Study Abroad 101
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Study Abroad 101: Your Guide to Studying Abroad at SEMO
Studying abroad is an exciting way to grow, gain new skills, and experience the world. At Southeast Missouri State University, we make it easy to get started with step-by-step resources to guide you through the process. Whether you’re interested in studying abroad for a few weeks or a full semester, we’re here to help you plan your journey.
Marlen Hoedebeck, University of Applied Science, Aachen, Germany
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Next Steps
How to Study Abroad
Step 1: GET STARTED WITH STUDY ABROAD 101
Start by watching the recorded Study Abroad 101 presentation to learn the basics of studying abroad at SEMO.
The presentation covers topics such as:
- Program options
- Costs and financial aid
- Academics and transfer credit
- Applications and deadlines
- Passports, visas, and preparation steps
After watching the video, schedule a meeting with a Study Abroad Coordinator to discuss your goals, program options, and next steps.
Step 2: Define Your Goals
Think about what you want from your study abroad experience.
- What are your academic, personal, or career goals?
- Which degree requirements can you complete abroad?
- What is most important to you in a program (location, cost, length, language, etc.)?
Discuss your goals with your academic advisor and department chair to explore how studying abroad can fit into your degree plan. Some majors may need to complete general education or minor requirements abroad if remaining major requirements must be completed on campus.
Step 3: Explore Program Options
Visit the SEMO Study Abroad Portal to browse available programs.
- Use the visitor link for the Study Abroad portal
- SEMO students, staff, and faculty can use the community link for the study abroad portal
Filter programs by term, location, language, or other preferences. Add programs to your favorites list and complete the Program Match Survey to help narrow your search.
Step 4: Apply for a Program
Once you’ve chosen a program, submit your application through the SEMO Study Abroad Portal.
Before applying, review the "Eligibility" tab to confirm you meet the program requirements. Please note that some programs require you to submit reference forms from at least two faculty members. Be sure to ask your professors in advance and let them know they will receive a reference form request through the application system.
- Winter break programs: September 1
- Spring programs: September 15
- Spring break programs: December 1
- Summer programs: February 1
- Fall programs: February 15
*Some programs may have earlier deadlines. Check each program’s details in the Study Abroad Portal.
*Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on program availability and deadlines set by partner institutions or providers.
Step 5: Complete Your PRE-DEPARTURE REQUIREMENTS
After your application has been reviewed, you will be notified of your acceptance by the International Education & Services office.
Once accepted, you will be added to your program in the SEMO Study Abroad Portal, where you will receive a series of required forms and a pre-departure checklist to help keep you on track throughout the preparation process.
Your pre-departure requirements may include:
- Applying for your passport and visa
- Completing required forms and agreements
- Enrolling in travel insurance
- Finalizing course enrollment and credit transfer
- Preparing for travel and cultural adjustment
Students participating in SEMO study abroad programs will also be required to attend pre-departure orientation meetings prior to departure. These sessions provide important information about travel preparation, academics, health and safety, and cultural adjustment.
Still have questions?
If you have questions or want to learn more, SEMO offers several resources to help:
- Study Abroad Portal: Explore program options on SEMO's Study Abroad Portal and apply online.
- Study Abroad 101 Sessions: Attend an info session to get started.
- Study Abroad Resource Center: Visit the center at the International Village for personalized support.
- SupportNET: Schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad Coordinator through SupportNET to get one-on-one guidance.
Take the first step today and discover how studying abroad can transform your college experience!
- Cultural Immersion: Experience new cultures, improve language and communication skills.
- New Perspectives: Gain a broader worldview and see the world differently.
- Resume Boost: Enhance your resume with international experience.
- Top Academics: Access high-quality education programs abroad to complement your education and advance your degree progress at SEMO.
- Lifelong Friendships and Professional Connections: Form lasting connections with people from around the world.
- Personal Benefits: Develop essential life skills like resilience and independence.
No, you don't need to know another language to study abroad!
- Most of our short-term programs are taught in English.
- Many exchange semester programs worldwide also offer courses in English, allowing students to take classes in their field without needing to know another language.
