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Leah Bittner

“The SMSU RN to BSN Program does not have you take a set amount of credits each semester. This flexible scheduling was perfect for me as it allowed me to vary the amount of credits I took each semester. I would have struggled without that flexibility as I am a non-traditional student who is also a wife, mother of four, and worked full time while completing my degree. This program is designed to fit into your life, whether you want to be a full-time or part-time student.”

Leah Bittner, '22 Alum
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Steps to Study Abroad

Meet with Academic Advisor

  1. Discuss study abroad with your Academic Advisor to determine what term(s) are most appropriate for your major of study to be abroad.

Gather Information About Study Abroad

  1. Become familiar with the different study abroad opportunities listed on CIE Study Abroad page. 
  2. Request an appointment with a CIE staff member by emailing cie@smsu.edu.

Meet with CIE Staff

  1. Meet with CIE staff to obtain more information about available programs. Please come to the appointment with a general idea of preferred location and a list of courses (both major/minor and/or core) that you still need to take to complete your degree.
  2. Research the different programs that you might be interested in and select the program that best suits your needs by reviewing the academic options offered.
  3. Meet with your Academic Advisor to determine if your chosen program is a good academic fit (i.e. checking off boxes on your degree plan).

Obtain Passport

  1. Apply for your Passport as soon as possible if you are considering study abroad. It usually takes at least 6 weeks to receive a passport after submitting the paperwork. For more information on how to obtain a passport, please visit the US Department of State's website. If you received your passport before turning 16 years old, please verify when it will expire. It must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date from study abroad for most countries.

Apply

  1. Complete the SMSU Study Abroad Application online form by the indicated deadline for the term in which you wish to apply.
    • Fall Deadline:  March 15th of prior term
    • Spring Deadline:  October 15th of prior term
    • Summer Deadline:  February 15th of prior term
  2. Complete your program’s application through the study abroad provider, partner or exchange university. You do not need to complete this step, if you are participating in an SMSU faculty-led program.
  3. Send the CIE staff your acceptance letter from your program provider, partner, or exchange university. You do not need to complete this step, if you are participating in an SMSU faculty-led program.

Course Transfers and Finances

  1. Complete the Study Abroad Academic Approval form and Consortium Agreement and submit them to the CIE.
  2. Create a Budget and outline your expected costs to share with your family.
  3. Apply for available scholarships based on your individual situation and program: be mindful of deadlines!
  4. Meet with your Financial Aid Advisor, if applicable.

Obtain Visa

  1. Some programs may require you to apply for a visa. Most semester programs will require a visa, because you will be in the country for more than 90 days. Please follow the instructions of your program provider, partner, or exchange university to apply for the visa.

BEFORE DEPARTURE

Attend Orientation

  1. Attend the required Pre-Departure Orientation offered by the Center for International Education.
  2. Note: some faculty-led programs also offer mandatory program specific orientations.

University Forms

  1. All students must complete University Risk Management Forms by the deadline to participate in their program. Every student must submit: Student Agreement, Assumption of Risk and Release, Medical Form, and copy of passport photo page. If studying in the European Union, you are also required to complete the EU GDPR Consent form. 
  2. Notify Residence Life to inform them that you are studying abroad, if applicable.
  3. Notify Dining Services to remove your meal plan, if applicable.

Health Insurance and Other Matters

  1. Print your international health insurance ID card. For all faculty-led programs and semester-programs that do not provide adequate insurance, students must purchase the MN State System approved health insurance and print out their card to carry along with them.
  2. International students must verify their status before departure and obtain a travel endorsement signature on the I-20 to re-enter upon completion of the study abroad program.
  3. Enroll in the STEP program with the US Department of State and review the Student Resources.

Last Modified: 6/13/24 10:19 AM | Website Feedback