Step 7: UVM approval to study abroad

step 7 Upon acceptance into your program, there are two crucial forms that need to be completed at UVM in order to obtain permission to study abroad. Therefore, once you've received acceptance into the program of your choice:

Complete the Budget Worksheet

Note: If you receive financial aid and want to take eligible aid with you when you go abroad, you are required to complete your budget sheet.

Prepare the Budget Worksheet. Complete it according to the program cost information your study abroad program provided to you or visit the program's website and print out their program cost information. Attach any and all cost documentation to your completed budget sheet and return it to our office. If you need assistance filling out your budget sheet, the OIE wil offer help sessions. See our Calendar of Events for dates and times.

Consider loans, scholarships, grants: Remember that financial aid includes loans, scholarships and grants.

Concerned about financing? See Step 3: Financial considerations for more financial planning information.

SAAF deadlines

For fall, academic year and summer programs:

SAAF request deadline: March 15
OIE will notify you by email when your SAAF is available for pick-up.
Deadline for completion and return to OIE is usually three weeks after issuance.

For winter and spring programs:

SAAF request deadline: October 22
OIE will notify you by email when your SAAF is available for pick-up.
Deadline for completion and return to OIE is usually three weeks after issuance

Failure to meet the UVM SAAF deadlines and fully complete the form may require you to take a leave of absence to complete your study abroad program. UVM students on leave are not eligible for the following:

receiving financial aid through UVM
coverage under health insurance plans requiring full-time student status
coverage under SOS International
registering for classes along with other UVM students

"Travelers never think that they are the foreigners."
— Mason Cooley

Complete and submit your Study Abroad Approval Form (SAAF)

Once you have been accepted into your program, approval for overseas study must be obtained by completing the UVM Study Abroad Approval Form (SAAF).

Requesting your SAAF

Request your SAAF online. OIE will notify you by email when your SAAF is ready for pick-up. Once notified that it is ready, pick up your SAAF in our office.

Completing your SAAF

Students - complete, sign & date the Memorandum of Understanding.
Students - complete the Course Selection Form and attach course syllabi for courses not listed in the Transfer Guide.

Obtain signatures of approval for your overseas study program from the following departments/offices in order:

The Office of Transfer Affairs reviews your course selection.
Academic advisor reviews your degree requirements and approves your study abroad plans.
Language advisor signs if you intend to earn language credits to meet major or minor requirements.
Major department chairperson signs if you wish to bring back credits within your major(s).
Academic dean or representative reviews and signs.
Bring your completed budget sheet and program cost documentation to Student Financial Services (SFS). They will review your budget sheet and re-calculate your aid according to the cost of your study abroad program. SFS cannot accept an incomplete budget sheet or one that does not have documentation attached.

Returning your SAAF

Return completed SAAF to OIE in L&L, B-162 by the deadline indicated on your SAAF.

Register for the course titled "OSSP" (Overseas Study Program)

After submitting your SAAF to OIE, we will issue you a course override so that you may register for OSSP online during your regularly assigned course registration period. This must be completed before your departure from UVM. Failure to register for OSSP has serious consequences:

UVM will not be able to recognize your status as a study abroad student.
Your financial aid will not be processed or distributed.
You will be unable to access the UVM registration system from abroad.
You may jeopardize your emergency assistance insurance coverage and your health insurance if based on full-time student status.

Next step: Plan for your departure

Get ready to go in Step 8: Plan for your departure.