STEP 1: Selecting a program
Here at MTSU, over 200 different programs are offered to more than 40 different countries and territories around the world, on every continent except Antarctica. Selecting a program is often the most difficult choice of the process as the possibilities are virtually limitless. For example, students may choose to study during the winter break, the summer, during a spring or fall semester or even a full year. There are programs where students travel with a group of other MTSU students, and there are programs where the student will travel alone and be the only representative from MTSU, possibly the United States. Some programs require the student to speak the native language, and others offer classes in English regardless of the local tongue. Every last major and field of study offered at MTSU is represented in our over 200 programs, with the exceptions of Concrete Management and Military Science. Lastly, each program has a unique way of payment and often its own financial aid opportunities. It is clear to see just how difficult the initial decision can be, but rest assured that we will ensure that the program(s) that we have the student apply for will be logical given his/her situation, practical in terms of credit transfer and financial aid, and reasonable given the student's level of maturity, goals in college and life and personal desires and dreams.
So which programs are best suited for my son or daughter?
Students who need structure, guidance, discipline and encouragement should opt for a classroom-centered program with strong on-site support staff and planned enrichment activities. Students who are already adventurous, independent, resourceful and prepared intellectually and linguistically may choose a direct-enrollment, full-immersion program or an independent internship. Most students fall somewhere between these extremes and will be best served by programs that offer support as well as opportunities for independence. MTSU offers a wide variety of programs which span all of these options.
When and where should my son or daughter study abroad?
Each student is unique; it is important to analyze his/her situation and make a decision based on his or her needs and desires rather than assigning a general rule over all students. However, most students will find it difficult or impossible to study abroad the freshman year as applications are typically due approximately 4-6 months in advance. It is not advisable for a student to travel abroad during the first semester as it may have complications at the home institution. Most freshmen interested in traveling overseas find that a summer program between freshman and sophomore year is a great time to first consider leaving the country and often opens doors to further study abroad. Also, it is not recommended to study abroad during the student's final semester as this also has complications with graduation. Otherwise, the timing for the students is best left up to the student, based on his/her life, goals, and situation.
While the most popular destination for study abroad has traditionally been Europe, students are increasingly realizing the potential that lies in other parts of the globe, and the trend is reversing. At MTSU, we have direct exchanges with several universities in Asia and South America, as well as programs to Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Brazil, Ghana, South Africa, Turkey, India, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, just to name a few. Encourage your son or daughter to consider programs in all parts of the world, especially if they plan on learning or studying a foreign language.
Can academic credit be earned while studying abroad?
Absolutely! As mentioned previously, every last major and field of study offered at MTSU is represented in our over 200 programs, with the exceptions of Concrete Management and Military Science. Moreover, there are entire programs dedicated to receiving general education requirements, with most others offering at least some general education choices. The specifics of credit transfer will vary by program and should be left between the student and his/her advisor, who makes the ultimate decision. If your son or daughter is a member of the MTSU honors college, credit hours earned may count as honors; contact the honors college advisor for more details.
What should my son or daughter do to select a program?
Talk to us in the MT Abroad office as soon as possible. In lieu of scheduled appointments, walk-in appointments are available Monday through Thursday, 1PM-4PM and on Friday 9AM-noon in the Todd Art Building, room 129. Contact us at mtabroad@mtsu.edu or by phone at (615) 898-5179 with any pre-appointment questions.
STEP 2: Applying for a program
Once the student has selected the program(s) that he/she would like to apply to, the application process begins. Often, a completed application is due 4-6 months before the day of departure, so it is important to begin right away and to do so with tenacity. Applications can seem endless and time consuming, but encourage your son or daughter to press on; in the long run, they will be very satisfied with this time investment. Students often must gather personal information, produce personal statements, collect faculty letters of recommendation, description of goals/desired classes, and show proof of a passport or application thereof. The Pathway Packet is an instrument that is given to the student to help guide him/her through the application paperwork for the various programs; it is posted on this website for convenience. We will assist the student in gathering the necessary information as well as proofreading any typed statements. It is our hope that you as parents will be supportive of the student and encourage them to continue despite the workload.
How much will it cost to study abroad and what financial aid is available?
This is probably the most frequently asked question by parents, especially to those who financially support their sons and daughters with college expenses. As one might imagine, programs can and will vary greatly dependent on the location, duration, program and lastly the student's lifestyle habits. It is important to realize that there is never a fixed "price" to studying abroad as travel, fees, and the like are often variable and based on the student or unpredictable factors. Price could range from something similar to what the student pays to live and study on MTSU's campus to perhaps twice as much. In terms of cost, the student must meet with the MT Abroad advisors to determine which program(s) are best-suited for the student's financial needs and to create an estimate of total costs.
In simplest terms, financial aid will work exactly the same as it normally does. Whatever aid the student receives during a normal semester/summer should be unchanged and will continue for the term the student is traveling abroad. This will include loans and scholarships. However, new opportunities for scholarships and aid arise when study abroad enters the equation. The MT Abroad office offers multiple scholarships each semester anywhere from $500 to $1000 alone. Many programs offer their own independent scholarships of similar value. Also, do not overlook other opportunities in and out of MTSU as various departments will offer supplemental scholarships annually to excelling students in the field; the students will need to take the initiative to search and apply for these scholarships as they normally fall outside of the jurisdiction of the MT Abroad office.
