Want to Study Abroad? Here is a checklist to help keep you on track.
These are the steps students complete to study abroad. Use this list as a reference to track your progress in completing the study abroad process.
Complete the Study Abroad Info Session
To complete the SA 101 Info Session, please submit your student information at the end of the session.
6-12 Months Before Studying Abroad:
Apply for a U.S. Passport
This can take 4 weeks or longer to process, so it is best to get a head start and submit your application now. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for more details.
Obtain Academic Advising
It is advisable to discuss your study abroad plans with your academic advisor as early as possible. Some degree programs require you to be on campus for certain semesters. Your academic advisor can help you determine the optimal time for you to go abroad as well as advise you on your course requirements.
Obtain Financial Aid Advising from UVM Student Financial Services (SFS)
If you receive financial aid (loans, grants or scholarships) meet with SFS to understand the availability of your financial aid package when studying abroad.
Attend Study Abroad Advising Sessions
If you have completed the SA 101 Info Session and you still cannot find the answers you're looking for, check the website calendar for dates and times of walk-in advising sessions.
Research Study Abroad Programs
You can research your options and countries of interest in our on-line database or in the International Resource Room (L&L B-161).
Meet with a Regional Study Abroad Advisor
If you receive financial aid, have specific questions about study abroad programs or about your options in a particular region of the world.
Draft your Budget Sheet
Complete a draft of your Budget Sheet to verify the affordability of your study abroad program.
5-9 Months Before Studying Abroad
Apply to Study Abroad Program
Complete and submit your application to the study abroad program of your choice. Go to Choose your program to review all of the application deadlines.
Verify Your Health Insurance Coverage Check with your health insurance provider to verify that you will be covered while abroad. Meet with a health professional in the UVM Travel Health Clinic (or your family physician) for immunizations and/or any health related issues while abroad.
Receive an Offer You will receive an offer to participate on your study abroad program or re-apply to another program.
After Acceptance into a Study Abroad Program
Accept Your Offer to Participate
Contact the appropriate person to accept their offer to participate in their program.
Request your Study Abroad Approval Form (SAAF) The SAAF request is an on-line form that you can submit electronically. You should also submit a copy of your acceptance letter either electronically or drop it off to OIE.
Complete Your Budget Sheet
If you receive any financial aid and want it released to you while abroad, you will be required to complete a budget sheet. This will become part of your Study Abroad Approval Form (SAAF)
Pick Up Your Study Abroad Approval Form (SAAF)
Come to OIE (L&L B-161) and pick up your SAAF.
Complete Your SAAF
Complete and return your Study Abroad Approval Form to OIE by the deadline.
Apply For Your Visa
This can be even more time-consuming than getting a passport—DON'T WAIT! Follow this link to the Department of State website regarding visas, click on the country where you are going.
Enroll in the Overseas Study Program (OSSP)
The Overseas Study Program (OSSP) is a 6 or 12 credit placeholder course that keeps you as an active UVM student while studying abroad.
Attend a UVM Pre-Departure Orientation
Mandatory pre-departure orientations will be held a thte end of the semester before you go abroad. You will be notified of the date, time and location of this meeting via email.