Participation Form" to the International Center.
- Enroll in the preferred University of Missouri-Columbia Study Abroad insurance plan, if needed.
- Complete and submit International Student Identity Card application with one passport-sized photos attached.
To do before November (spring programs) or by April (summer, fall, academic year programs):
- Attend orientation meetings, including the General Study Abroad Orientation and country-specific orientations (to be arranged by the MU study abroad coordinator for the country in which you plan to study).
- Sign and submit the "University of Missouri Assumption of Risk & Release Form" to the International Center.
- Talk to Senior Financial Aid Advisors: Susie Facklam (last names A-G) or Roberta Knipp (last names H-Z), in the Financial Aid Office (11 Jesse Hall, 882-7507) and fill out necessary forms (if applicable).
- Make an appointment with the travel health nurse at the Student Health Center (882-4661) to check on required and suggested immunizations and other travel needs.
- Begin making travel arrangements.
- Obtain student visa application and begin collecting required materials (if applicable).
- At the end of the semester, change your address on MyZou, to your permanent address in order to receive all mailings from MU.
- Inform MU offices - housing, dining, etc.- of your plans to be abroad.
- Research, research, research your destination!
- Get any required paperwork and immigration documents in order.
- Check travel information, including currency exchange rates and the U.S. Department of State travel advisories and consular information sheets for any countries to which you plan to travel.
To do after you depart:
Step 6: Spend a FABULOUS term abroad!
- Notify your MU Study Abroad Advisor of your contact information once you settle into your new surroundings, including your e-mail, address and phone.
- Register with the US Embassy as soon as possible after arrival.
- Contact your MU Academic Advisor immediately if you plan to take any courses that were not listed on your "Course Proposal for Study Abroad."
- Collect syllabi, tests and papers from your classes to bring back to MU. You will need proof of all courses taken while you were abroad.
- Collect materials to enter the annual Study Abroad Essay and Photo contests.
- Keep in contact with the MU study abroad office-we want to hear about all of your experiences, both the positives and negatives.
- Take care of pre-registration by looking up classes and registering on myZou.
- Have a positive attitude and keep an open mind so that you can have the best experience possible!
Step 7: Return.
- Check in with the International Center to give us your new address, phone and e-mail.
- Submit photos for the annual Study Abroad Photo contests.
- Get involved to keep your study abroad experience alive! You can do this by working or volunteering for the International Center, by attending information and orientation sessions, and by participating in other international events on campus. You can also join the MU international student organization for the region where you studied-these organizations are always happy to have new members who are interested in their culture, regardless of where they are from.
- Get a language partner/buddy to keep those foreign language skills fresh.
- Do you have work-study? Please consider working in the International Center as a Peer Advisor.
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