USM SA: Step by Step Process

You must be a matriculated degree candidate with a declared major. You cannot participate in an international exchange if you are an "undeclared student". However, National Exchange opportunities are open to undeclared students .

You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA in order to participate in most programs. Some programs require a 2.8 or even a 3.0 minimum GPA.

You must have completed a minimum of 24 USM credits prior to your departure. Note: These must be USM credits, transfer credits do not count toward this 24 credit requirement.

If you are a "transfer student" pelase contact the International Programs Office directly to learn about possible exceptions to this rule.

Step #2: Choosing A Program

What Country? Do you want to improve your language skills? Is your major best served by studying in a specific country? Have you always wanted to travel to Japan, Ireland, Argentina?

Do you need courses that work toward your major? Your minor? Or will you take mostly general electives?

Which program provider best suits your needs? Compare study abroad program providers. Which program offers the features you want such as a home stay, excursions, a field study component and falls within your price range.

USM has several "reciprocal exchanges" and partnerships with schools around the world. These partnerships provide students the opportunity to study at quality intuitions while receiving access to discounted tuition rates, additional scholarship funds and other benefits.

Looked at some of the options but still need help sorting through the choices? Found the perfect program but need to know "what next?"

Contact the Office of International Exchange to schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor. Simply stop by the office at 101Payson smith on the Portland campus, call us at 780-4959 or drop us an e-mail to set up an appointment.

	University of Southern Maine STUDY ABROAD
	Step-by-Step Study Abroad Guide

	Step #1: Do I Qualify? You must be a matriculated degree candidate with a declared major. You cannot participate in an international exchange if you are an "undeclared student". However, National Exchange opportunities are open to undeclared students . You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA in order to participate in most programs. Some programs require a 2.8 or even a 3.0 minimum GPA. You must have completed a minimum of 24 USM credits prior to your departure. Note: These must be USM credits, transfer credits do not count toward this 24 credit requirement. If you are a "transfer student" pelase contact the International Programs Office directly to learn about possible exceptions to this rule. Step #2: Choosing A Program What Country? Do you want to improve your language skills? Is your major best served by studying in a specific country? Have you always wanted to travel to Japan, Ireland, Argentina? Do you need courses that work toward your major? Your minor? Or will you take mostly general electives? Which program provider best suits your needs? Compare study abroad program providers. Which program offers the features you want such as a home stay, excursions, a field study component and falls within your price range. Step #3: Consider USM's Exchanges and Partnerships USM has several "reciprocal exchanges" and partnerships with schools around the world. These partnerships provide students the opportunity to study at quality intuitions while receiving access to discounted tuition rates, additional scholarship funds and other benefits. Step #4: Check out USM's Approved Programs USM has relationships with excellent service providers which manage study abroad programs all over the world. Our office has catalogs for many of these providers and you're welcome to stop by our office at 101 Payson Smith on the USM Portland Campus to pick a few up. Or in the meantime, use this handy set of links to that you can start the process right now! Step #5: Meet with a Study Abroad Advisor Looked at some of the options but still need help sorting through the choices? Found the perfect program but need to know "what next?" Contact the Office of International Exchange to schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor. Simply stop by the office at 101Payson smith on the Portland campus, call us at 780-4959 or drop us an e-mail to set up an appointment. Step #6: Apply!
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