Trinity International Programs & Studies

Step 1: Information Card

Fill out an Information Card that you will get from the secretary (large index card) and give it to a Study Abroad student worker or leave it with the secretary.

Step 2: Start by Asking Yourself:

1. What do I want to learn?
2. What requirements do I still need to fulfill?
3. Where do I want to study & live?
4. What are my non-academic goals (such as, exploring a family heritage)?
5. Do I want to be in a big city or a small city?
6. Do I want university classes, a field study, an internship, intensive language, or other specialized study?
7. What are the specific classes I need to take during the term abroad?"

Step 3: Prepare a timeline.

You cannot begin this process too soon. However, the following timeline usually works: Most students begin working with the International Programs Office a full year before going abroad. The deadlines for completing and submitting any application and all supporting Trinity approval forms are October 31 (for Spring study) and March 31 (for Fall, Full Year, and Summer study). Some programs have earlier deadlines or may fill before the deadlines. Early application is encouraged in all cases.

Step 4: Academic Year Abroad/Vacation Study Abroad

For a brief overview of program characteristics (subjects offered, language of instruction, housing arrangement, beginning and ending dates, eligibility requirements including GPA, applications deadlines, and cost) consult in the following reference books: Academic Year Abroad, Short Term Study Abroad (for summer). These are on the display shelves or on the table. When reading entries, always note what is included before comparing costs.

Step 5: Make a List

There is scratch paper available in the Reading Room. Make a list of programs (with title and location, not just entry number) that most interest you. Also note websites and telephone numbers. Program websites may have detailed information that can help you narrow the search: including course lists, detailed budgets, and expenditures. There may be additional information on these programs on the display shelves or in our files.

Step 6: Program Brochures/Display Shelves

The shelves on the West wall are for summer study and special programs. The East wall displays academic year and affiliated programs. Shelves are organized geographically. See if the display shelf has a sample brochure for the programs in which you are interested. The boxes on the South wall have extra copies of many brochures. Black Boxes on the second shelf are for language programs. The Black Boxes on the last two shelves are for semester/academic year programs. The White Boxes are for summer programs. If there are multiple copies, you are welcome to take the brochure with you.

Step 7: Ask

If you do not find a brochure; ask one of the staff to check the files. If we have only one copy, it will be in our files, but you are welcome to read it or copy it. We can also loan out copies of many university catalogues, videos, and travel books upon request.

Step 8: Read the Student Evaluations

this is very important. White Notebooks have the evaluations of returned students. Notebooks are labeled geographically. These evaluations are required of all returned students and probably provide your best information on what to expect from particular programs. Each evaluation includes contact information for the student who wrote it. Take note, and contact these students directly. You need to know, and they are anxious to share their experiences.

Step 9: Appointment with the Counselor

When you have identified several options, come into the office and make an appointment with the Study Abroad Counselor for advising and program selection. When you make the appointment, you will be given a Degree Worksheet to complete and bring with you to your first appointment. Do not finalize your choice or initiate any application before this meeting. The counselor may have information or suggestions you need to consider before a final choice is made. All applications must go through this office.

Step 10: Your Faculty Advisor

You should consult with your faculty advisor (and all relevant departments for second majors, minors, etc.) as often as appropriate throughout this process. At the latest you should begin consulting with them at this point.

Step 11: Make a Budget and Talk with Your Family

Naturally, family support will be very important. The Study Abroad Counselor is always available to answer family questions and help you supply necessary information. One thing you should do immediately is draw up a budget of anticipated costs. If you have financial aid, you may want to talk with the Financial Aid office at this point also. Budget forms are available from the Counselor.

Step 12: Application and Credit Approval

Once you have decided, in consultation with the Counselor and your Advisor, where to apply, the Counselor will review the application with you. Once your application is underway, you need to make an appointment for a Forms Session. Forms sessions are scheduled every week during which the Counselor will distribute and explain the forms necessary to deal with credit approval, housing, registration, financial aid, visas, insurance, and other concerns. All applications are mailed by this office. All forms are returned to this office. The Trinity deadlines are October 31 (for Spring study) and March 31 (for Fall, Full Year, and Summer study). Some programs will have earlier deadlines.

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The International Programs Office will continue to work with you as you prepare to leave, while you are abroad, and as you return to campus. From the beginning you should think of this as a continuous learning experience that is not completed until you integrate what you have learned into your life back in the U.S. This office will be a part of the whole process.