Study Abroad 101
Continue to main contentStudents who study abroad gain experience and develop skills which are crucial in becoming a global citizen and adapting to today’s interconnected world.
Southeast encourages students from all majors and interests to study abroad. Whether you take a two- or three-week short study tour or a semester or year abroad, you will have the opportunity to learn cross-cultural communication and, as many of your peers have said, have a “life-altering experience.”
Our study abroad programs vary in duration, ranging from two weeks to academic year-long programs. We offer faculty-taught short-term programs, exchange programs, and affiliated programs.
Hear from our Students
"Studying abroad in Aachen, Germany through the International Business Programs and the Magellan Exchange gave me the opportunity to meet amazing students from all over the world. I got to travel around Europe with my new friends and attend classes taught in English that transferred back to SEMO flawlessly. It was one of the best semesters during my undergrad program and I would say, 'if you have the chance to go, do it!'"
Marlen Hoedebeck, University of Applied Science, Aachen, Germany
Next Steps
Are you ready to begin your journey to study abroad? Let's get started!
The Five Steps to Study Abroad
Step 1: Define Goals
Rank your preferences, understand your motivations, and set some parameters for your search. Ask yourself:
- What do you want from your time abroad?
- What is most important to you in a program?
- Which degree requirements can be taken abroad?
- Discuss this with your department chair as some major, minor, and general education requirements may be flexible.
- What are your plans after college?
- What experiences might best suit your goals?
Communicate with your academic advisor about your plans!
Step 2: Explore your options
Use the SEMO Study Abroad Portal to review our program options catalog. The portal can be accessed through a visitor link or the SEMO community link, which anyone with a valid SEMO email address can use. Remember your goals and preferences, but keep an open mind!
- Create an account and fill out the program match survey to narrow down your search.
- Add filters like term name, language, location(s), and more.
- Add any programs you find interesting to your list of favorites.
Step 3: Attend Study Abroad 101
Attend Study Abroad 101 to learn the basics about studying abroad. Students participating in long-term programs must attend a Study Abroad 101 session.
| Date | Time | Location |
| Friday, January 24, 2025 | 12 - 1 p.m. | Virtual |
| Tuesday, January 28, 2025 | 9 - 10 a.m. | International Village, Room 102 (Study Abroad Resource Room) |
| Thursday, January 30, 2025 | 4 - 5 p.m. | International Village, Room 102 (Study Abroad Resource Room) |
| Monday, February 3, 2025 | 9 - 10 a.m. | Virtual |
| Wednesday, February 5, 2025 | 12 - 1 p.m. | International Village, Room 102 (Study Abroad Resource Room) |
| Wednesday, February 12, 2025 | 12 - 1 p.m. | International Village, Room 102 (Study Abroad Resource Room) |
| Monday, March 3, 2025 | 4 - 5 p.m. | International Village, Room 102 (Study Abroad Resource Room) |
| Wednesday, March 5, 2025 | 12 - 1 p.m. | Virtual |
| Tuesday, April 1, 2025 | 4 - 5 p.m. | International Village, Room 102 (Study Abroad Resource Room) |
| Wednesday, April 9, 2025 | 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. | University Center (UC), Indian Room |
| Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | 12 - 1 p.m. | Virtual |
If students are unable to attend a live session, they can view the educational video.
Step 4: Start an Application
Select the program you want to apply for and submit the application using the SEMO Study Abroad Portal.
- Check the "Eligibility" tab to make sure you meet the requirements
- Long-term program applications require 2 academic references
- If English is not the primary language of instruction for the program, one of the references must be able to vouch for your ability to speak the language. If neither can, a language placement test is required.
- Deadlines:
- Apply for spring programs by September 15
- Apply for fall and summer programs by February 15
- Check the programs for specific dates as they may have different dates.
Step 5: Check off the To-Do List
Once your application is accepted, follow the steps in your pre-departure forms in your SEMO Study Abroad Portal to ensure you are on track to go abroad! The forms will walk you through the following:
- Passport and visa applications
- Travel insurance enrollment
- Course enrollment and credit transfer
Still have questions?
If you don't find your answer below, please complete the form at the bottom of the page.
- Become more mature and self-confident as you learn the skills to succeed in unfamiliar environments and enjoy adapting to new places.
- Earn academic credit that will help you progress toward your graduation while experiencing a new environment.
- Get an international experience beyond a superficial tourist experience.
- Understand how culture guides values and behaviors and gain respect for different cultures.
- Understand your academic major from an international perspective and how your intended career is related to increasingly global issues, co-workers, clients, and customers.
- Practice intercultural competencies that enhance your career and social relationships.
- Add something extra to your resume which will make you more appealing to employers.
- Enhance your career opportunities with a second or third language which is so valuable to the future of our workforce.
Your decision of where to study abroad should be based on several important questions. Ask yourself these questions and get a friend or family member to confer with you on these topics. Try to be as critical as possible about yourself and what you think you can do.
- What type of courses do you need and want to take (major requirements, major electives, general education requirements or lower-division courses, electives)?
- Does Southeast have requirements about the number of weeks and/or contact hours the courses must fulfill to transfer credit in your major?
- Is it safe and/or practical to study in a country for which I do not speak the language fluently?
- Have you ever traveled before? Outside the U.S.? If yes, how long and where? How long have you ever been away from family and friends before?
- Am I more comfortable living “day-in and day-out” in a major city or a rural environment? Do you feel comfortable using public transportation (buses, taxis, trains)?
- Have you experienced the type of climate similar to the host country you are considering?
- Do you prefer functioning in a group with leaders and/or guides making decisions for you and being surrounded by others much like yourself?
- Do you want to become a “specialist” in one location (language and culture and history and current events) or do you want a comparative perspective of several different places and perspectives?
- Do I have any health conditions that would impair me to study abroad? Are the medications I take available in the country I’m interested in traveling to?
- What financial support can I count on? Am I eligible for any scholarships or financial aid?
There are multiple sources that can allow you to finance your study abroad experience. These include:
- federal student grants
- federal student loans
- private student loans
- scholarships
- program discounts
- family and friends
- many other sources
Learn more about financing your study abroad experience.
Hear from one of our students
"Making the decision to study abroad was the best thing I ever did! My view and understanding of the world has expanded so much. I was able to grow in ways I never knew I could as I came face to face with different challenges living abroad. I had to adapt to living in a new country and a different culture. It was an amazing opportunity to learn more about the culture and history of South Korea from those who live there. I was also able to meet so many different people from all over the world! These are friendships and memories that I will always cherish!"
Alyssa Smith
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701