Reciprocal Exchange Steps to Prepare Getting Started | Before You Leave | During the Program | After Returning to Campus

---

  A word about preparation…

Preparation for a reciprocal exchange program actually starts at the beginning of your undergraduate academic career. Due to the nature of the exchange program as an “immersion” study abroad experience, language acquisition is the most important prerequisite. Students must have the language skills to function independently on a daily basis in the host country. Exchange students must also possess language proficiency that will allow them to participate in college-level courses in the language of the host country.

The minimum number of semesters of college-level language instruction varies depending on the host country (Mexico and Japan: 3-4 semesters; Switzerland and Germany: 4-6 semesters). However, the Study Abroad Program Office strongly suggests that students have more than the minimum number of semesters of instruction. Language acquisition is not an easy task; you will be better prepared for the exchange if you continue taking courses in the host country language than if you simply complete the required number of semesters.

Our host universities have adopted a policy that only students with a minimum 3.0 GPA are accepted for participation in a reciprocal exchange program. Exchange students must, in addition to adapting to a new language and culture, adjust to a new academic setting that may be very different from that of the United States. Therefore, students must demonstrate a commitment to their studies that will allow them to adapt to this challenging setting.

Step 1: Getting Started

Once you have decided to participate in an exchange, follow these steps to make sure you are well prepared for your coming study abroad experience!

About year to a year and a half in advance (or as early as possible)

• Apply for a passport (or renew yours if it has expired). Applications are available on the State Department website.
• Meet with Study Abroad  to discuss the specifics of reciprocal exchange programs and to find out about funding opportunities for your exchange: Marlene Easterly or Ben Petty.
• Review the courses offered at your chosen host institution.
• Meet with your academic advisor to discuss how the exchange will affect your studies here at A&M. Things to consider include residency requirements; courses you would like to take on the exchange and how they will fit into your degree plan; courses you should take in preparation for the exchange, etc.
• Meet with a Financial Aid Advisor to further discuss funding your study abroad experience.
• Familiarize yourself with the culture of your chosen host country. Ways to do this include:
  1. read books about the culture, customs, history, values, etc of the host country;
  2. read newspapers online from the host country to familiarize yourself with current events. This is also an excellent way to improve your language skills;
  3. meet with an international student at Texas A&M from that country. International Student Services may be able to help you find a fellow Aggie interested in talking to you about his/her culture;
  4. continue your language instruction, even if you do not need the courses for your degree.
  5. familiarize yourself with the Stages of Cultural Adjustment. Here are some helpful suggestions on How to Avoid Culture Shock: From One Foreigner to Another.

Step 2: Application and Acceptance

The semester before your exchange…

• Complete the application process for the reciprocal exchange program which is on-line at . Application deadlines are 1 March for fall and year-long exchanges; 15 September for spring exchanges.
• Upon notification of your acceptance, begin working with your academic advisors to identify the courses you will take on the exchange and how they will apply to your degree.
• Attend the orientation for outgoing exchange students held by the Study Abroad Program Office.
• Check with your physician about required and recommended immunizations for the country to which you will travel.
• Arrange your airfare. You can get a student discount by using your International Student Identification Card.
• Make arrangements for post-program housing, if necessary.

Cultural Preparation

Prepare for the culture of the country you plan to visit. Here are some examples of ways to familiarize yourself with the culture:

1. take time to read information on the culture, customs, history, values, etc. of that country;
2. seek out an international student at Texas A&M from the same country where you will be studying and meet with that student to learn more about their country. International Student Services may be able to assist you in your search;
3. become familiar with the Stages of Cultural Adjustment. Here are some helpful suggestions on How to Avoid Culture Shock: From One Foreigner to Another.
4. Cross-Cultural Bloopers

Health & Safety

• ***Health and Safety Issues*** - Learn about the basics of health and safety in travelling abroad.
• Texas A&M Study Abroad Student Handbook
• Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs - Find out about any possible travel advisories or public announcements that have been issued for areas where you will be travelling.
• Determine what safety gear you will need, such as undercover neck wallets, luggage alarms, security belts, etc. Please feel free to use our links.
• Center for Disease Control - Traveler's Health - Learn about the recommended vaccinations for your travel destinations and seriously consider getting vaccinated before leaving for your trip.
• Tips for Safe Travel Abroad - Great tips about safe travel.
• Many More Links for Health and Safety

Step 3: While You're Away

While at the host university…

• Be sure to stay in contact with the reciprocal exchange advisor at Texas A&M. Your advisor will email you periodically, so make sure she has your most current email address.
• You MUST inform the reciprocal exchange advisor if there are any changes to your registration at the host institution. This includes: taking more hours than you are registered for here at A&M; taken fewer hours than you are registered for; dropping a course in the middle of the semester at the host institution.
• Have your professors at the host institution complete evaluation forms for you, indicating your performance in the class.
• When you leave the host university, be sure that you do not owe any money. This will delay the receipt of your transcript.

Step 4: After Returning to Campus

When you return from the host university…

• Contact the reciprocal exchange advisor to discuss the evaluation process for your courses.
• Turn in the exchange evaluation and the course evaluations that you complete about your experience.
• If you received the scholarships through the Study Abroad Program Office, be sure to complete all the steps you agreed to when you applied for the scholarship.

Re-Entry Shock

• Learn about how you can get involved at Texas A&M following your return.
• What is re-entry?
• Take the Shock out of Culture Shock
• Reverse Culture Shock
• A Student's Perspective: The Challenges of Returning Home After Studying Overseas

~~~~~~~~~~BON VOYAGE!~~~~~~~~~~

back to top