{This page pertains to students who are planning on going abroad either independently (applying as a non-degree student to a foreign university) or with a non-TAMU program.}
Step 1: Getting Started
Choose a Program:
When should I begin?
As soon as possible! Generally, you should give yourself about a year before
your year, semester or summer abroad to plan and finalize your program. However,
depending on the program, the semester before you plan to go may also be
possible. Selecting and arranging an independent program will require more work on your part than preparing for an A&M program,
but the payoff in the end, however, can be worth the extra effort if it means you
participate in a program that meets your needs and desires.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Program:
- What is (are) my goal(s)
for the international experience? It is important to think about what you wish to achieve. How will your
choice of location, program length and academic courses aid in
reaching your goal(s)?
- Do I want to directly apply to a foreign
university or use third-party program provider? Directly applying to
a foreign university might be more economical, but third-party program
providers may reduce the stress of planning your study abroad.
- What costs, if any, are covered in the program fee?
Program costs may include tuition, housing, meals, excursions and
extra amenities such as cell phones or calling cards.
- Are excursions offered? Some excursions
may be more economical when planned by you and some excursions may offer
you an experience you could never find by yourself.
- What housing options are offered? Host family,
apartment, or university resident hall
- Does the program offer internship or volunteer opportunities?
Some programs offer academic internships or volunteer experiences
that enhance your study abroad experience and academic coursework.
Note: Before selecting a program, you should be aware of the health and safety information for the country you are considering. Visit the
U.S. Department of State's web site and the
Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Helpful Info:
Please note that independent study abroad programs' information, including web links and brochures, are provided to TAMU students to assist them in their search for an international experience. However, it is the student's responsibility to properly research any program or service provided outside of TAMU.
When researching program providers, suggested information includes the
following: testimonies and contact information of past program
participants (TAMU and/or non-TAMU), affiliate organizations to program
provider including universities, contact information of in-country
program director, and other information specific to program not answered
in program catalogs or online.
Meet with the Independent Study Abroad Programs Advisors
Once
you narrow down your program choices, meet with
an advisor who work with independent study
abroad programs, Lisa Tauferner or Clarissa Steele
who can provide more insight into the different programs and provide guidance on how to choose the best program for you.
Please consult the walk-in advisor schedule or call 979-845-0544 to make an appointment.
After You Choose a Program:
Find Out What COURSES are Offered:
If you wish to receive transfer credit
for the course(s) that you will be taking, you MUST fill out the
Independent Study Abroad for Credit Form
. It is very important that you do this BEFORE you pay
any fees to the program because there is no guarantee that the coursework will be accepted unless you complete this form. Note that this completed form MUST be turned in by the
Study Abroad Fellowship and Int'l Education Fee Scholarship deadline to qualify (see funding section below for more details.)
It is your responsibility to ensure that the courses you take on your
independent program will transfer to A&M. Transfer credit will be given for coursework that is pre-approved by TAMU
and satisfactorily completed at international institutions recognized by Texas A&M University. Transfer work will be awarded by course title unless previous arrangements have been made using the TAMU Study Abroad Independent Study for Credit Form.
An official transcript from an accredited foreign or U.S. institution must be
issued for courses taken abroad. Because language training centers or institutes
are generally NOT accredited, transfer credit is not accepted by A&M Admissions.
Carefully check the credentials of all language centers and institutes before
assuming credit will be received. Texas A&M is affiliated with several U.S. and
foreign institutions, which assures you transfer credit and use of federal
financial aid.
Consult the Returnees page for more
information on how the post-program transfer
credit process.
Look Into FUNDING Options:
Check out the Financial Resources section for details on how to use different types of financial aid to fund your international opportunity. Keep in mind that federal and state financial aid can only be applied to certain types of independent study abroad opportunities!
Personal Preparation:
- Language Learning Institute -
Free language lessons taught by students! Class size is typically
smaller than university language classes and will provide an excellent
base for your trip that you can expand upon.
- Prepare for the Culture of the Country
Here are some examples of ways to familiarize yourself with the culture:
Step 2: Before You Leave
"Must Do" Preparations:
Travel:
- Apply for a passport
(or renew yours if it has expired). Applications are available at the U.S. Post Office and on the
U.S. Department of State. Keep in mind that you might also need a visa for your country of destination, so allow plenty of time for this! Check the consular sheet for your study abroad destination on the web site of the
U.S. Department of State.
Health & Safety:
- Go to our
Emergency Contact Form and fill out your emergency information. This will be used in the event that either something happens to you or something happens to loved ones here and we must contact you. Further, if there is issued a Travel Warning for the country where you will be visiting, we will be able to get you information on that warning.
- Check to see if you need any
immunizations for the countries that you plan to visit. The
TAMU Health Center will be able to administer many of the shots you might need.
Recommended Preparations:
Travel:
-
Decide whether you want an International Student I.D. Card. It will get you discounts all over the world on such things as travel, parks and museum fees, and accommodations. I.D. holders also receive basic insurance coverage and 24-hour emergency assistance.
-
If you would like travel insurance, emergency assistance, ATM & Debit card, phone card and
document & information storage capabilities in one package, check out a
Tripplus card. It can be used for
international and domestic travel and is valid for one year from date of
issue.
- Be sure you understand the
customs restrictions which will affect you. All declarations are your responsibility, both when you leave the U.S. and when you return.
- If you plan to travel in Europe, you might check on getting a rail pass.
- Eurail Card - Travel for a fixed charge all over western and some eastern continental Europe. A Eurail
pass can be purchased here in the U.S. from a travel agent or online.
- Britrail Card - For travel in the United Kingdom
- Interrail Card - Cheaper and more inclusive than the Eurail Card.
Available to those who can prove six months' residency in Europe
Note: Although rail passes are convenient, they are not always worth the money unless you plan to do extensive travel. Be sure to weigh the cost of the card against the regular rail fares less your student discount.
Health & Safety:
Step 3: During the Program
While You're Abroad:
Step 4: After Returning to Campus
Once You're Back:
-
See Returnees section for more details on
transfer credit procedures, staying
involved, culture shock, and more.
