Create aÌýÌýaccount andÌýto look over the overall programs list to see if there are other programs that interest you. As you expand your search for programs that might be right for you, it is important to engage in some careful study of what courses are offered in English in the course disciplines that align with the courses you need to graduate.

Consider your academic goals, personal interests, budget, and any potential barriers to studying abroad. Review program calendars carefully to ensure they align with the ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú academic calendar. Compare program costs with a typical semester at UNCA and review how financial aid may apply.

Email drhein@unca.edu to set up an appointment or drop by Ramsey 100 (walk-in hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1 p.m.– 3 p.m.). We can help you evaluate programs, discuss budgets, explore course options, navigate the course equivalency process, and answer any questions you may have.

Research courses and work with the study abroad office, your advisor and department chairs to match courses offered abroad with UNCA equivalents. Get required approvals (Department Chair, Program Director and Academic Advisor). Submit your Course Equivalency Form to the Study Abroad Office.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your program end date. If necessary, apply for or renew your passport at the U.S. Department of State website.

Submit your application through the . Some programs also require a separate application through the host university or affiliate provider. After acceptance, confirm your participation and complete all required documentation.

Documents: Complete the required documentation, such as your emergency contact information and performance agreement.Ìý

Financial Aid: Complete the Cost of Attendance Form and meet with Financial Aid to review scholarships, aid eligibility, and disbursement timelines.

Visa & Travel: Apply for any required visa and book flights only after receiving official program acceptance. Upload your itinerary to VIA TRM.

Provide your travel dates for Insurance: Confirm your GeoBlue international health and travel insurance coverage.

Housing & Health: Complete any required housing forms, review medical needs, and obtain necessary vaccinations or prescriptions.

Mandatory for all students. Learn about health, safety, cultural adjustment, and logistics.

Pack, review orientation materials, and immerse yourself in the host culture. Stay engaged, study hard, and make connections.Ìý Be sure to update the Office of Study Abroad with your local phone number, address, and final course schedule.

Register for upcoming semester classes and housing. Ensure your official transcript is sent to the Office of Study Abroad for credit transfer.

Continue your global learning experience by attending study abroad events, participating in panels, serving as a study abroad ambassador, and encouraging other students to consider studying abroad.

Then, explore your opportunities to remain engaged in international, intercultural, and global learning now that you are back home.

No. Many study abroad programs offer courses taught entirely in English, including programs in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Students interested in language immersion may also choose programs that include language study opportunities.

Yes. Students participating in approved ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú exchange, non-exchange, and faculty-led programs may use eligible federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

Please note that Winter Break faculty-led programs are not eligible for financial aid.

Yes. ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú offers several funding opportunities to help students afford study abroad. Some examples include:

International Experience Grant

The International Experience Grant is a need-based award available for approved international experiences lasting at least one week. Applications are available through the online study abroad application system.

Students are also encouraged to explore external scholarships such as:

• Gilman Scholarship
• Boren Scholarship
• Fund for Education Abroad
• ISEP Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities and deadlines vary by program and term. The Office of Study Abroad can help students identify scholarship opportunities, understand eligibility requirements, and keep track of deadlines. Students are encouraged to schedule an advising appointment early in the planning process.

Students need to maintain a full-time status for semester-based study abroad. The exact number of courses varies by country and institution, but most students take the equivalent of 12–15 ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú credit hours per semester.

All courses must be pre-approved through the Course Equivalency process to ensure they count appropriately toward degree requirements and full-time enrollment.

The Office of Study Abroad supports students throughout the entire study abroad process, from initial program research to returning home after the experience. We assist students with:

• Exploring study abroad destinations and programs
• Understanding application requirements and deadlines
• Course planning and transfer credit questions
• Financial aid and scholarship guidance
• Advising on visa requirementsÌý
• Pre-departure preparation and orientation
• Re-entry support after returning to campus

We also support international exchange students studying at ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú for a semester or academic year. In collaboration with Admissions and the Director of International Student Services, we assist with admissions, academic advising, orientation, and adjustment to campus life.

Students must complete at least one year on campus before studying abroad and must be enrolled on campus during the semester prior to graduation. Students may study abroad during:

• A semester
• An academic year
• A summer session
• A short-term program, such as the December break

Most programs require a minimum GPA of 2.50, although some programs require a 2.75 or 3.0 GPA.

First-year students are generally not eligible to study abroad during their first academic year. However, many students participate in faculty-led or summer programs after completing their first year at ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú.

If you have transferred credits from another institution, you may be eligible to study abroad during your first year at ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú.

Students apply through the ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú . Some programs, including ISEP and affiliate programs, also require a separate application through the organization or host institution.

Visit the Deadlines section above for specific program deadlines.

In general:

• Spring study abroad deadlines are typically in mid-September or October
• Summer and fall deadlines are generally in February or early March
• Some programs may have earlier deadlines

All study abroad applications must be submitted through the Office of Study Abroad.

Careful academic planning is essential when studying abroad. Students work closely with their academic advisor and the Office of Study Abroad to select appropriate courses before departure.

Courses completed abroad may transfer back to ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú as:

• Direct UNCA equivalent courses
• Departmental core and elective courses
• General education or elective credit

Students must complete a Course Equivalency form during the application process to receive course approval and maintain their ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú student status while abroad.

Transfer Credit Policies

• Courses with grades equivalent to a C or higher will transfer back as passing credit
• Transfer credits appear on the transcript but are not calculated into the ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú GPA
• Courses below a C will not receive transfer credit

Final transfer credit determinations are made once official transcripts are received.

Courses required for major competency must be completed at ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú. Independent study courses completed abroad are generally not accepted for transfer credit.

The Office of Study Abroad works with Student Accounts to ensure students are billed correctly.

Billing by Program Type

• • ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú Exchange participants are billed ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú tuition and fees
  • ISEP Exchange participants are billed ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú tuition, fees, room, and board
  • ISEP Direct participants are billed directly through ISEP
  • Affiliate programs are billed directly through the program provider
  • Faculty-led participants are billed directly through ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú.

Students register for future semesters while abroad using their ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú email account and online registration system.

The Registrar’s Office will contact students regarding registration dates and procedures. Students should obtain their RAN from their academic advisor before registration begins.

Students who complete all degree requirements before their study abroad semester begins generally have two options:

1. Graduate as planned and reapply as a non-degree student for the study abroad program
2. Delay graduation until after returning from study abroad

Students who delay graduation but wish to participate in commencement should complete the Commencement Participation Form through the Registrar’s Office.

Students should also discuss possible financial aid implications with Financial Aid before making a decision.

After completing a study abroad program, students must arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly to the ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú Office of Study Abroad.

ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú Office of Study Abroad
1 University Heights, CPO #1560
Asheville, NC 28804
USA

Electronic transcripts may be sent directly from the host institution or approved provider to: drhein@unca.edu