Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity. Between Auburn programs and third-party provider programs, the options for places you can go and what you can study are almost limitless! BUT before you can go, there are things to consider and several steps that must be taken to ensure you are well-prepared academically, financially, and personally.
Step 1: Eligibility and Program Requirements
While looking for a program to participate in, you should look at what credits are being offered, what term you would be going abroad, the location of the abroad program, the length of the program, and the pricing. All of this will be located on the Brochure page of the program you are interested in! On the Brochure page, you will be able to see any prerequisites that may be needed for the course you will be taking while on the program, GPA requirements for both undergraduate and graduate students, and specify any other requirements that may be needed. Auburn University requires that all students studying abroad meet a minimum of 2.25 collegiate GPA for undergraduates and a 3.0 for graduate and professional students. Additionally, study abroad participants are required to have no pending Student Conduct or Title XI actions.
Step 2: Complete an Application or Registration
Once you have found a program that you are interested in participating in, you will begin an application with the Auburn Abroad office. If you are applying to an Auburn program, you will complete the application for the specific program you are interested in. If you have found a third-party provider program, you will complete a Non-Auburn Program Registration. There will be several pre-decision materials that you will be required to complete in order to submit your application, and you will want to read through these items carefully. One of the most important parts of the application will be completing the Course Approval Form or the Transfer Credit Form. These forms will ensure that you can earn credit for the courses that you take while abroad.
Step 3: Campus Partners
Don’t let the price of your program be a deterrent. There are multiple options available for you to potentially help pay for the program. If it is an Auburn program, you can often use Auburn scholarships or financial aid you may already be receiving. You will need to get in contact with Student Financial Services as well as the Office of University Scholarships to discuss the possibility of applying your aid to your program. There are also other scholarships available through Auburn University to study abroad on Auburn Programs. You can locate these by visiting the Auburn Abroad website and browsing the Finances page. For both Auburn and Non-Auburn programs, there are numerous external scholarships available too. If you are a Pell Grant recipient, one great option is the Gilman Scholarship. Make sure you look at the deadlines for all scholarships you are planning to apply for so that you do not miss the opportunity!
Step 4: Wait for Acceptance and Commit to your Program
Once you have submitted your application or registration with Auburn Abroad, you are in the pending phase. Once reviewed, your application with either be approved or denied. You will be notified via email of your application status and, if approved, what the next steps will be. For those approved, you will need to log back into your application portal and either “commit” or “decline” your spot. Please be aware that at Auburn University once you click the commit button you are 100% financially responsible for the program, so we strongly encourage you to do your research, think through this decision, and discuss it with any other individuals that make up your support team at home.
Step 5: Complete your Application and Prepare to Go Abroad
Congrats! You have committed to your program and are ready to finalize your preparations. These preparations include completing your Auburn Abroad Portal which covers information about your flight, passport, emergency contacts, pausing your meal plan, etc. You will also need to attend a Pre-Departure Orientation session hosted by Auburn Abroad prior to departure, as well as a Site-Specific Orientation hosted by your program. Figuring out the logistics isn’t the only way to prepare to go abroad, however. You will need to start preparing yourself to be abroad. Researching your host country will be exceptionally important so that you know what to expect from local climate/weather to cultural norms and expectations. Understanding culture-shock and strategies for navigating an unfamiliar place are important. In addition to the internet, consider reaching out to others and learning about their experiences as well as speaking to your program director and/or third-party provider.
Step 7: Go Abroad!
Hooray! Your bags are packed, plane ticket and passport are in hand, and you have completed all the requirements and preparations to study abroad. You’ve worked hard to get here and now it’s time for the fun part, it’s time to go abroad!