University of New England

First Steps...
The best place to start if you are thinking about studying abroad is UNE's Study Abroad Timeline. It will give you information on how and where to begin and what steps to take to embark on your study abroad experience. Please contact the Office of International Programs, 207-602-2051 with any questions, or schedule an appointment to discuss your ideas and goals for a study abroad experience.

When you visit our office in Decary 52, please bring a completed UNE Off-Campus Study form which provides us with information about your study abroad interests and goals.

Be sure to visit Programs which outlines the providers UNE recommends.

You will also want to look into Scholarship Opportunities and schedule a meeting with the Office of Financial Aid to determine how you will fund your semester abroad.

If your parents have questions about your study abroad experience, direct them to our Parent page.

You've Selected a Program, Now What?
So you have decided on a program, have gotten needed approval, and have sent in your application.  What's next?  While your program provider will arm you with information about visas, travel to your study location, and other details, it's a good idea to take some learning into your own hands before you go.  Here are some helpful tips.

Cultural Orientation
Traveling to, studying and living in another country is an extremely rewarding experience. It can also be rather disorienting and confusing to navigate through new and different cultural norms.  Be sure to spend time getting to know the place you are going.  These resources may help.

Online Cultural Training Resource for Study Abroad
Whats up with culture?

The Center For Global Education Study Abroad Student Handbook

Staying Healthy
Before you embark on your journey, it's wise to be informed about how to stay healthy overseas.  For some destinations, it's important to update your vaccinations, and in many cases get additional ones.  Be sure to find out how and if you can bring or purchase certain medications while abroad. Many common prescription drugs might not be as common, or even legal in other places.

It is a good idea to visit a travel clinic to speak with a professional about specific health concerns you may have while on your semester abroad.  Even minor pre-existing conditions or illnesses may be exacerbated when faced with new and sometimes stressful conditions. You don't want to get caught off guard when it comes to your personal health.

Vaccinations - Though few countries require vaccinations for entry, we encourage students to protect their health by receiving recommended vaccinations prior to departure.  Recommended vaccinations vary from country to country.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has a list for each country.  Contact your healthcare provider at least two months prior to travel to schedule immunizations.  Advance planning is needed because some immunizations must be given several weeks prior to departure. 

Students should consult their personal physician and/or contact the Workwell Clinic at Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford for vaccinations and other health-related travel advice.  SMMC, One Medical Center Drive, Biddeford, ME 04005, (207) 283-7600. 

Health Insurance - Before traveling abroad, check with your health insurance provider to find out if coverage extends to the country you are visiting.  If they offer limited or no coverage overseas, we highly recommend purchasing health insurance specifically tailored to students traveling abroad.  Your study abroad provider may offer or include coverage.  If not, several companies offer this coverage at very reasonable rates.  Search the internet for "study abroad insurance".

Money Matters
Debit and Credit Cards – One of the easiest ways to make purchases and ATM cash withdrawals in foreign countries is to use a debit or credit card issued by a major U.S. bank.  Mastercard and Visa are accepted worldwide and exchange rates for these transactions are usually better than the rate given for traveler’s checks or U.S. dollars. 

Making cash withdrawals in a foreign country with your U.S. credit or debit card is just as easy as making one in the U.S.  The only difference is the type of currency you walk away with. 

A word to the wise…check with your bank to find out if additional fees are assessed on foreign transactions.  Use the card in the U.S. prior to travel to establish its validity and avoid any first-time use issues while abroad.   Notify your U.S. bank that you will be using the card overseas for an extended period. 

Bank Accounts – Another option is to open a local bank account in the country where you are studying.  Bring traveler's checks into the country and deposit them in a local bank account.   Once established, funds can be wire transferred between U.S. and foreign banks making it easier for families to send money to a student living abroad. 

Keeping in Touch
Cell Phones and Calling Cards – International cell phones and calling cards purchased in the U.S. for use abroad can be expensive, and sometimes difficult to use.  Many students have discovered it is best to wait until they are overseas, then purchase a local cell phone plan and/or international calling card specifically designed for use in that country. 

Skype – This free software allows you to use personal computers as phones to call family and friends FREE all over the world.  It requires installation of free Skype software on each computer.  Computer to computer calls are always free.  Skype can also be used between a computer and cell phones or land lines, but there is a charge for this service. 

Email – Use your UNE email account while overseas, or create a separate account through websites like Hotmail, Gmail or Yahoo.  Internet cafes located worldwide offer access for a small fee, usually based on time online.

Snail Mail – Who doesn't like to get a letter in the mail?  Reflect on your experiences in a letter to family or friends.  Postcards are a simple and inexpensive way to share snapshots of your new surroundings with those at home.