About Study Abroad:

• Why Study Abroad?
• Academic Issues (36-hour Residency, International & Cultural Diversity, Study in Final Semester, Appeal for Flat Tuition for Full Semester Programs)
• Study Abroad Myth Busters - There are many "myths" that Texas A&M students have about studying abroad that we hope to dispell. Some of these myths include:
  • Studying abroad is too expensive
  • My financial aid doesn’t cover study abroad costs
  • Studying abroad would delay graduation
  • Studying abroad does not fit my degree plan
• Who's Who in Study Abroad
• Program Types:

• Texas A&M Faculty Led Programs: These programs are led by Texas A&M Faculty group leaders. Programs are available for undergraduate and graduates students for the Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter Break sessions. Each respective program is designed to provide students with a culturally relevant application to the host country while also enriching their experience with tours of historical and cultural sights. Steps to prepare for Faculty Leds.

• Texas A&M Reciprocal Exchange Programs: These programs allow undergraduate students to enroll in a foreign university while receiving credit at Texas A&M for a semester or a year. Both departmental and university-wide reciprocal exchange programs are available for students who prefer to study independently. Most of the exchange programs require a certain level of language proficiency with a few that are taught in English. Steps to prepare for Reciprocal Exchanges.

• Independent Study Abroad: Study abroad staff can assist students in locating opportunities to study abroad outside of Texas A&M programs. Students may apply directly to a foreign university or apply through a sponsoring university, institute, or organization within the U.S. or conduct research abroad that will fit into each student’s academic program and timeframe. Extensive web-based and paper resources are available to assist in this search. Steps to prepare for Independents.
  
  
• Research Abroad: This type of experience is particularly critical for students who plan to pursue academic or research careers, since so much research is international in nature.  An international research experience may provide an edge in the competitive world of research when looking for a full time research position or applying to a graduate program.

Applications:

Please note that the application process is different for each program type. Nevertheless, we now have a centralized collection process for all applications through Study Abroad. To access the application system, please go to http://studyabroad.tamu.edu/application.asp.

Funding: Students who already have financial aid packages almost always qualify to have their aid packages adjusted upward to meet the additional cost of a study abroad program. In addition, more than $300,000 in scholarships is available to students engaged in programs abroad.  The Study Abroad Program Office is responsible for administering several scholarship opportunities for students, including the International Education Fee Scholarship and the Study Abroad Fellowship. Also administered through Study Abroad are several national and regional scholarships such as the prestigious Fulbright Grant, the National Security Education Program, the Gilman and Freeman-Asia. A&M Programs Independent Programs Graduate Student Underrepresented Groups Loans and Other Funding Fulbright Grants for Students back to top

International Certificates:

Several departments and colleges on campus provide opportunities for students to acquire an international certificate as part of their degree plan.  These certificates require students to take specified credits and often an international experience.  These certificates are useful for students in many ways, such as resume builders, job skills enhancement, and overall global awareness and sensitivity skills.  For a listing of these certificates, please click here.

On-Campus International Education Programs:

There are a number of international organizations and opportunities available for students on a local level. It is never too late for students to get involved!

• Academy for Future International Leaders - Each year 24 students are selected to participate in the Academy for Future International Leaders, a unique 3-hour seminar for juniors and seniors of any major.  Students gain a global perspective and acquire necessary skills for leadership roles in the increasingly international 21^st Century.  Weekly seminars consist of student interaction, discussion and lecture by A&M faculty, distinguished business leaders, and government officials. Students also have the opportunity to intern abroad the summer after the program. 
• MSC L.T. Jordan Institute - The MSC L.T. Jordan Institute promotes international awareness, creates appreciation of diverse cultures, and allows students international internship, research, study, and travel opportunities. The Fellows Program also provides grant money for highly qualified students who wish to perform independent research or an unpaid internship in an international environment.
• Conversation Partners - Students can become a Conversation Partner for international students at the English Language Institute (ELI). The time commitment is minimal: 1 hour per week to meet and talk about literally anything the students desire - food, customs, music, movies, and so on - in a casual environment. For more info, Ginny West or call 845-7622.
• Language Learning Institute (LLI) - This is a student-run organization that provides a variety of free foreign language lessons for students each semester. These classes can be a great base for students before an international experience or an expansion of their experience afterwards. Class size is typically smaller than university language classes.

Returning Students:

For students returning from studying abroad, coming back and adjusting to their own country may be just as hard as when they arrived in the foreign country. There are countless ways to use the knowledge and skills that they have gained while studying abroad to help cope with those issues and to apply what they have learned so that growth can continue. For more information, click here.

Interest List & Listservs:

Students as well as Advisors can sign up to be on Study Abroad's Interest List and/or Listservs. To sign-up, click here.

• Listserv - Our Study Abroad Listserv provides you with periodic emails about information on programs, scholarships, deadlines, new opportunities to work, research and study abroad, etc. To view previous postings to the listserv, go to our News & Events.
• Interest Lists - These provide a way for you to get on specific program interest lists that will be used by the coordinator of each program to notify students of application openings, deadlines, news, or changes for that particular program.