• 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.

• Tip: Always check the program’s eligibility requirements in the Study Abroad Portal before you apply!

• Southeast Missouri State University offers study abroad programs in over 25 countries! Some destinations include:
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Costa Rica
  • Denmark
  • Ecuador
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • Japan
  • Mexico
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Puerto Rico
  • Scotland
  • Serbia
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • United Kingdom
  • Uruguay

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:

1. Work with your academic advisor to select courses.
2. Get syllabi approved before you go.
3. 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:

• Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship
• Gilman-McCain Scholarship
• Critical Need Language Award
• STEM Supplemental Award