Study Abroad Office

How to Apply

 

All required materials must be included in your Study Abroad Application packet and received by the deadline for consideration. Submit all application materials to the Study Abroad Office in 261 MSC on or before these dates.

 

Spring & Most Winter Intersession Programs Deadline
Priority Deadline: 2nd Monday in September
Final Deadline: Last Monday in September

Fall & Academic Year Programs Deadline
Final Deadline: February 14, 2014

Summer Programs Deadline
See UMSL study abroad homepage for final deadlines
Summer exchange programs deadline: February 4, 2014

Apply to a Faculty Led Program
Apply to an Exchange Program
Apply to a Non-UMSL Program
Additional information for all programs 

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Applying for an UMSL Faculty-Led Program


 Submit the following documents to be considered for an UMSL faculty-led program:

 1. Faculty-Led Program Application form. If you have any questions about completing this form, these instructions should help!

2. Program deposit to be paid by check or money order made payable to 'UMSL'. Neither credit cards nor cash is accepted. The deposit will be refunded only if you are not selected to participate in the program or the program is cancelled. The deposit is part of the total program fee. Please refer to your program's specific website for the amount of the program deposit.

3. One ID-sized photo. Passport photos or informal photos are both acceptable. Print your name on the back of the photo.

 4. All non-UMSL applicants must:

a. include an official transcript from their home university, if a current student. If it is not possible to have an official transcript issued directly, please request that it be sent to the UMSL Study Abroad Office.
b. include a faculty letter of recommendation, if a current student.
c. submit a $100 application fee. The application fee is payable by check or money order to 'UMSL" and is nonrefundable.

5. Scholarship Application & Scholarship Essay (optional). For details and eligibility visit our Scholarships and Finances page. Notifications of recipients will go out at the end of the semester applied, and awards will be disbursed approximately 10 days before the start of the program semester. Due at time of application. Non UMSL applicants are ineligible. 
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Applying for an Exchange Partner Program


APPLICATION CHECKLIST:

1. Exchange Application Form - Please type the information in the form, print, sign, and date the form.

2. Study Abroad Essay. Submit a one-page statement explaining why you wish to study in a foreign country. The essay should include:

a. Why you chose the program you did,
b. What you hope to gain from the experience,
c. How it will complement your educational and personal goals.

Foreign Language Essay. If your program has a language of instruction other than English, you must submit the statement both in English and in the language of instruction. 

3. Official Transcript. Request your transcript online or submit the Transcript Request Form to the Records Office (269 MSC) to have your most current transcript sent to our office (261 MSC). There is a $5 fee payable to the Records Office. 

4. Academic Reference Forms. Request and submit two Academic Reference Forms from UMSL professors. Summer program applicants need only one form.

Notify the reference of the deadline and the fact that your application cannot be processed until it is received. You should pick up the letter in a sealed signed envelope from the reference and include it in the application packet so all materials can be submitted together. The reference may also send it directly to our office (261 MSC). 

Foreign Language Reference. If you will be participating in a program where the language of instruction is not English, one recommendation must be from a foreign language professor. 

5. Scholarship Application & Scholarship Essay (optional). For details and eligibility visit our Scholarships and Finances page. Notifications of recipients will go out at the end of the semester applied, and awards will be disbursed approximately 10 days before the start of the program semester. Due at time of application.

6. Course Evaluation/Equivalency Form. To ensure you will receive credit twoards your degree at UMSL please review the instructions for the course equivalancy process and then complete the course equivalency form. This form is due Dec. 1 for Spring semester and May 1 for Summer and Fall semesters.

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Applying for a Non-UMSL Program

To apply for a study abroad program offered through another university or program provider, please submit the following documents to the UMSL Study Abroad Office at least one month prior to the specific program's application deadline.

1. Exchange/non-UMSL Program Application Form
Please type the information in the form, print, sign, and date the form.

2. A description of the program for which you intend to apply, including information about accreditation (printed information from a website will suffice).

3. Study Abroad Essay. Submit a one-page statement explaining why you wish to study in a foreign country. This essay should include:

a. Why you chose the program you did,
b. What you hope to gain from your experience,  
c. How it will complement your educational and personal goals.

4. Academic Reference Form from a faculty member.

5. Scholarship Application & Scholarship Essay (optional). For details and eligibility visit our Scholarships and Finances page. Notifications of recipients will go out at the end of the semester applied, and awards will be disbursed approximately 10 days before the start of the program semester. To be eligible for Study Abroad scholarships, you must submit all application and scholarship materials by the exchange programs deadline.

6. Course Evaluation/Equivalency Form. Please review the instructions for the course equivalancy process and then complete this course evaluation form to ensure you will receive credit towards your degree at UMSL. Follow the instructions on the front page of this form to have your classes evaluated for UMSL equivalencies on the second page.
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Additional information for all programs:


Deadlines. The Study Abroad Office is organized around deadlines so that paperwork and forms can be processed in a timely manner. Working with other offices on our campus and especially with foreign institutions requires us to expect all study abroad students to turn in the required materials and enrollment in a timely manner.

Interview. Some programs require an interview. Once we have received your complete application a coordinator will contact you to schedule an interview should one be required.

Acceptance: If you are accepted for the program, you will be notified of additional steps to take and forms needed and of the pre-departure orientations for your particular program.

Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientations: All UMSL students who study abroad are required to attend pre-departure orientation, as well as complete an online orientation. These sessions will cover registration and financial aid, credit transfer, travel, health and safety topics, culture shock, and much more. Details will be distributed upon acceptance.