Have you ever dreamed of seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Tower of London, the Amazon rainforest, the Great Wall of China, the ruins of Athens, or the Great Barrier Reef of Australia? Have you ever imagined studying fashion design in Italy, geology in Brazil, business in Japan, Spanish in Costa Rica, engineering in Spain, fine arts in Finland or reading Shakespeare in England? Studying abroad may be that defining moment in your education that will change your life. Nothing will be quite the same after you have studied abroad. Your perspectives will be global, your attitudes will be international and your memories will last forever. Your resume' will be more attractive, in some cases your language proficiency will be advanced, and you will have developed lifelong friendships.
Requirements for Studying Abroad
1. Be a full-time enrolled student at TTU.
2. Have a minimum G.P.A. of 2.5.
3. Have junior or senior standing. Sophomores must have consent of their academic advisor.
4. Have a commitment to abide by the rules and regulations of the study abroad program.
5. Be respectful and cooperative in the application process.
Steps to Getting Started Studying Abroad
The 10 Steps to Study Abroad listed below will help you determine which study abroad program is right for you. In addition, the Steps cover financial aid and credit transfer information, application deadlines and the process leading up to your departure.
Step 1 - What kind of experience is you looking for?
The International Student Affairs Office is here to help you plan your study abroad experience. You can study abroad from one week up to an academic year, study in one country or travel to multiple locations and take courses in almost every major offered at TTU. This experience will expand your cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills, expose you to new ways of thinking and learning and prepare you to work in a global environment. Now, there are a few things to consider.
Step 2 - Get informed
The Find A Program (you can connect web page) is a great place to get started. You need to narrow your search and decide when, where and how long you want to study abroad. Then you should make an appointment with the study abroad coordinator, Amy Miller. She will assist you in all aspects of study abroad and inform you of the things you need to do to complete the application process.
Step 3 - Talk to your academic advisor before selecting a program
If you want to receive major, minor or general education credit, ask your academic advisor when would be the best time for you to go abroad and ask him or her to list the courses you’ll need to take in order to stay "on-track" for graduation. Refer to this list when researching your study abroad options.
Step 4 - Apply!
After you select your program, download and complete the Study Abroad Application, the Liability Release form and the Request to Study at Another Institution form (you can download at http://www.tntech.edu/studyabroad) at least 4 weeks before the deadline (applications are also available in the International Student Affairs office). If you need faculty recommendations, make sure you request them 3 weeks before the application is due.
Step 5 - Apply for a passport (if applicable).
Click on http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for information on obtaining a passport. We recommend that you apply for a passport at least 5 months before the start of your study abroad program.
Step 6 - Complete the forms and pay your fees.
After you have been accepted to study abroad, you will receive the Study Abroad Handbook. These documents are available in the International Student Affairs Office.
Step 7 - Apply for a Visa or Study Permit (if applicable) and purchase airline ticket.
Most students going abroad for a semester or year will need to apply for a visa http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html. This should be done 2-3 months before the start of your program. If you are going on a TTU faculty-led program, please check with your program director to see if you will need to apply for a visa.
Step 8 - Meet with Study Abroad Coordinator for final arrangements.
Step 9 - Go abroad! And Follow Up
Upon return, complete an evaluation form. Also, follow up on your transcripts and credits to make sure you get the credits you earned.
TTU's Study Abroad Programs offer students these opportunities and many more through a variety of well organized, intellectually challenging, and all-around exhilarating educational experiences. As an undergraduate or graduate student, now is the time to take advantage of these opportunities as there will never be an easier, more cost-effective time to travel, while also receiving academic credit toward your degree. If you want to get more information about Tennessee Tech University, visit web page http://www.tntech.edu/studyabroad/.