FAQs
Information Sessions
When are information sessions offered?
Information sessions are offered twice a week throughout the academic year.
| Study Abroad Information Session | |
|---|---|
When |
Every Tuesday 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Every Friday 11-12 August 24, 2012 through May 03, 2013 |
Where |
Office of International Programs Friday Annex 118 |
What’s covered in an information session?
Information sessions cover many of the general topics and questions students may have when considering study abroad. Topics covered include study abroad and exchange program offerings, qualifications, features, benefits and the application process.
What if I can’t make it to an information session?
If you cannot attend during the times noted above, you may schedule an individual informational appointment by stopping by the Office of International Programs or calling us at (910) 962-3685.
Choosing a Program
Where can I study?
UNCW has more than 600 approved education abroad programs in over 50 countries. Go to Places to Study Abroad for a full listing.
Where can I study for my major?
To find a program that is targeted to match your academic interests, see this full list.
When can I study abroad?
You must have sophomore academic standing at the time of participation for most programs, but students may study abroad from summer after their freshman year through their senior year.
How long can I study abroad?
Education abroad programs range from as short as 1 week to as long as 2 years.
Can I study abroad more than once?
Yes! Many UNCW students take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad multiple times.
What does EX and SA stand for?
EX= Exchange SA= Study Abroad
What is the difference between an Exchange and Study Abroad?
With an Exchange a student pays UNCW tuition. With Study Abroad students do not pay tuition to UNCW. Instead study abroad participants either pay the host institution's tuition, or a program fee that may include such items as tuition, fees, housing, excursions, etc
Is one better than the other?
No. Certain program types are a better fit for certain students than the other based on cost, program components and level of immersion. It is best to speak with an education abroad advisor.
How do I decide where to study?
Things to consider are academic compatibility, region/country of interest, language of instruction, cost, and program features.
Am I guaranteed to study at the school of my choice?
For most study abroad programs and many non-competitive exchange programs, all qualified applicants are typically accepted to their number one choice. For competitive exchange programs or exchange programs offered through UNCEP or ISEP students should list three possible options to allow some flexibility of placement.
Should I directly contact any university that interests me?
Until you are officially accepted by a program/university, please allow OIP to serve as a liaison. Once you have been officially accepted by the affiliate program provider or overseas university, please feel free to take the initiative to contact them directly with questions.
Are all study abroad & exchange programs processed in the Office of International Programs?
Yes! All credit-bearing international opportunities are facilitated through OIP.
Advising
How do I sign-up for an appointment to meet with an advisor?
You can easily schedule an appointment by stopping by the Office of International Programs or by calling us at (910) 962-3685. Appointments are not scheduled via email.
What information will I need to have on hand when I meet with an advisor?
The more research you can do prior to your appointment, the more focused and in-depth your meeting can be. If possible, be sure to attend one of our twice weekly information sessions.
What is the best way to contact an advisor when I have specific questions?
Advisors can be contacted via phone or email, or through a one-on-one appointment.
Do I need to have a school of study chosen when I meet with an advisor?
No, advisors are happy to describe possible options to you and help you find the best fit. Advisors have visited many sites and personally can share their firsthand knowledge of the location and university.
Will my advisor assist in my selection process?
If you have done research and know where you want to study - Super! If not, an advisor is happy to assist. While we are happy to suggest options that may be a good fit for you, you will ultimately be responsible for selecting the destination for which you apply.
What do I need to do if I am enrolling in a UNCW course for a credit-bearing internship, independent study, practicum, service-learning, or research project abroad?
Most frequently, the selection, advising, and enrollment process for these applied learning experiences will take place at the department level. For example, most departments have a list of approved internship sites for majors. Students will often enroll in classes that bear the number 491/591 and 498/598 along with the prefix of the major, for example, REC 498 or FST 491. Once you begin processing the departmental paperwork, you should also start the necessary paperwork for completing an International Academic Travel Packet. This is an abbreviated version of the complete Education Abroad Application. Come to Friday Annex 118 to get the Travel Packet.
Academics
Will I be able to find out what classes are available in a school that interests me?
Availability of course information varies by program, and you will typically be able to get general course information prior to departing. This information can usually be found on the host university's website. An advisor can often assist you with questions regarding the availability of an academic major or a general course of study at a particular university.
How do I find out if the classes are taught in English?
This information is typically available on the specific university or provider’s website. However, be sure to check with an advisor.
What do I do if the university’s website is not in English?
Many universities will have sections of their websites written in English. Look for a link that says “English” or shows either a British or American flag, or look for text written in English (often a link for International Programs is written in English). You may also use the Google Translator tool available for free on most website browsers.
How do I find out if the classes I want to study are transferable back to UNCW?
You can get credit at UNCW for any course you take abroad and pass with the equivalent of a “C” or better. Find the grade conversion guide here. The guidelines at this link will tell you what grades you must achieve in your host country in order to receive the equivalent of a C or better. Also check the credit conversion guide (PDF) to see how international credits will transfer to UNCW. The type of credit you will get is determined through conversations with the appropriate academic chair and completion of the transient study form (PDF).
How do I find out if the classes I want to study are transferable to my major?
All students who study abroad and take classes that are not taught by a UNCW faculty member must complete a transient study from (TSF) prior to departure. This form denotes exactly how specific classes taken abroad will transfer back to UNCW. If you decide to change courses while abroad, notify your department chair and you can make any changes necessary to the type of credit you will receive. If you do switch courses while abroad, you will have to fill out an additional TSF to verify which courses you took and receive all your credits.
Do some schools have a higher academic profile then others?
Yes. While all of UNCW’s education abroad partners are academically sound options, many are ranked internationally either as an entire university or for specific, high-caliber departments.
Pre-departure
Will there be an orientation prior to my participation in an education abroad program?
Yes. The Office of International Programs holds a comprehensive pre-departure orientation for all students participating in a Summer, Semester or Academic Year education abroad program. This orientation covers information about health, safety, culture shock, academic expectations and much more, and is mandatory for all semester and full-year participants. Students participating in short-term programs will attend orientations led by their program leader(s).
Where should I purchase my airline tickets (External Links)?
If your program offers a group flight, be sure to book your ticket thorough the designated provider or travel agent. For most programs you can use any airline or flight booking website (Orbitz, sidestep.com, etc.) or you may wish to research student discount airfares available at statravel.org and studentuniverse.com.
Is there a list of recommended items to take abroad available to me?
Yes. When you attend the pre-departure orientation, you are given a sample list of items to pack.
Should I bring extra copies of any documentation?
Yes! Be sure to pack a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) in your carry-on luggage, and leave a copy at home with a family member or trusted friend. If possible, please email a scanned copy to the OIP to include in your file, or stop by the office so they can scan it for you. Having a copy available will make replacing your passport much easier in the case your passport is lost or stolen.
People have told me I need to apply for a student visa before I leave, is this true?
Whether you need to apply for a visa depends on program location, duration and activities in which you will participate while abroad (internships, etc.). This information is typically provided by OIP or your program provider. Contact OIP for details. Keep in mind that you cannot apply for a visa until you have been officially accepted by the overseas institution.
Should I register with the American Embassy my prior to my departure?
Yes! You can do this online at: www.state.gov/travel (External Link). This allows the U.S. Embassy to contact you or locate you in the event of a natural disaster, political unrest, etc. Be sure to update your travel plans on the Department of State website as the semester progresses.
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