Plan ahead for study abroad

Follow the steps below to plan your semester exchange. (You don’t need to follow these steps for other learning abroad experiences such as global seminars or volunteering.)

Get started

• Think about your goals for studying abroad. Do you want to earn technical credits toward your degree, fill liberal education requirements, study another language, or earn credits toward a minor or second major? Do you have a country in mind? Review the learning abroad advising resources for your degree program.
• Create a profile and complete the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center First Step Session.
• Attend a First Step Session or complete the session online to learn the basics of learning abroad.
• Make an appointment with the CSE Abroad Team to learn about options and processes.

• Meet with your CSE academic advisor or CSE department advisor and the director of undergraduate studies to discuss your study abroad plans.

Choose a program

• Research programs through the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center and CSE Abroad.
• Check out the Recommended for Your Major program search.
• Review your chosen study abroad program’s course catalog for available classes. Compare those courses to the course equivalencies in the U-Credit Abroad database or the transfer guides.

Apply for scholarships

Most federal and state financial aid can be applied to learn abroad programs. Scholarships are also available at the University, college, and department levels.

CSE has study abroad scholarships for undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in a CSE degree-seeking program and participating in an approved University of Minnesota study abroad program. Students may also receive scholarships from the University Learning Abroad Center and are encouraged to apply for both.

Learn about CSE Study Abroad Scholarships.

Complete an Academic Plan for Study Abroad

• Download a Study Abroad Academic Planning form (PDF).
• Fill out the form, including courses you plan to take and requirements you plan to fill.
• Schedule a meeting with the director of undergraduate studies in your department if you plan to fill a technical requirement. Departments must approve technical course credit in advance.

Make the courses count

• Go abroad, study, have fun, and pass your courses.
• Ask your department to update your APAS when you get back to reflect the previously approved course credits.

Learn more about steps to take after you return to the U.S.