How to Study Abroad

1.Create an Profile

This is an opportunity to create your profile to begin the study abroad advising process. The profile will provide Study Abroad Programs with general information, so that when you meet with the advisors, they will be better able to assist you in choosing your program.

2. Attend an information session with a study abroad peer advisor

Meet with a peer advisor to learn more about Study Abroad Programs at CMU.  Peer Advisors have open walk-in hours in Ronan 330.

If you are like most students, you have many questions about studying abroad.

Where can I go?
Where will I live?
What can I study?
How can I fund study abroad?
What is living in another country like?

Our peer advisors will be able to answer many of your questions and get you started on the path to studying abroad. They will fill you in on basic information, show you our resource library, and help you start the study abroad process. They will also provide you with a list of students who have studied abroad recently and would be happy to share their experiences with you.

3. Research your program options on the Study Abroad website

When researching programs, it may be helpful to determine your goals and priorities.

There are a variety of programs to choose from. You can use our study abroad program search engine to explore the available programs and narrow down your search. You will find specific information about the programs including location, program length, courses of study, and housing.

To learn more about the various programs, you can read students’ stories from abroad and view their photos. Also, check out the news and upcoming events.

4. Meet with a study abroad advisor

Schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor by visiting our website and selecting Contact Us/Schedule an Appointment from the navigation menu. Your study abroad advisor will work with you to determine the program that best suits your goals and priorities. You will learn about the application process, requirements, and scholarship opportunities. Your advisor will also provide you with a program budget sheet, go over the application process, and answer any additional questions that you may have.

Once you have determined a suitable program, your study abroad advisor will give you access to the study abroad application.

5. Meet with the appropriate faculty advisor(s) to obtain transfer credit approval

Schedule an appointment with a faculty advisor in each of the departments from which you would like to receive credit. All of your courses need to be pre-approved to receive CMU credit.

6. Submit an application to the Study Abroad Programs office by the deadline

Start early and plan ahead! Leave yourself plenty of time to complete the applications, write essays, gather faculty recommendations and course credit approvals, order transcripts, and purchase required photos. Application deadlines can be found here.

7. Meet with a financial aid advisor (required only for students who wish to apply for financial aid, including loans)

All students can apply for financial aid to study abroad.  Schedule an appointment with a financial aid advisor in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Warriner Hall 202. Be sure to take a copy of the program budget sheet provided by your study abroad advisor to the appointment.

8. Attend the study abroad pre-departure orientation

All students accepted by Study Abroad Programs must attend a pre-departure orientation session. Important information regarding academics, health and safety, travel, and cultural adjustment will be covered. You will have an opportunity to meet other CMU students who are preparing to study abroad as well as hear from students who have recently returned from abroad.