- Use the Study Abroad Portal's “Language of Instruction” filter to find programs with English-taught courses. However, confirm the availability of courses in your field, as some universities may only offer a few courses in English.
- SEMO students from ANY major can study abroad - including international students attending SEMO!
- Depending on the student's major and degree progress, Study Abroad courses may count for major, minor, or general education requirements with prior approval from the appropriate department chair.
- Faculty-Led Programs: Open to freshmen, upperclassmen, and graduate students, though some may have specific prerequisites or other eligibility requirements.
- All Other Programs:
- Open to undergraduate students (with some programs open to graduate students).
- Usually require 30+ credit hours and a 2.5 GPA.
- Some may need additional prerequisites or a higher GPA.
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Tip: Always check the program’s eligibility requirements in the Study Abroad Portal before you apply!
Europe
- Austria
- Belgium
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- England
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Scotland
- Serbia
- Spain
Asia
- China
- Japan
- Jordan
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Thailand
Caribbean
- Dominican Republic
- Puerto Rico
Latin America
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- Mexico
- Uruguay
Oceania
- Australia
- New Zealand
Africa
- Botswana
- Ghana
- Morocco
- South Africa
Deciding where to study abroad is exciting, but there are a few things to think about:
1. Find Programs That Fit Your Courses
Use the filters in the SEMO Study Abroad Portal to search for programs that offer classes in your major, minor, or general education requirements.
- Short-term, semester, and full-year programs can help you meet your degree goals.
- Not every program has every subject. Be sure to research carefully to match your SEMO requirements.
2. Talk to Your Academic Advisor
Once you find programs that interest you, meet with your academic advisor and department chair. They’ll help you confirm which courses can be taken abroad.
- Some SEMO courses must be taken on campus due to accreditation, so check ahead of time.
3. Consider These Questions
- Do I want to live in a big city or a small town?
- How comfortable am I using buses, trains, or other public transportation?
- Have I experienced a climate similar to the one in my chosen destination?
- Do I have health needs to consider, like medication availability?
- What financial aid or scholarships can help me cover the cost?
By answering these questions and using the SEMO Study Abroad Portal, you’ll be ready to find the perfect program for you!
At SEMO, you can choose a study abroad program that fits your schedule:
- Semester or Full-Year Programs: Earn 12–15 credits per semester while living and learning in another country.
- Short-Term Programs: Spend 1–12 weeks abroad during summer, winter break, or spring break and earn 3–6 credits.
Your housing depends on the program and destination:
- Short-Term Programs: Stay in hotels or hostels.
- Semester or Full-Year Programs: Options vary by country. Some programs offer dorms, while others provide housing nearby. You may live with a host family, share an apartment, or rent a private space. Housing details for each program are listed in the Study Abroad Portal under the "About Program" tab.
Earn academic credit for all approved courses you take abroad:
- Faculty-Led Programs: Take a 3-credit SEMO course, like UI343 Transcultural Experience or other advanced options.
- Other Programs: Choose courses at your host university and get them pre-approved with your academic advisor and department chair.
Steps to transfer credit:
- Work with your academic advisor to select courses.
- Get syllabi approved before you go.
- Complete a Learning Agreement Form.
Yes! Your grades will transfer back to SEMO and count toward your cumulative GPA.
Yes! SEMO offers scholarships to help you pay for study abroad:
- SEMO Study Abroad Scholarships: Visit semo.academicworks.com and search for “study abroad.” Apply by February 1 for the following academic year.
- President’s Scholarship (and President's Finalists): Includes a $1,500 study abroad stipend.
- Regular SEMO scholarships and financial aid can be used for study abroad.
- Military-affiliated benefits may have restrictions for certain programs. Check with the Office of Military and Veterans Services.
More Ways to Fund Your Study Abroad:
Scholarships from SEMO Program Providers:
- AIFS, CIEE, and Magellan Exchange offer funding for SEMO students participating in their programs.
External Scholarship Search Tools:
- IIEPassport Study Abroad Funding
- FastWeb Scholarship Search
- Scholarship Owl
- StudyAbroad.com Scholarships
U.S. Government Scholarships:
Alyssa Smith
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