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Getting Started

Seven Steps to Studying Abroad!
 
STEP 1:
Attend an Education Abroad Information Session (optional but highly recommended!)
Three Information Sessions will be held during the Spring 2013 semester. No reservations required – just show up!
 
All Info Sessions will be held in the new Student Union, Room 221.
Thursday, January 17, 2013:  10:00am - 11:00am
Wednesday, February 27, 2013: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Tuesday, March 26, 2013: 2:00pm - 3:00pm
 
STEP 2:
Begin researching programs online! Click “Programs” on our main page, read through the various program types and then click on “Search Programs” to begin your research.  We recommend that students begin this process at least 6-12 months in advance of the term in which they plan to study abroad.

STEP 3:
Meet with a Study Abroad Advisor in Peck Hall, Room 207
Walk-in Advising, Mon-Wed, 1pm – 4pm:  No appointments during Walk-In Advising hours – just come in!
 
If the walk-in advising times/days do not work for your schedule, email educationabroad@mtsu.edu for an appointment outside of these hours.
(Tip:  You will see an EA Advisor sooner if you come to a Walk-in Advising session!)

During your 15-30 minute advising session, your EA Advisor will guide you through the study abroad process including program research, course options, scholarships, budgeting, and the application procedures.  An advising session is going to be different for everyone, however, keep in mind that it will more productive if you have done some research online beforehand, have questions ready, and take notes throughout.

After your advising session, you should begin working on the various aspects of the application process which you discussed with your Education Abroad advisor.  For example you were likely advised to narrow down your program options, research scholarship opportunities, meet with the Financial Aid Office, and apply for online pre-approval among other suggestions.  One essential objective will be to meet with your Academic Advisor and/or Department Chair to establish course equivalencies between your program and MTSU.  Click here to access the Course Approval Form which will be very useful for this meeting and eventually required. This form can be submitted with the remainder of your Pathway Packet mentioned in Step 5 below.
 
STEP 4a & 4b:
Apply for your program! This involves part a and part b so start early!

a) First, you will complete the online Office of EA Online Pre-Approval requirement.  How? Find your program, click Apply now, and complete the two online forms.

b) After the Office of EA has pre-approved your participation to study abroad, you will apply for your actual program. How?  It depends on the program you have chosen!  Ask us if you are unsure and we can guide you.
 
Deadlines for Office of EA Online Pre-approval requirement (Step 4a):
Winter 12-13: November 1st, 2012
Spring 2013 programs: November 1st, 2012
Summer 2013 programs: March 15th, 2013
Fall 13-14 programs: April 1st, 2013
Students are responsible for completing this pre-approval process by the deadline listed above.

Deadlines for actual Education Abroad Programs (Step 4b):
Winter 12-13 & Spring 2013:  Varies throughout August – November 2012
Summer 2013 & Fall 2013-14:  Varies throughout January – May 2013
Students are responsible for meeting their specific program deadline.
 
STEP 5:
Congratulations!  If you are on this step, you have received Pre-approval from the MTSU Office of EA AND been accepted by your actual Education Abroad program!  It is now time to complete the required paperwork.  You will receive emails from both the Office of Education Abroad and your Educaton Abroad program with more specifics.  The paperwork due to the Office of EA is called the “Pathway Packet” and will be due based on your program term.
 
Pathway Packet Deadlines:
Winter 12-13 programs: November 19th, 2012
Spring 2013 programs: November 19th, 2012
Summer 2013 programs:  March 29th, 2013
Fall 2013-14 programs: April 13th, 2013
 
STEP 6:
You MUST attend the MANDATORY Pre-departure Orientation, which is held on campus, in order to participate in your study abroad program. (Students participating on KIIS and TNCIS PROGRAMS ONLY should attend the orientations through their programs instead, although welcome to attend ours as well).
 
MTSU Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation Dates:
Winter 12-13 programs: November 27th, 2012
Spring 2013 programs: December 1st, 2012
Summer 2013 programs: April 6th, 2013:  Location, BAS S102:  Time, 8:45am - 12:30pm
Fall 2013-14 programs: April 20th, 2013:  Location, SU 201:  Time, 8:45am - 12:30pm
 
STEP 7:
Study Abroad!!
 
This step by step list is NOT comprehensive. All students are responsible for determining the individual requirements for their specific program. The Office of Education Abroad is here to assist students throughout this process and while abroad.