Editor’s note: Each semester, students set off for foreign lands to immerse themselves in a location and culture, and they continue their academics while doing so. Study abroad programs give students the opportunity to live in another country and earn academic credit while paying no more tuition than they would at UNM.
Through UNM, students have the option to study in about 50 different countries. With so many options, it’s important to know what you want to get from the experience. The Daily Lobo sat down with the Office of International Programs and Studies to get advice on how to start the process.
Step 1: Know where you want to go
Having an idea about where you want to go and why is the first important step in studying abroad. Once you’re there, it’s important to make the most of your time abroad. Noel Blair is a study abroad veteran who has studied in Canada and India. She said while there might be some culture shock and isolation, taking on the challenge of the unknown is what studying abroad is all about. “Feel it,” Blair said. “It will get better so embrace it and decide to be social and be open-minded about new experiences.
Step 2: Set up an appointment with OIPS
Talking to a program assistant gets you started on the application process. This office will assist from that point on, helping you with everything from mailing your application internationally to applying for a visa.
Step 3: Prepare to Apply
Getting the required materials to apply is critical in the application process. You will need a personal statement explaining why you want to do a certain program, two letters of recommendation (at least one from a professor), a signed risk and conditions form, a $200 application fee and a foreign language report. Later, students will also need to do an interview with OIPS.
Students accepted into OIPS still need to apply to the host university, where they will actually be studying. The application process for each institution may vary, but OIPS will assist students with the rest of the process. You should also be aware that acceptance into OIPS does not guarantee acceptance into a host school.
Step 4: Plan out finances
Studying abroad doesn’t have to be expensive, because you can take your financial aid with you. Keep in mind that you will still be responsible for traveling costs and, depending on the program you select, room and board. You might not be allowed to get a job while abroad, and you should take into account currency exchange rates in your chosen country.
Step 5 Print a checklist:
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OIPS provides students with a checklist on their website unm.abroadoffice.net, that you can use to figure everything out on time.
Step 6: Make deadlines
For the fall, the deadline to apply is Feb. 15. For the Spring, the deadline is Sep. 15.
