Stop stressing: study abroad applications simplified

Whether you're anxious about starting to explore your options or you're ready to depart from the gate, this episode will help you feel more confident, informed, and empowered. Three study abroad alumni, KayCee, now an enrollment specialist, Jonathan, an institutional relations officer, and Dominique, an experienced program advisor, will walk you through the steps you’ll take to start your journey, and highlight all the support systems from USAC available to guide you. 

Have an idea for a future episode or just want to learn more about study abroad? Email us at studyabroad@usac.edu.

Transcript

Morgan Ramos: [00:00:00] Welcome back to THE Study Abroad Pod. If you've been dreaming about traveling overseas but end up feeling overwhelmed by even just starting the application process. You're not alone. Today's episode will share first time traveling worries, go over the first steps to apply, and help you demystify this whole study abroad obligation process. Relax and stop stressing. We've got you. 

KayCee Carlen: Hi guys. Welcome back to THE Study Abroad Pod. My name is KayCee Carlen and I'm a USAC alumna. I went on one of our Japan programs in fall of 2022. I loved it so much. I came back here, and I now work as the enrollment specialist for USAC, for our programs in Japan and South Korea. And I'm here with Jonathan and Dominique. 

Dominique Nelson: Hi. My name's Dominique Nelson. I'm a program advisor. I studied abroad with USAC twice during my undergrad, I did a semester in Melbourne, Australia, and a semester in Pau, France. And I currently advise for [00:01:00] the programs in Czechia, France, and Portugal. 

Jonathan Hakim: Hello everybody.

Jonathan Hakim: My name is Jonathan Hakim. I am an Institutional Relations Officer at USAC. I am based in New York City, Manhattan, and I work with our institutional partners in the northeastern part of the United States. I studied abroad myself in college. I studied for a year in. Melbourne Australia at the University of Melbourne.

Jonathan Hakim: Absolutely loved it, was only supposed to do a semester and then extended for an entire year because I just didn't want to leave. And now I work in international education. 

KayCee Carlen: A lot of discourse about study abroad is how much fun you're going to have, what it's gonna be like while you're there, which is all true, but of course there is a lot that goes into it beforehand.

KayCee Carlen: So yeah, we're gonna talk a little bit about that today. Jonathan, would you like to talk just a little bit about choosing your destination and sort of some first steps since you talk with students a lot on that front? 

Jonathan Hakim: Yeah, so I'm happy to chat a little bit about that. A lot of [00:02:00] students when I first interact with them are very unsure about what study abroad is, and then what does it entail and how do I go about doing it?

Jonathan Hakim: And so, I think I talk to them a little bit about what kind of program will be the best fit for them. So, kind of taking a look at a number of different things to help them figure out which program. Will be the best fit for them academically, professionally, personally, usually I kind of, the first thing that I talk to them about is just kind of simple things like eligibility requirements, making sure they meet any of kind of the, the basic GPA once we kind of get past the application requirements.

Jonathan Hakim: I think academics is probably the biggest thing for a lot of students. Obviously, you know, you wanna make sure that. The study abroad program that you go on is going to fit in academically to your undergraduate degree that you're not gonna be kind of behind a semester or a term because you studied abroad.

Jonathan Hakim: So [00:03:00] definitely talking to them a little bit about the academic side of things, encouraging them to talk to major advisors, academic advisors. So, then kind of a, a little past academics. I know that finances are a little bit of a concern for a lot of students. So, kind of sharing with students some resources, talking to them a little bit about, you know, scholarships and the USAC budget sheets, for example.

Jonathan Hakim: So, yeah, so just really kind of providing them with a lot of resources, helping them to figure out what does that look like in terms of the academic planning, the financial planning, you know, personal planning. Is this, is this particular program really what you're interested in for your study abroad experience?

KayCee Carlen: Another thing that I know that I dealt with when I was thinking about going abroad was that I had never traveled abroad before. So, I signed up to study abroad and I was like, oh my gosh, this is my first time like being on a plane that long. This is my first time being out of the country, like I, there's a lot of anxiety that [00:04:00] comes with that. I know that USAC does offer a group flight options for some programs, so that's definitely something that you could look into. I did not go for the group flight option. My dad was like, well, if I'm helping you with the flight, we're taking the cheapest option with the most layovers.

