Getting Started
UNC offers hundreds of different programs in 63 countries, which can make the process a bit overwhelming at first. Individual interests and academic needs mean the right choice of a study abroad program will be different for each student.
How to Begin The Process
It is important to start planning early for your study abroad.
- Meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss when would be a good semester to study abroad, and what courses you should or must take while abroad.
- Even if you are only considering studying abroad, you should come in and speak with a Study Abroad Advisor to discuss possible study abroad options. Email, call, or stop by CIE.
- Download the Study Abroad Process Checklist & Timeline for a general timeframe of where you should be, and when, in the process of preparing to go abroad. Of course, this is just a guideline.
- Take a look at some of the options available to you at UNC. Consider these five factors when deciding on a program:
- Academics: It is important to consider how study abroad will meet requirements of each major and minor. You will meet with your academic advisor at several points in the study abroad process. Even if you are only considering studying abroad at this point, you should meet with your advisor to discuss what courses you should or must take while abroad and how your study abroad coursework will fit into your overall academic program at UNC.
- Cost: Before you begin the application process, you must consider how you pay for your education at UNC and what additional expenses may or may not be incurred as a result of studying abroad. Meeting with a study abroad advisor and visiting our website will answer many financial questions. It is also important to discuss your finances with your parents and/or those who finance your education.
- Language: It is important to consider whether you wish to study language, and/or study in a foreign language while abroad. Some programs will be taught in the host country language. Others will offer classes instructed in English for visiting students, while others will offer courses instructed in English for all students. Language requirements will be posted on according websites for each program.
- Individual Considerations: Many students have personal considerations when selecting a study abroad site. For instance, if you take medication or have specific medical or mental health needs, you may want to meet with your doctor or therapist to discuss your choices. If you are a student with a documented disability at UNC, meeting with Disability Support Services may be a good place to start. Please be aware that UNC cannot guarantee that facilities, technology, or support services will be available at each location abroad in the same range and quality as on the UNC campus. Other countries laws and procedures may be different from what you are accustomed to at UNC and in the US.
- Risk:This is the hardest factor to define. In the context of study abroad, risk is your willingness to cope with ambiguity in the study abroad experience. Some programs offer you the opportunity to take a set schedule of classes that are designed for the students that sign up for the program. Room and board are frequently arranged in advance, and sometimes organized excursions and activities are included. On other programs, you will travel as an individual student directly enrolling in a foreign university. In these programs, you are largely responsible to manage your experience and sort out your arrangements on your own. In thinking about differences in risk, consider what you find exciting and what you find frightening, and take this into consideration when making your program choice.
- Academics: It is important to consider how study abroad will meet requirements of each major and minor. You will meet with your academic advisor at several points in the study abroad process. Even if you are only considering studying abroad at this point, you should meet with your advisor to discuss what courses you should or must take while abroad and how your study abroad coursework will fit into your overall academic program at UNC.
