The following information is a guide to the study abroad process, but it is not by any means comprehensive.  To get started you might want to attend one of the Study Abroad Fairs in either September or January.   There you can learn about the benefits of study abroad and get an overview of the available opportunities and the application process. 

If you are unable to attend either of these fairs you can schedule a first-time advising session with a Study Abroad Advisor by calling (502) 852-4113 or emailing us.

When planning your trip abroad you should keep in mind the motivation and goals you  have for studying abroad. Through search engines at studyabroad.com  or iiepassport you can research programs based on academic requirements, country, interests, or language.  There is also information available in our study abroad resource library or you can request a list of our consortial partners by emailing us.

If you prefer, you can schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor who will help you select a program which meets your academic requirement needs, personal preferences, and budget.  Your Study Abroad Advisor provides guidance throughout the program selection and U of L paperwork processes and is there to answer any questions you may have.
 
After you have decided on a program, or narrowed down a few options, make a follow-up appointment with your Study Abroad Advisor in order to review application deadlines, program details and other study abroad requirements.

Your Study Abroad advisor discuss you program with you and will direct you to the appropriate advisors to meet with to ensure the courses will transfer correctly.  You will also need to meet with your Academic Advisor.  (If you want to travel abroad but do not know what classes you need for graduation you might want to meet with you academic advisor early in the process to discuss your academic requirements and to identify potential classes or subjects which you could take to meet degree requirements while abroad.)

• If you will be a senior during your time abroad, keep in mind that 30 of your last 36 credit hours MUST COME FROM U of L.  In order to have this Residency requirement waived, you must submit a petition in your Dean's Office.  Please speak to an academic advisor if you need some assistance with this. 

• Also, keep in mind that it takes up to 8-10 weeks after program completion for your foreign transcript to arrive at U of L.  This may not arrive in time to be processed and for you to graduate at the end of your desired semester.  It is imperative that you keep these things in mind when planning your study abroad program.

Once you have chosen your program, or narrowed it down to  a couple of choices, your Study Abroad Advisor will meet with you discuss your academic credit options and develop a budget for the program.  Then you will need to meet with the appropriate academic departments and a financial aid advisor if you plan on using financial aid or scholarships for your study abroad program to review your financial aid funding for study abroad.