The Study Abroad Process

Choosing a Study Abroad Program

The Study Abroad Advisor can meet with you to help you select the best study site for you. You need not decide in advance where you want to go. Your Study Abroad Advisor can help guide you based on area of study, cost, and location.

Passport

All students who travel abroad must have a passport to prove their citizenship. Passport application information may be obtained at the U.S. Department of State's passport website. Applications are also available at the local passport office (usually in the federal or county building) or at the U.S. Post Office.

Visa

A visa is permission from a foreign government to enter their country. A number of foreign governments require that students who study in their country apply for a study visa. When a visa is required, students may obtain application information from the website of the Embassy or Consulate of that country. The Consulate has visa officers on staff to answer questions. Many study abroad agencies will also process student visas as part of the cost of a turn-key package.

Airline Reservation

Students typically make their own airline reservations. Airline reservations may be made on-line or through a travel agent, it's the student's choice. Sometimes group travel is offered, and, in this case, students will be notified in advance.

Before Departing for Study Abroad Program

After researching programs, students meet with a Study Abroad Advisor. Advisors help students decide on a program, review funding and scholarships, look at courses and credit, and start the student on the application process. The study abroad course approval form must first be signed by your faculty advisor AND the study abroad advisor: Student Study Abroad Course Approval Form

Students are placed in a program based upon their career goals. You must have a class syllabus evaluated by your academic advisor to make sure all your credits transfer BEFORE committing to a study abroad program. A copy of the transfer evaluation should be on file in the Study Abroad Office before embarking on a study abroad semester.

Each agency has their own deadlines for application submission. Students must comply with the agency deadlines.

Applications are reviewed and sent to host institutions, when required. Once students are accepted into the program abroad, they are notified of their acceptance status. 

The academic advisor helps students decide what classes will count for credit. A financial aid officer helps students with funding opportunities.

Before embarking, students should orient themselves with health and medical matters for that country, along with travel safety, money issues and current political situations.

If engaging in a traditional semester long study abroad program, students will be enrolled for 15 credits for the semester or 6 credits for the summer. This keeps them enrolled full-time at UTPB and enables them to receive financial aid, if eligible.

Students going on any study abroad program where credits will be granted or any UTPB faculty led program must register with ISOS and will be billed by the university for the number of weeks requested.

While Abroad

When students arrive at the study abroad site, they are encouraged to notify parents and the study abroad office immediately. Students remain in contact with the Study Abroad Office during the term abroad. Before leaving, request a copy of your transcripts and have your official transcripts mailed to:

UTPB Study Abroad Coordinator/Success Center
4901 E. University Blvd.
Mesa Building room 2101
Odessa, TX 79762

Returning Home

Upon return, students are expected to check in with the Study Abroad Office to pick up transcripts.

Students will be notified by email when their transcript arrives.