Choosing a Program

• What are your academic goals while abroad?
• Do you need to complete major, minor, cognate, or writing credits?  
• Are you planning on taking electives?
• How many credits do you need to take while abroad?
• Which is the most academically-flexible semester to study abroad?

• Do you have a specific culture, region, or country of interest?
• Would you prefer a traveling program with multiple destinations?
• Would you prefer to live in a major metropolitan area, a small city, or a rural area?
• What do you hope to achieve while living in this new location?
• What is the social and academic culture like in places that interest you?

Are you interested in a UProgram, UM Partner Exchange, Faculty-Led program, or Non-UM Program? Which program would work best for you and your goals? 

To learn how the program types differ, click here.

• How much time do you want to spend abroad –weeks, an entire summer, a semester, an academic year, or a calendar year?
• How much flexibility do you have for when you can study abroad? Can you only study abroad during a specific term?

• Can your current scholarships, grants or tuition waivers be used during a study abroad program? Financial aid and scholarships typically apply to study abroad programs (U programs and UM partner programs) in Fall and Spring; however, not in the summer (faculty led programs).
• How much does a semester abroad cost in comparison to a semester at UM? Note, some cities and countries have a lower cost of living than others—review the program budgets for each program to find the best fit for your budget.
• Do you plan to travel while you are abroad?

• Do you meet the minimum eligibility requirements for study abroad and the admission requirements for your selected study abroad program?
• Do you have any outstanding issues with the Dean of Students or Student Accounts?

• Do you have any special needs to consider while abroad? This could include a medical condition, mobility consideration, learning disability, mental health condition, or dietary restriction that may need accommodation while abroad.

Get started by meeting with your primary academic advisor in your respective school/college/department. 

• Timing: When considering studying abroad, it is important to identify the timing (which semester/s) and duration (summer, semester, or year) that works best in your academic plan. Often, academic advisors will highlight a semester or semesters when there is more flexibility in your academic plan and will encourage you to study abroad during that time. 

• Academic degree plan: Identify courses that will count toward your degree plan. Many of the classes that you take abroad may count for major, minor, and cognate requirements; review the section on course equivalencies for more information. When you participate in a UM study abroad program, it is important to note that you will earn UM credit and letter grades that will be included in your UM GPA.

Review UM's study abroad programs and info sessions to find programs that will meet your interests and academic goals.

Program brochure pages provide information on program dates, location and housing, academic offerings, costs, and logistics; as well as contact information for the study abroad advisor and program director (for faculty-led programs).

To learn more about your top-choice programs, meet with study abroad advisors for general or program specific advising during weekly virtual and in-person drop-in advising hours or by appointment.

The cost of studying abroad varies depending on the type, length, and location of the program. If you are a financial aid recipient, you will be eligible to receive financial aid during your semester abroad.

Courses that you take abroad must count toward your degree; it is important to meet with your primary academic advisor to discuss your academic plan and degree requirements.

Considering each student's financial package is unique, you will need to meet with a representative from the Office of Financial Assistance @ CanesCentral while planning your study abroad.