“Who can help me with what?” UVM faculty and staff roles in study abroad

The semester study abroad preparation process can be complex to navigate, as you must synthesize information from different sources. Academic advisors, study abroad advisors and the Office of Transfer Affairs have distinct roles; these individuals cannot advise you outside of their areas of expertise. Learn what questions to ask where.

Working with your Study Abroad Advisor

WHAT CAN STUDY ABROAD ADVISORS DO?

  • Explain that the only study abroad programs UVM approves are those listed in GoAbroad
  • Help you identify programs that offer courses in specific academic disciplines, for example, programs that offer biology courses.
  • Show students how to locate the course listings within a specific program.
  • Explain the application and orientation processes
  • Answer questions regarding housing options, program fees, passports, and other questions related to study abroad programs, locations or travel.
  • Sign study abroad program applications, either hard copy or online

WHAT CAN’T STUDY ABROAD ADVISORS DO?

  • Determine how any course will fit into a student's degree program. "Can I use this course as an elective for my major?" or “Will this course satisfy this major requirement?” are not questions a Study Abroad advisor can answer.  These types of questions should be directed to your academic advisor.
  • Advise on specific requirements for any major or minor; nor can they determine which courses a student needs to fulfill any major or minor requirement. These types of questions should be directed to your academic advisor.
  • Determine whether a study abroad course will transfer back to UVM. Consult the Office of Transfer Affairs if you have questions about course transferability.

Working with your Academic Advisor

WHAT CAN ACADEMIC ADVISORS DO?

  • Identify the best semester(s) to study abroad for your major. Ask about this your first semester at UVM!
  • Help you plan for your semester abroad by identifying unfulfilled course requirements, flexibility within your degree audit, and mapping out an academic plan. For example, if as a first-year student you decide to study abroad in your third year, your academic advisor can suggest which general education, elective, major or minor courses you should not take at UVM, and instead “save” to take abroad so that you maximize your flexibility.
  • Explain rules or requirements specific to an academic department (major or minor) or School or College that might affect your choice of program or courses abroad.
  • Help you understand how courses from the UVM Transfer Credit Guide can apply towards your UVM degree requirements. NOTE: If your academic advisor is not able to determine (based on the information in the UVM Transfer Credit Guide and the student’s degree audit) how a course might apply toward your degree requirements, your advisor will recommend that you take your syllabus and/or course materials for further review.

WHAT CAN’T ACADEMIC ADVISORS DO?

  • Provide specific information regarding the study abroad application process, housing options, program fees, billing, passport/visa information or any other travel information. For questions about program logistics, contact your study abroad advisor.
  • Guarantee that a course will count within a student's major or minor if a course has not yet been approved through the UVM credit approval process (as demonstrated by the UVM Transfer Credit Guide).
  • Some academic advisors may not be able to help you identify study abroad programs that are a good match for your academic goals; consult your study abroad advisor

DISCUSSING WHICH COURSES TO TAKE ABROAD WITH YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR

See the Academic Planning Form for Study Abroad for your School/College for questions to discuss with your advisor when you begin to consider when and how to study abroad.

Working with the Office of Transfer Affairs

Transfer Affairs is the office that will update your UVM record with transfer credit after your study abroad as been completed.  In order to update your UVM record with transfer credit you are responsible for requesting an official transcript sent directly to the Office of Transfer Affairs.  This office will also help you facilitate the review of transfer credit as needed by collecting from you your course syllabi/materials and sending them to UVM faculty for review.


WHAT CAN TRANSFER AFFAIRS DO?

  • Explain transfer credit policies and procedures.
  • Add transfer credit to your UVM record.
  • Collect from you (if needed) syllabi/course materials to send to faculty for review
  • Verify types of credits eligible for transfer at UVM.


WHAT CAN’T TRANSFER AFFAIRS DO?

  • Guarantee a specific course will transfer to UVM.
  • Provide academic advising.
  • Verify how credits could count towards UVM degree requirements.
  • Provide specific information regarding the study abroad application process, housing options, program fees, billing, passport/visa information or any other travel information. For questions about program logistics, contact your study abroad advisor.

 

 

 

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