Some programs and destinations allow for the opportunity to work and earn a small income. This varies by program; some programs are based on gaining experience in the field, where the student receives credit for the job or internship from overseas.
What are the application costs, if any?
Most study abroad programs do have an application fee, and it is usually not refundable. It can be as little as $50 or be several times more. Usually, the application fee is applied to the costs of the program should the student be selected.
Will my son or daughter have to sign an agreement form?
Yes. Every student who studies abroad will have to complete a notarized conduct agreement form which will hold the student responsible for any and all actions abroad.
How can we find out about the status of a submitted application?
Some programs, such as KIIS, will register the applicant through a website and will update it as pieces of the application are submitted. Otherwise, there is no way for a student or parent to know about the status of an application except through the MT Abroad office.
When should my son or daughter worry about obtaining a passport?
The short answer? Right away! Passport applications are taking increasingly larger amounts of time to be processed, not to mention that they are expensive. The reason to get the passport so early is that many programs may require proof of a passport along with the application process, which is impossible to send without one. Passports are valid for ten years, so even if your son or daughter is unable to study abroad this year, odds are they will want to study, travel or work outside of the country in the near future. Be sure to keep a copy of this passport at home in case of emergency.
STEP 3: Preparing for departure
Once the student has been selected for a particular program, he/she will choose whether or not to accept placement into the program(s) applied to. After acceptance, the student will begin the preparation phase of the journey. He/She must submit more forms for completion, also known as the pathway packet. Each program has its own unique pathway packet and is made available to the student after acceptance through the MT Abroad office. However, in addition to completing these forms the student will participate in an online informational pre-departure orientation that should answer all of the student's (and parents') questions regarding money, living, studying and safety abroad. Finally, the student will attend a pre-departure orientation in person here at MTSU for final preparations. Parents are welcome to attend the pre-departure orientation. If you are interested, contact us to register; there is a small fee to cover expenses that is waived for all traveling students.
I am supporting my son/daughter financially. How much money does he/she need while abroad?
This question does not have an easy answer. Each program is very different in exactly how it handles tuition, living arrangements, meals and transportation. Your son/daughter will know how this works and will be able to give you estimates before applying and exact dollar amounts after acceptance. On one hand, some expenses, such as tuition and lodging, are often fixed and predictable; on the other hand, expenses such as food, transportation and "miscellaneous" will vary drastically. This is due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, distance from the USA, lifestyle habits and duration of the program. As a rule, the student should predict how much money he/she will need in additional living expenses and have at least 10-20% more than that amount available to him/her.
I am concerned about my son/daughter’s safety. What can I do to keep him/her safe?
It is natural for a parent to be concerned about their child's safety, but worrying too much can be equally burdensome. The most important thing for the parent to do is to be supportive of the decision to study abroad and encourage the student to take heed to all recommendations given in the pre-departure orientation and any other advice given by people who have lived considerable lengths of time in the given country. Also important is to realize that the MT Abroad office is not going to send your son/daughter to a location that is highly unsafe, while keeping in mind that no place on earth is 100% safe.
However, there are some steps to be taken by the parent/guardian that can be of great assistance to the student should he/she run into trouble. First, make sure to keep a copy of the first few pages of your child's passport and of the pages that include that country's visa. This will be important should he/she lose his/her passport. Secondly, keep a ready list of all contact information and update it as the student finds out more information. Third, make sure any bank accounts are flowing regularly. Often times, debit and credit card companies will contact the home residence panicked due to charges being placed in a foreign country. Lastly, pay attention to world news and keep up with events in the country as those events will have a direct impact on the student; occasionally, such events are violent and could endanger your son/daughter. But whatever you do, don't forget to maintain contact with your son/daughter via email, phone or mail; this will allow you peace of mind and will assure you that all is well.
If you wish, though it is rarely if ever necessary, you may prepare for a worst-case scenario in which you must travel to the foreign country in case of emergency. If this is the case for you, you will need to obtain a passport that will be valid for the duration of your son/daughter's time abroad plus a couple of months. If the country requires a visa for tourists, you may consider applying for one with the student as it could take weeks to get one otherwise. However, we reiterate that this is a very unlikely scenario indeed and is almost never necessary.
I have a lot of questions regarding communication, money, housing, studying, disease, etc. abroad. Where do I find answers?
All of this information and more can be found in one of two pre-departure orientations. The first is online, and is the most complete in terms of information; your son/daughter will know about it and must complete it before the second pre-departure on the MTSU campus. Feel free to complete this orientation with the student and/or print out the various pages to use as a reference.
