Study Abroad - Getting Started

Alex Holley Plaza des Armes, Cusco, Peru

If you’re like most students, you have many questions about studying abroad :

Where will I go?
What can I study?
What is it like to live and study in another country?
How will I fund my study abroad? Can I use my financial aid?

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all your choices. Relax! There are many helpful people and resources here on campus to help you get started.

1. Even first-semester students can prepare to study abroad. First, plan to attend the annual Fall Study Abroad Fair, held in late September. Second, talk with your academic adviser and start to plan the best time to fit study abroad into your overall program of study. Talk to friends, family and members of our study abroad peer adviser team. And…. if you don’t have one already, apply for a passport. A new U.S. passport is good for 10 years and opens the door to a world of opportunity.

One more thing: Keep your grades up. A minimum 2.5 cumulative NMU grade point average is required to study abroad and some competitive programs set the bar at 3.00 or better.

2. Ask Yourself Am I Ready To Study Abroad? What kind of person is suited to study abroad? Are you curious about your world? Flexible? Open to new experiences and sensitive to the people around you? Do you have a good sense of humor? Are you interested in an experience that will change you and your outlook on the world?

These are all important qualities to take with you on a study abroad. Take our quick quiz to get an idea of how well prepared you are.

3. Research Your Program Options

NMU offers a wide variety of program options from which to choose. You can study on a short-term faculty-led experience or choose to study with a partner program for a summer, a semester or a full academic year.

NMU also has bi-lateral exchange agreements with partners around the world. You can even choose to independently enroll in a university or program that is not formally associated with NMU.

Some program options offer intern placements or volunteer and academic service learning options, in addition to formal studies.

For more about various programs you can read articles and view photos in our study abroad gallery. Or, visit our resource center during posted peer adviser hours.

4. Meet with a Study Abroad Adviser. Set up an individual appointment by calling 906-227-2510 or by visiting International Programs. Your adviser will work with you to identify the program options that best suit your goals and priorities. You will receive direction on the application process, course evaluation and finances.

Remember to start early! You will need plenty of time to complete all application materials, write your essays, gather faculty recommendations, order transcripts and obtain your course credit approval.

Applications are Due By:

Note: Some partner programs may post later deadlines on their Web sites. Regardless, the initial application materials must be turned in by the NMU deadline in order to meet course registration and financial aid requirements.