Study Abroad Overview
Studying abroad is an impactful experience that our students often describe as “life changing”, but it also comes with many responsibilities prior to departure including applying, completing pre-departure requirements, making payments, attending orientations, and communicating with UNC Charlotte Education Abroad (EA) and other stakeholders. Once abroad, students are responsible for keeping up with their academics, personal well-being, and keeping themselves safe. Ultimately, it is your student who will embark on this new experience and be spending a significant time overseas in a new host culture. As such, EA places responsibility directly on students to complete all necessary requirements and will communicate directly with students through their UNC Charlotte email account. Students who take full ownership of their study abroad experiences often reap the most benefits.
your role
You can assist your student in preparing for this experience by:
- Asking your student to share with you any and all information shared by UNC Charlotte Education Abroad
- Reviewing resources provided to all students available on EA website.
- Discussing and setting expectations for financial considerations and affordability of a student abroad program before they apply. Then discussing a realistic budget for personal expenses and personal travel while abroad.
- Asking your student questions and encouraging them to ask questions of their advisers. If you have any concerns about your student’s study abroad plans encourage your student to do the research, find out the answers, and return to you with additional information.
- Supporting your student while abroad by encouraging them to advocate for themselves with on-site staff if they need assistance.
Choose a Program
Students are encouraged to begin the study abroad process once year in advance of the semester they intend to go abroad. Reflecting on their needs, understanding how the process works and sifting through a lot of great program options will take students quite a bit of time.
submit an application
The first step to applying for a program is to complete the required Study Abroad 101. Once a student has identified a program that is a good academic, financial, and personal fit for them, they should begin the application process with UNC Charlotte Education Abroad (EA).
PREPARe to go abroad
To travel internationally, everyone will need a valid passport. In addition to having a valid passport, students may also need to apply for a visa or other immigration document. Visas and immigration documents are issued by a host country’s government and give permission to the student to live and study in the host country for a given amount of time.
WHILE ABROAD
Having the opportunity to be immersed in another culture is the best part about studying abroad. Learning how another group of people behaves and what they value can be a really eyeopening experience. While there can be challenges adapting to a new lifestyle at first, it typically ends up being the most rewarding part of the program.
RETURN to UNc charlotte
Once they have returned to campus students have a lot to think about: how to process and utilize their experience, what they want to do after graduation, and how to finlize their credits and grades from abroad.