This checklist serves to provide students a general outline of how to prepare for a global experience. Timelines for completing each item will vary between different international program types, therefore make sure to give yourself at least a semester to complete all of these items.

Attend a program informational session and/or meet with a Peer Counselor in the Study Abroad Office to obtain information on finding and funding a global experience. Check the Study Abroad Programs web site, http://studyabroad.tamu.edu for program information or subscribe to the listserv (“Join Listserv” on main page) for event announcements.  To see a schedule of upcoming informational sessions, please check http://studyabroad.tamu.edu/information_session.asp.

Research program options and contact the Texas A&M Study Abroad Programs Office as needed for guidance.

Choose a program and complete the online Texas A&M Study Abroad application related to your program type via the application portal: http://studyabroad.tamu.edu/application.asp
Please see the Independent Study checklist here:
http://studyabroad.tamu.edu/checklist_independentstudy.asp

Per the application instructions, obtain signatures (if needed) and return the application to the Texas A&M Study Abroad Programs Office (1st floor, Bizzell Hall West).

Once your program application has been approved by TAMU, complete any additional applications/paperwork and return that on or before any deadlines indicated by the program liaison (i.e. application and acceptance forms for independent study abroad transfer credit program).

Apply for Texas A&M Study Abroad Programs Office scholarship(s): Study Abroad Fellowship and Int’l Education Fee Scholarship (for any credit-bearing global experience). Check for other scholarships via the Study Abroad web site and apply, if eligible.

Finalize financial aid package by obtaining a completed Study Abroad Budget Request form from your TAMU liaison/advisor (located under “Forms” at http://financialaid.tamu.edu). Schedule an appointment with a financial aid counselor designated to study abroad students at the Scholarships & Financial Aid Office (2nd floor, Pavilion; 845-3236). Bring any paperwork with you to be completed by the Scholarships & Financial Aid counselor for your program (i.e. verification of award form).

Attend any meetings required by program and the Texas A&M pre-departure orientation meetings to obtain important information and resources for traveling abroad. Check out the Study Abroad web site, http://studyabroad.tamu.edu or subscribe to the listserv (“Join Listserv” on main page) for Texas A&M pre-departure orientation information.

Prepare for travel by finalizing any travel documents and arrangements (i.e. passport/visa, airfare, insurance), health precautions (i.e. immunizations, prescriptions), and personal matters (i.e. sub-leasing apartment, changing mailing address, etc.).

Travel abroad! Upon preparing to return or returning to Texas A&M, complete a program evaluation and finalize any academic matters as instructed by your Texas A&M Study Abroad Programs Office advisor (i.e. transferring academic credit, apply course credits to your degree plan, apply for Aggie Ring). Allow time for this and address this as soon as you return to TAMU!