Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can study abroad?
- Does it matter that
major I am?
- Will the credit count
towards my degree?
- How much does it cost?
- When should I start
planning for my trip?
- What opportunities
are available?
1. Who can study abroad?
Any Texas A&M student in good standing
with the University may study abroad for academic credit.
Generally speaking, “good standing” indicates
that a student is in no academic difficulty and has not been
dropped from the University.
2. Does it matter
that major I am?
For many of the Texas A&M programs, any major
can participate! Many of the programs offer course content
that is relevant to the University’s Core Curriculum
requirement or can be used as electives. For best planning,
see your academic advisor about whether those courses that
are offered can go towards your degree plan.
3. Will the credit
count towards my degree?
In all cases, the student must verify with their academic
advisor how study abroad coursework will apply to their degree
plan. This should be done prior to the student’s departure
abroad. As for credit, if the program is a Texas A&M program,
the credit is Texas A&M credit. Therefore, credit does
not have to be transferred. If the student is attending an
outside program (non-A&M) the student must complete the
TAMU Independent Credit Form to pre-approve this coursework
to transfer back to A&M.
4. How much does it
cost?
Costs will vary depending on factors such as the length of
program, lodging expenses, number of field trips, exchange
rate, etc. For most students, studying abroad will cost more
than staying on campus because students will be doing an incredible
amount of traveling and also because the cost of living is
higher in many foreign destinations. However, the affordability
of studying abroad has dramatically increased in recent years
due to varying factors such as increased opportunities for
financial aid, study abroad university scholarships, and national
scholarships. Careful planning in advance can help you find
a program that is within your budget. Visit our web site (http://studyabroad.tamu.edu/funding_program.asp)
for more information on funding for Study Abroad.
5. When should I start
planning for my trip?
The earlier you begin planning, the better. If you allow about
a year, you will have plenty of time to take
care of all the logistical concerns and prepare for your trip
abroad. It takes time for applications to be processed, for
travel arrangements to go through (i.e., applying for passports),
and for you to prepare yourself and your finances. Be sure
to know the deadlines for scholarship applications and other
financial aid applications so you do not miss an opportunities!
Visit the study abroad web site (http://studyabroad.tamu.edu)
for more information on how to prepare.
6. What opportunities
are available?
Several different types of programs are offered depending
on each student’s needs. While searching, students should
consider things such as your language background, country/region
of interest, cultural interests, personal interests, your
degree plan, whether you would like to go in a group (i.e.,
faculty-led) or on your own (i.e., independent or reciprocal
exchange), and whether you wish to go for a full semester
or a summer semester.
The following is a list of the available international opportunities
and programs available at Texas A&M:
- Faculty-Led Group Study Programs
These programs are led by College of Engineering faculty
group leaders. Programs are available for undergraduate
students for summer sessions. All courses are taught in
English.
- Reciprocal Exchange Programs (A&M Program)
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.
- Independent Programs Abroad (Non-A&M Program)
Ms. Lisa Tauferner, Study Abroad Advisor, 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. Extensive web-based and
paper resources are available to assist in this search.
- Conduct Research Abroad (Both A&M and Non-A&M
Programs)
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.
- Other Global Opportunities
Other international opportunities include internships, work
and volunteer abroad and leadership programs at A&M
such as the Academy for Future International Leaders.
Don’t miss your chance to Go Away! Study Abroad!!
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