1. Decide where and when you would like to go. Check out the "Most Popular Programs" link on the left to find ORU students' favorite schools. Although lots of students have great experiences at these schools, you are not limited to them. ORU students have attended over forty different institutions abroad. Get advice from your adviser and from friends who have gone before. You can also search the web for more ideas. Take the description of your selected program or school to your advisor to see which courses will transfer in to your degree plan sheet. For one month of study, you can receive up to six credit hours. Two months will give you 9 hours, 3 will give you 12, and four will give you 15. Also, you should figure out how all your courses will fit into your degree plan for the remainder of your time at ORU so you can be sure to resolve any scheduling conflicts before graduation. Your advisor should help with this. If you are getting credit for something other than your major, then go to the knowledgeable faculty member from the department that will be granting the credit.
2. Join the Facebook group “ORU Study Abroad” (search for it and request to join). You need to have ORU selected as your primary FB network and set up with your ORU email. Spanish & French students will join the group “Spanish Study Abroad”; all other countries (as well as CCCU and Grad students) will join the group “Other Study Abroad.” These smaller groups will just be used for the current students to receive important messages and reminders for their Study Abroad preparations. If you don't check your facebook frequently, forward your FB alerts to your email so you can stay updated.
3. Download the Study Abroad Packet or pick one up from the Study Abroad Coordinators in the English and Modern Language Department on the fifth floor of the GC. Spanish and French students are required to see Sra. Calderon and the rest of the students will go to Lori Kanitz; your coordinator will explain any extra packet details to you. To complete the packet you will need to write a proposal outlining your plan of study. It should include a description of the program, courses to be taken, detailed cost, dates, etc. A sample proposal is available here. This packet must be completed with the top set of signatures by fall break for students wishing to study abroad in spring and by spring break for those studying in the summer or fall. Make appointments with Financial Aid and Student Accounts (specify for study abroad) to get these signatures, and be sure to take the packet AND your typed proposal. Turn in the finished Packet with other required items (copy of passport, degree plan sheet filled out) to the Coordinator. After they check it, you can make copies and turn it in.The packet will be sent to the International Studies Committee at ORU for approval.
4. Apply for Scholarships. Search for possible scholarships. A list is available at the study abroad office. Spanish students can apply for Spanish Club scholarships. Spanish club scholarship applications can be accessed here. Financial Aid may have other financing options.
5. Make sure your Passport is current. If you need to get one, start early, especially if you also need a visa. You need your original Birth Certificate for the passport application. Depending on your program and length of stay, you may need a Student Visa. France has a very complicated procedure to follow. See instructions under "Visas" or in the study abroad office. Obtaining a French visa will probably involve you going in person to the nearest consulate.
6. Depending on the program you wish to attend, you may need to arrange for housing.
7. Start searching for airline tickets preferably about three months before departure unless you are going in low season. Make reservations, if possible, two months ahead. There is a list of good sites in the office. Try to meet others going to the same program and see who wants to travel together. You may want to leave early and/or return late to travel.
8. Send the application to the program with the required deposit and a photo, if needed. In most cases you cannot use a personal check. Each program has different deadlines so read the instructions carefully and allow plenty of time. The week immediately after break is recommended (unless you are going in fall...you can do it later). The sooner you send it in, the sooner the school will respond with your acceptance and other information.
9. After the International Studies Committee has approved your packet and the Coordinator has obtained your travel insurance, pick up your original packet and start getting your second set of signatures.
10.In order to deal with finances, you may want to set up Power of Attorney to have someone in charge of getting your Financial Aid disbursement and sending it to you. Usually the best way is to have the money deposited and access it with an ATM while abroad (though you will have ATM fees).
11. Inform the Study Abroad Coordinator of your final dates of departure and return. This will affect your insurance coverage. If your dates change, contact your coordinator immediately.
12. Attend the required Orientation meeting in the last month of the semester. Here you will get your final signature from the Study Abroad Coordinator.
13. Stay in touch by email or facebook your advisor and the Study Abroad Coordinator while you are abroad. Any change in classes taken would need their approval. Have your transcript sent directly to ORU Registrar. Attn: Transfer Coordinator.
14. Upon your return, please fill out a questionnaire in the Study Abroad office.
There is a lot of “red tape” but it is so worth it! Try not to get frustrated with the process.