KayCee Carlen: So, I was in four airports that day. It did not help my anxiety beforehand. But one key takeaway that I know if you're struggling with the anxiety about that and the stress that comes with, I've never been like, what's it gonna be like? You are way more capable than you expect of yourself. And when you're put in that situation, you realize how much you are able to do on your own.

KayCee Carlen: And I do think that that's a big theme of study abroad is you get to feel that really early on. And yeah, also USAC staff are here and available to you to help out as well. All of us have traveled abroad before and have felt these same sorts of anxieties, uncertainties. So, if you would like any more help beforehand, feel free to reach out to us.

KayCee Carlen: We will always try to do what we can to help you and help you [00:05:00] learn more about what's up and coming. Also, when it comes to your program options and looking into it, I know that Jonathan just touched on that a little bit, but on the enrollment side, we deal with students as they come in. Some students have already chosen a program, or they have a very specific country that they wanna go to, and other students are kind of just like, here's my major.

KayCee Carlen: Where do you think I should go? What I recommend doing is sort of going on our website. We have a little filter tool and in there you're able to put in maybe like a specific major you wanna study well abroad in a specific country, and curate kind of a list of your top choices. And then you're also able to schedule a meeting with one of our enrollment specialists, so you can go through the list with us and we'll help be able to help you narrow it down, give some of our advice. So I do think that that's also a good place to start. If you know that you wanna go abroad, but you're still having a little bit of uncertainty on where or which program is best for you, we can totally help you out with that.

Jonathan Hakim: I was just [00:06:00] gonna also just quickly mention, one of the nice things that I always tell students in terms of figuring out programs is that the USAC programs don't have a language requirement to attend a USAC program. I know that can be a worry for some students. Oh, you know, I don't know German, like, can I study abroad on the USAC Germany program? And yes, you can. I mean, that's one of the really great things about USAC programs is that we don't want foreign language to be an obstacle. So that's always, I found something that will help alleviate some of the, the stress in terms of figuring out which program might be a good fit.

Jonathan Hakim: So I started abroad in Australia, which. For those who don't know, Australia is the size of the continental US. So it is a massive geographic country. And I had never been abroad before alone. And I was like , I landed in Australia and I don't, didn't know a soul in the entire country. So like I'm showing up to this country, I don't know anyone in like the, [00:07:00] I don't know, millions of people that live in Australia.

Jonathan Hakim: And I go to check into my hostel 'cause I arrived a few days before the program started. And there's somebody in the hostel who I like is speaking to me and I don't understand a word that this man is saying. He is Australian. He is speaking to me and I just freeze up. And I was like. I thought they spoke English here.

Jonathan Hakim: I, I was like, oh my God. Like, what is this gonna be? What my entire study abroad is gonna be like? Like I'm not gonna know what anybody is saying. I started like panicking a little, but like KayCee said, like it all worked out. I totally, you know, got a feel for it. Obviously they speak Australia, they speak English in Australia.

Jonathan Hakim: It is a very different type of English in Australia, but it, you know, it all worked out. It, it really is sort of, kind of an opportunity to grow. Personally, I really didn't know what to expect from my time abroad. And then I came back and I was like, oh my God. Wow. Like I, I did that. You know, like I [00:08:00] spent X amount of time in a foreign country.

Jonathan Hakim: I, you know, by myself. And so yeah, it's eye-opening at, at how you grow and, and change and, and the things that you learn along the way.

Dominique Nelson: So, like Jonathan and KayCee mentioned that there are things to consider when selecting your program. I recommend making a spreadsheet or a list. I love lists. They really help me. You know, collect and review the facts, compare them, because there's a lot of information out there to keep track of and research.

Dominique Nelson: So I recommend, you know, make yourself an Excel spreadsheet. Put on there, you know, what your degree is. Does this program offer courses that fit to your degree? Have you, like Jonathan mentioned, talk to your home, your Home University advisor about how the courses you want to take abroad might transfer?

