1. Start early! You might be able to plan a study abroad experience quickly, but you'll have more options and better success at integrating an international program into your degree at SU if you start your search early. You should start thinking about study abroad up to a year or more before you actually want to travel, or at the very least, the semester before you go.

2. Stop by the Intercultural Learning Resource Room in Mood 320 to start your research. We have literature from various study abroad programs, bookmarked websites for programs we know to be of excellent quality, as well as forms and instructions you'll need to successfully apply for study abroad. Look for the Study Abroad Handbook. This provides information on the process of study abroad, including information on credit transfer and financial aid. The Resource Room is open 8-5, Monday through Friday.

3. Make an appointment with Sue Mennicke, Director of Intercultural Learning, by calling Lori Ivins at x1857 or e-mail ivinsl@southwestern.edu.

4. Make sure that the program you choose is approved by the Director of Intercultural Learning, Sue Mennicke. Do not apply for a study abroad program without pre-approval for the program. Your credit transfer and financial aid may be jeopardized if you do not have approval for your program.

5. Fill out the SU Study Abroad Application, which you can download here (Fall 2007), or get from the Office of Intercultural Learning: International and Off-Campus Programs, Mood 311. For Fall 2007 study abroad, the application deadline is March 1, 2007. Contact the Office of Intercultural Learning: International and Off-Campus Programs (x1857 or studyabroad@southwestern.edu) if you have questions.

6. The program you select will require an application of you. Usually, students will only need to apply to one program, but you may need to choose a back-up if the program you have selected is particularly competitive. We will discuss whether you need a back-up choice when you come to your advising appointment.

Even though the program might have a different application deadline, you are still required to turn in your SU and program application by October 1 for the spring semester and March 1 for the fall semester.

Turn in all materials to Mood 311, including your program application. Have faculty recommendations and sealed transcripts sent to Mood 311 as well. We will mail in your entire application- do not send anything directly to the program. For SU programs, applications can be dowloaded and printed out at our Applications & Forms link. 

7. Fill out the packet of forms you'll need to become registered for study abroad at Southwestern. You will get these forms at the pre-departure meetings. This packet of forms is also available from the Office of Intercultural Learning: International and Off-Campus Programs, Mood 311.

8. Attend pre-departure orientation sessions, organized by the Office of Intercultural Learning: International and Off-Campus Programs. These sessions, along with information you receive from your program, will help to prepare you for successful study abroad.

9. While abroad, stay in touch with Sue Mennicke and the Office of Intercultural Learning:  International and Off-Campus Programs. We'll help you with registration for the semester you return, and act as your liaison with other campus offices.