The Study Abroad Office will 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. The Study Abroad Program office is located
in the Chapman Center in room 245. The staff is always happy to answer
questions and help facilitate your search as they are available to do so.
Step 1: Information Card and Information Session
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 and sign up for an information session. Information sessions are held
Information sessions are offered on *most* Wednesdays from 9:30 – 10:30
and Fridays from 2:30 – 3:30 in Chapman 242. Please come by the office to
sign up for an information session or e-mail Tisha Temple (tisha.temple@trinity.edu) with the
session you would like to attend, the term you plan to study abroad
(Spring/Summer/Fall, 2009/2010/2011/2012) and the best phone number to use to
contact you. If you have a class or work conflict at this time, the secretary
can arrange other sessions.
Step 2: Start by Asking Yourself:
What do I want to learn?
What requirements do I still need to fulfill?
Where do I want to study and live?
What are my non-academic goals (explore my family heritage)?
Do I want to be in a big city or a small city?
Do I want university classes, a field study, an internship, intensive
language, or other specialized study?
What are the specific classes I need to take during the term abroad?
Step 3: Academic Year Abroad/Summer 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 from IIE Passport: Academic Year Abroad, or
Short-Term Study Abroad (for summer. These are on the reference shelving unit.
This will be covered in the information session.
Step 4: Make a List
There is scratch paper available in the office. 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 which 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 5: Program Brochures/Display Shelves
The built-in shelves to the left of the secretary’s desk display semester/full
year programs and affiliated programs. Behind the secretary’s desk is another
shelving unit with summer programs. Shelves are organized geographically. See
if the display shelf has a sample brochure for the programs in which you are
interested. You are welcome to take the brochure with you, just inform the
secretary, work study students or Tisha Temple if you take the last copy of
anything.
Step 6: 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 7: Read the Student Evaluations
This is very important. White notebooks on the reference shelving unit 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.
Step 8: Appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor
When you have identified several options, come by the office and make an
appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor 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 advisor may have information
or suggestions you need to consider before a final choice is made. All
applications must go through this office.
Step 9: 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 10: 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.
Step 11: Application and Credit Approval
Once you have decided, in consultation with the Study Abroad Advisor and
your Academic Advisor, where to apply, the Study Abroad Advisor will review the
application with you. Once your application is underway, you need to make an
appointment for a Forms Session. Forms sessions are regularly scheduled every
week, starting a month before the forms deadline to distribute and explain the
forms necessary to deal with credit approval, housing, registration, financial
aid, visas, insurance, and other concerns.
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