Study Abroad Frequently Asked Questions
Studying abroad is a big decision. We know you have questions! Here are answers to questions we hear the most.
What steps do I need to take to study abroad?
Studying abroad sounds great in theory but getting there can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. We've broken down the path to studying abroad into six simple steps for you to follow:
1. Attend a Study Abroad 101 session, then meet with a Study Abroad Advisor.
If you’re brand new to the idea of studying abroad, attend one of our virtual Study Abroad 101 info sessions which are held every Friday from 12-12:30 p.m. ET. Once you’re ready to discuss your options, schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor. Your advisor will help you choose a program that aligns with your goals and budget.
2. Select a program.
With the help of your advisor, narrow down your options and choose a program that's right for you. Explore the different types of study abroad programs before your meeting.
3. Consider options for funding your program abroad.
Browse our list of study abroad scholarships and apply for scholarships on campus and at the national level that are only available to students who go abroad. Find out how much aid you can receive through the CMU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid early in the process.
4. Make a plan to earn credit toward your degree.
When you study abroad through our office, all of the courses you take will automatically transfer back to CMU and count towards graduation. You may also be able to get your courses abroad approved for specific CMU credit prior to departure. Most study abroad programs automatically fulfill the UP IV-B requirement; be sure to talk to your advisor about this option.
5. Apply by the deadline.
Give yourself plenty of time to investigate your options and apply by the deadline. Application deadlines vary by program. In general, deadlines are as follows:
- Spring: late September
- Fall/Academic Year: mid-March
- Summer: early February
6. Attend the pre-departure orientations.
Before you head off on your adventure, Office of Study Abroad staff and CMU students who have previously studied or interned abroad will provide you with important information as you prepare to travel and live abroad.
Ready to get started? If you've already attended a Study Abroad 101 session or if you are ready to start exploring your options, your first step is to meet with a Study Abroad Advisor.
Studying abroad sounds expensive. How am I going to pay for it?
Don't let the price tag stop you from studying abroad! Some of our study abroad programs actually cost the same or less than the cost of attending CMU. You can usually use your existing scholarships to help cover the cost of study abroad. There are many additional scholarships specifically for students who go abroad.
These opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Scholarships through the Office of Study Abroad
- National study abroad scholarships
- CMU college- and department-level study abroad scholarships
- Study abroad scholarships for Pell Grant recipients
Refer to this page on our website for more information about study abroad scholarships.
In most cases, your financial aid can apply to the cost of study abroad as well. In fact, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid will take the cost of your specific study abroad program into consideration and you may be eligible to receive additional aid. You should always meet with a financial aid advisor before deciding on a program.
What courses can I take abroad?
You can take courses abroad to fulfill...
- Major/minor requirements
- Honors protocol
- University Program (UP) credits
- General electives
No matter what courses you take, all of the credits you earn abroad will transfer back to CMU and count towards the total number of credits needed for graduation.
It is important to keep in mind that all grades earned abroad will go on your CMU transcript and count towards your overall GPA.
Please refer to this page on our website for more information about the academic components of study abroad.
Do I need to know another language?
Nope! While we encourage you to learn the basics in your host country's local language, courses are taught in English all around the world.
There are also many options for students interested in language study. To learn more about studying a world language abroad, visit this page on the Department of History, World Languages, and Cultures website.
What are my program options?
We offer three types of study abroad programs:
- Programs at partner institutions
- Short-term CMU faculty-led programs
- International internships
With over 150 programs in more than 50 countries, the sheer amount of options can be overwhelming. Your Study Abroad Advisor will help you determine which program type, duration, and location is the best fit for you.
What are the eligibility requirements for study abroad?
This is the earliest we recommend studying abroad based on the academic term/program type you are considering:
- Summer: After your first year
- Semester: Spring of your second year
- Yearlong: Third year
- Internships: Summer after your second year
Exceptions can be made to these recommendations in certain cases. Be sure to speak to your Study Abroad Advisor about this.
Students must be in good standing with Central Michigan University in order to study abroad. Information about academic standing can be found on the complete satisfactory progress policy page.
Some study abroad programs require a minimum GPA above the CMU Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirement of 2.0. You can find this information in the program description. Your Study Abroad Advisor will also explain the specific requirements for your chosen program.