STEP 4: Traveling and living abroad
Once all preparation has been completed, the student will be off! Intercontinental travel can be nerve-racking, but keep in mind that flying is the safest form of travel and is generally the most reliable. The program will possibly include several layovers and transfers in airports around the world. If the student is participating in some programs, such as MTSU faculty-led ones, he/she is going to be traveling in a group; however, in most other programs the student will travel alone. In either case, upon arrival the student will make contact with both the family and MT Abroad office as soon as possible to confirm a timely and safe arrival.
Should the student choose to travel within the host country or elsewhere before returning home, we ask that the student inform us as to his/her whereabouts and to send a copy of the airline/train itinerary. Make sure you also get a copy of this information so that you know where your son/daughter is at all times in case of emergency.
What do I do if my son/daughter misses the flight or has problems en route?
Arrival at the airport and thereafter is the responsibility of the student, in which case he/she must deal with the airline to get a flight to the destination. The same is true in the case of overbookings, delays, lost connections, etc. Due to these possibilities, it is very important that you as the parent are easy to contact via phone and email for the duration of your son/daughter's travel. If anything should arise, it is important to stay level-headed, calm, optimistic and supportive while contacting him/her and making travel decisions.
How much is my son/daughter allowed to travel while abroad?
Some programs are group-based, and so for the duration of the program outside travel may not be possible. Otherwise, as mentioned before, as long as he/she notifies the MT Abroad office, he/she is allowed to travel anywhere as much as desired! Bear in mind, though, that many countries require tourist visas and some even have travel restrictions. For example, it is a crime for an American to travel to Cuba and unsafe for an American to travel to Baghdad. Please also remind the student to focus on his/her studies and travel only during breaks, holidays and vacations as missing time at school could have a negative impact on his/her grades.
Can I travel with my son/daughter or visit them while abroad?
The MT Abroad office has no problem with family and/or friends traveling to visit the student abroad, but do keep in mind that the study abroad experience is one of many complex facets. Your son/daughter will be studying, and visiting for long durations of time during the normal university schedule will interrupt the educational process and immersion experience. One idea is to travel either before or after the program's duration, so you can travel together; another is to plan around the host country's holidays so that the student does not miss class time. It is exciting to travel to a foreign country with your son/daughter as a personal, experienced and English-speaking travel guide; it will be quite impressive and you will get to see first-hand all of the things he/she has learned on the program. Of course, you would want to wait until your son/daughter has had ample time to adapt to the environment before visiting so that you can both get the most out of the program. (Remember that programs traveling in groups will work differently, so contact the faculty in charge and MT Abroad for more information.)
What will the experience be like for my son/daughter? What can he/she expect out of it, both academically and otherwise?
There are two great sources for these types of questions. The first is one of our two pre-departure orientations. These will answer most questions and concerns, including things you probably have not yet thought about. The second source for this will be former exchange students and nationals of the country in question. Referencing anyone with experience in the country, preferably the city, where your son/daughter will study should be most helpful in understanding what the experience will be like.
Academically, your son/daughter will take any number of classes, possibly in English and possibly in another language. All classes will earn some type of academic credit at MTSU, provided a passing grade is awarded. However, the bulk of the knowledge, experience and opportunity will come not from classes but from merely living in another country. Living, understanding and participating in another nation's culture is what will make your son/daughter stand out on applications for jobs, graduate schools and scholarships, not academic credit. Also, expect your son/daughter's language ability to skyrocket, if language is one of the things he/she will be learning. Even if studying in England or Australia, expect the student to return with a different dialect and way of speaking, communicating and thinking. Embrace these changes and experiences as they will prove invaluable to him/her for the rest of his/her life.
STEP 5: Return home
It is critical not to de-emphasize the importance of the return home and its role in the study abroad experience. In all actuality, this step is critical and is an equal part of the overall experience. Just as we experience what is known as "culture shock" when we travel to places with a different culture, or way of doing things, we also can experience what is known as "reverse culture shock" upon returning to our home culture. This is especially true for the student that travels for a semester or longer, as many months abroad is a pretty long time away from home and the USA. Be supportive in understanding and listening to your son/daughter. He/she will have months of things to discuss with you; take time out to listen and share with them the highlights, and allow them to inform you of the many travels, experiences, sights and sounds that they lived through.
What is the best way for me to help my son/daughter handle reverse culture shock?
Embrace them. Talk to them, discuss the journey with them in a more meaningful way than just "what did you like about it?" Spend some time looking through pictures and memoirs, and be active in asking questions if you see they want to talk about it more. Be receptive to new ideas, attitudes, preferences and even different ways of communicating. The important thing to remember is that such changes are almost always positive and enlightening and should be embraced, not seen as foreign or disgusting. Realize that mild depression may set in, as the USA is probably not as interesting or fun as the student's host country; this will pass but monitor it and seek professional help if it worsens, however know that this is virtually never the case.
When and how should my son/daughter enroll in classes the following semester at MTSU?
The student will enroll in these classes while abroad, during the normal times that students enroll online. This process should go on as normal.
What if I have more questions?
If none of these questions sufficiently and thoroughly answers your questions, do not hesitate to participate in the pre-departure orientation with your son/daughter or contact us at mtabroad@mtsu.edu and we will respond to your concern in a rapid manner.