Find Your Gateway Global Engagement Community Service International Beliefs and Values Institute

9 Steps to Study Abroad

  1. Ask yourself:
    • Where do I want to go?
    • How long do I want to be abroad? (a few weeks, a semester, a year?)
    • Do I want to speak English or another language?
    • What do I want to study?
    • How will I pay for my trip?
    • Do I want to do volunteer work while I’m overseas?
    • Do I want to live with a family?
    • Do I want to go with a group of American students or alone?
  2. Stop by the Spencer Center to search for a program in the study abroad library. Meet with Heather Ward, director of international programs, to get recommendations and ideas.
  3. Meet with your academic advisor to make sure the program you choose is a good one for you.
  4. Fill out the MBC study abroad application and financial aid application, both available at the Spencer Center and online.
  5. Meet with the Registrar, Dr. Lewis Askegaard, to verify that you’ll receive credit for the courses you take overseas.
  6. Apply for other sources of financial aid if you need them. Pick up a list of scholarships at the Spencer Center.
  7. Apply for a passport or check to be sure yours is still valid. Research visa requirements for the country you’re traveling to.
  8. Attend a study abroad orientation session at the Spencer Center during the semester before you travel and get a copy of the MBC Study Abroad Handbook.
  9. Be open to new experiences, be safe, and have fun!