How to Apply for a Study Abroad Program

STEP 1: Attend an Education Abroad Information Session (optional but highly recommended!)
Four Information Sessions will be held during the Spring 2012 semester. No reservations required – just show up!
Thursday, February 16th: BAS S336, 1pm - 2pm
Wednesday, March 14th: BAS S330, 10am - 11am
Wednesday, April 18th: BAS S330, 9am - 10am

STEP 2:  Do some initial research online.  We recommend that students begin this process at least 6-12 months in advance of the term in which they plan to study abroad.
 
STEP 3:  Meet with a study abroad advisor (again highly recommended!)
Walk-in advising hours: Mon-Wed, 1 – 4pm (no appointments are taken during walk- in advising hours - just come in and wait your turn!)
OR make an appointment by emailing educationabroad@mtsu.edu and someone will get back to you when possible.  You will be able to meet with someone sooner if you come to walk-in advising!

STEP 4:  Apply for your program!
After you have met with a study abroad advisor and chosen a program, then you need to apply for it!  Ask us if you are unsure how.  Your study abroad advisor will also suggest other items to work on (i.e. apply for scholarships, meet with academic advisor, meet with financial aid advisor, get a passport, research student visa process, etc.).

STEP 5:  The Pathway Packet forms are posted below. After you have applied for and been accepted into your study abroad program, please complete these documents and return them to the Office of Education Abroad in Peck Hall, Room 207. These forms are IN ADDITION to any documents that you will complete for your program provider (CCSA, KIIS, TNCIS, international institution, etc).
•STUDENT PARTICIPANT FORM
•STUDENT CONDUCT CONTRACT
•MEDICAL HISTORY FORM
•INSURANCE CONFIRMATION FORM
•LIABILITY RELEASE FORM
•MEDICAL SURROGACY FORM (Must be notarized to be complete! )
•STUDY ABROAD FEE PAYMENT FORM (Instructions: Take this form to a cashier in the Cope building, pay the $50 study abroad fee, and return the stamped form to our office).
•EDUCATION ABROAD COURSE APPROVAL FORM (needs to be signed by your Academic Advisor and/or Department Chair)
•iNEXT CARD (only required for Fac-Led, MTSU Exchange, and Independent programs – must be paid in Cope as well)
•COPY OF PASSPORT (bring in a copy of your passport or we can make a copy in our office)
•COPY OF FLIGHT ITINERARY (not necessary if you chose the group flight with CCSA, KIIS, TNCIS, USAC, or Fac-Led) (many semester abroad students choose to book flight after receiving their student visa)
•POWER OF ATTORNEY FORM (This form is optional)
•TRANSCRIPT RESPONSIBILITY FORM (only for students on non-MTSU affiliated programs)

The Pathway Packet forms are due on the following dates (although we highly recommend submitting them earlier):
Summer 2012 students: Friday, April 6th, 2012
Fall 2012-13 students: Friday, April 20th, 2012

STEP 6:  You MUST attend the MANDATORY Pre-departure Orientation in order to participate in your study abroad program.  (Students participating on KIIS and TNCIS PROGRAMS ONLY should attend the orientations through their programs instead, although welcome to attend ours as well).
MTSU Summer 2012 Pre-departure Orientation:  Saturday, April 14th, 2012
MTSU Fall 2012/Full Year 2012-13 Pre-Departure Orientation:  Saturday, April 28th, 2012
More details (location, times, etc) will be emailed to students who have been accepted into study abroad programs at a later date.  Again, this meeting is mandatory and is required in order to participate on your study abroad program. 

STEP 7:  Study Abroad!!

This step by step list is NOT comprehensive.  All students are responsible for determining the individual requirements for their specific program.  The Office of Education Abroad is here to assist students throughout this process and while abroad.