Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) has made changes to the study abroad services offered to help students discover new opportunities to enhance their academic learning and personal development.
SEMO established a new Study Abroad Coordinator position last year to make international experiences available to all students, as well as support incoming exchange students from partner institutions. A key piece of the expansion is the launch of the Study Abroad Portal. This centralized platform simplifies the process for students, offering a one-stop destination to browse programs, manage travel logistics and complete required forms.
“We want to ensure students have everything they need to study abroad,” said Aven Pacha, study abroad coordinator. “Whether it’s managing travel logistics or handling risk management, our goal is to remove any obstacles and make international experiences accessible to all SEMO students.”
To further support students, Pacha hosts Study Abroad 101 three times a month, both in-person and virtually. These sessions provide a space for students to ask questions, voice concerns, and gain confidence about studying abroad. Additionally, the newly introduced Study Abroad Peer Mentor Program connects students who’ve returned from abroad with those just beginning their journey, fostering a network of support and shared insight.
SEMO offers a wide variety of programs tailored to diverse academic and personal interests. Faculty-led programs provide short-term opportunities ranging from one to four weeks during spring, summer and winter breaks, each carrying three credit hours. Students can also explore semester or year-long exchange and internship opportunities in over 40 countries through affiliated partnerships with the American Institute for Foreign Exchange Study (AIFS) and the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE)—all accessible through the Study Abroad Portal. A standout feature of semester-long programs is that students continue to pay SEMO tuition rates, billed directly to their accounts, enabling seamless use of financial aid and scholarships.
SEMO is also enhancing the process of transferring course credits, ensuring that students can integrate their international experiences into their academic plans seamlessly.
“Study abroad has long been recognized as a high-impact practice that has a positive impact on participants’ academic and career success,” said Kevin Timlin, director of international education and services. “Such experiences promote the development of intercultural competency, problem-solving skills and an expanded worldview. These are all soft skills that are valued by employers. We are committed to making sure our community understands the importance and benefits of study abroad, and to offering meaningful, affordable programs to all who are interested.”
For more information on available programs and how to study abroad, students can visit the website.