Getting Started

So you want to study abroad?

Let’s make it happen! We know that starting the process can look a little bit intimidating; there are a lot of questions and details and plans that somehow all need to fall in place and it can definitely feel like a whole juggling act (on top of school and life).

Fear not! CIEA is here to help you! We are here to share all of the tips, tools, and resources that we have to help kickstart your successful adventure abroad.

The best place to start your journey is by joining us for a Study Abroad 101 session.

Studying abroad always starts with attending one of CIEA’s “Study Abroad 101” workshops. These are held throughout the semester and attendance is highly encouraged before scheduling a one-on-one advising appointment.

During Study Abroad 101, you will learn about:

• Program types
• Program terms and locations
• How to search for programs
• Scholarships and funding
• Applying for a program
• Study Abroad registration process

Study Abroad 101 Dates 

We will have sessions on Mondays at 2:30 PM. All Study Abroad 101 sessions last about 45 minutes and take place in Room 107 Baldwin Hall. Sign up for your session!

With over 500 programs in over 60 countries, there are so many ways to study abroad. We encourage you to explore programs on our website, attend the Study Abroad Fair held each semester, or find more events or information through our social media accounts.

You can take classes with familiar Truman faculty through our Faculty-Led Programs, have a summer intensive experience at a partner university, or participate in an exchange or direct enrollment program with ISEP.

As you explore, here are five important questions to ask yourself:

1. Where do I want to go? Europe is popular destination, but there are also great places to consider in Asia, Central and South America, and Africa. English instruction is offered almost everywhere, so don’t let language stand in the way of a place that keeps grabbing your attention.
2. When do I want to go and for how long? We offer everything from 2 week long faculty-led trips to year long exchange programs. You can go during a regular semester, over the summer, or during a Winter or May Interim.
3. How much do I want to pay? There is a variety of scholarships and financial aid available for study abroad, but programs costs can vary. Looking for a less expensive program? Consider an exchange program or a program outside of Europe.
4. What classes do I need to take? Classes taken abroad come back as electives by default, but if you plan carefully with your academic advisor you can arrange to substitute those classes for major, minor, and general degree requirements. Start this conversation early and make a plan.
5. What type of experience do I want? Programs come in all shapes and sizes. Some require more independence and others create a ‘group feel’ and give lots of support. Some programs allow open course enrollment in a university, while others have a pre-set curriculum focused on a particular discipline.

Study Abroad 101 information sessions are the 1st step for your study abroad journey. We ask that you attend a session before making an appointment with Study Abroad Advisors. Advisors will best help when you’re applying to programs and will usher you through to pre-departure orientation and welcoming you back from your time abroad. So, after you’ve gotten an overview of study abroad through a 101 session, we encourage you to make an appointment to meet in person with a study abroad advisor.

To make an appointment, visit our Calendly page or stop by the Center for International Education and Study Abroad in Baldwin Hall 106. Your advisor will:

• Listen to what’s important to you and help you hone in on important points
• Give you an overview of what to expect in the process of studying abroad at Truman
• Collect some basic information from you to help us process your request to study abroad

Help yourself feel secure in your decision to go abroad by consulting with others who can guide you to make a wise choice. Discuss your plans with trusted family and friends, but also consult some important people here at Truman. We especially encourage you to:

• Go over your plans with someone in the Financial Aid Office. Call (660) 785-4130, email finaid@truman.edu or drop by McClain Hall 103. Financial Aid can help you better understand how your scholarships and aid will apply to your specific program and let you know about other avenues for funding.
• Discuss your plans with your academic advisor or major advisor. They can help you better understand the best time to study abroad and the processes for making sure credits count towards requirements for your degree or major.

Whether you are looking at a faculty-led program or a semester/summer/year long program through a provider, all applications start with TruView (TruView > Tools > Student > Student Tools > Registration > Apply to Study Abroad).

There can be some variation when applying to faculty-led programs. All applications ask for basic information, such as emergency contacts and a short essay, but some programs will ask for additional steps or materials (such as a language evaluation or recommendation letter), so do be sure to review any information on the program webpage. If there are additional steps, the Study Abroad Office will follow-up with you.

If applying for an exchange or direct enrollment program, you will need also need to complete their application. Deadlines can vary, but most exchange programs have a priority deadline and direct-enrollment programs have deadlines usually set by the host institution. See the program’s webpage for details and plan accordingly. Most applications will ask you for personal and academic information, as well as academic references, transcripts, and passport information. Sometimes programs ask you to pre-select courses, while other programs will do enrollment after acceptance. Every provider organization has its own system of doing things, so if you have questions or need help, it is best to reach out directly to the program advisor/admissions counselor; they know their systems and programs and are better placed to help you.

It is always best to meet with a study abroad provider before beginning your application. Our advisors can help you understand the process and timelines involved and help smooth the whole process.