Dominique Nelson: Think about the [00:09:00] time of year you wanna go abroad, what the like climate is going to be at that time of year. Do you want to be somewhere hot, humid, cold, snowy? Do you want to be somewhere that's a bigger city or a smaller town? Are there GPA requirements for the program or class standing requirements?

Dominique Nelson: Most of USAC programs don't have those restrictions, but some of our partnership programs do, and those are listed on our website, so that's a good thing to take into consideration. Another thing to consider is the program cost. We provide interactive budget sheets on our website, and that breaks down not only the cost for the program, but other expenses you may expect, such as airfare, local transportation, maybe if there's any courses or tours that have an additional fee.

Dominique Nelson: Also great things to add to your spreadsheet. And then, funding opportunities. As [00:10:00] we mentioned, USAC offers scholarships for our programs, but we also have a section of our website that talks about scholarships that are not through USAC that could be used on any study abroad program. And then of course, checking with your home university study abroad office on any funding opportunities they may have as well.

Dominique Nelson: And like KayCee mentioned, you can talk to a USAC enrollment specialist. We have a virtual advising hub on our website where you can reach out to enrollment specialists for USAC. Depending on the program that you're interested in, you can make an appointment to meet with them virtually and ask any questions you may have about the program, especially about the admissions process, you know, eligibility, you know, is it full yet that, that type of thing.

Dominique Nelson: You can also talk about any fears that you might have. Maybe support from your family is not something that you have and you wanna talk to somebody who's done it before to get you know, another [00:11:00] perspective. Another thing to consider is accommodations. While you're on the program, certain locations may offer certain types of housing and that may

Dominique Nelson: be a deciding factor for you when choosing your program. Also, consider if your home university has a requirement or restriction around housing. You know, for your major you have to study abroad and you have to live in a home stay, or maybe you can choose any of the housing, but you can't opt out of program option provided housing.

Dominique Nelson: So of course, always check in with your home university study abroad office. Talk to your academic advisor. Make sure those courses are gonna suit your needs. Figure out the pricing. Then talk to an enrollment in the specialist just in case there's maybe something that you forgot to ask about. 

KayCee Carlen: It might seem intimidating to reach out to us and ask for help, but we all work really closely with each other.

KayCee Carlen: So even if you [00:12:00] reach out to somebody, you're not sure if they're the right person to ask the question to. I. We will get your question to who it needs to go to, so don't feel nervous that you don't know who to reach out to. A good email to start with actually is study abroad@USAC.edu. That's just our general email, and then from there, if you do ask some questions, we can just get it sent to who it needs to go to, and you will get an answer for that.

KayCee Carlen: I know that it can definitely be a lot to take in when you're thinking about studying abroad, but one of the things that I wish that I would've done earlier is just looking to my passport, getting my application in for that. I didn't realize how long it takes. If you apply regularly, it can take a few months, and I definitely didn't wanna pay extra for expedited.

KayCee Carlen: So, getting that in early, and even if you are just like study abroad is just a concept to you right now. You have no clue when you would go. Passports are valid for 10 years once you get it. So if you think you're going to travel abroad just in general in the next decade or so, I definitely recommend just getting it now, getting that part over with

KayCee Carlen: 'cause that definitely is a document that takes the longest amount of time and you [00:13:00] will need a passport for any USAC program that you go on. And if you do end up going on some of our longer term programs, so like semester or year long, you'll likely need to get a student visa as well and to apply for that,

KayCee Carlen: you will need to have your passport. So there are a lot of steps that go into it, but with the right planning, looking into it earlier, it can help alleviate a lot of that stress once that time actually does come.

KayCee Carlen: I'm sure you hate this word. It's deadlines. Deadlines are really important. The good news is that a lot of our applications actually open up around a year in advance, so you have a lot of time from when they open up to getting your application and finishing it. But it's just something to keep in mind.

KayCee Carlen: USAC applications are approved on a rolling basis, which is pretty much first come first serve. So I do have a lot of students reach out and ask about what exactly this means. So it means that the earlier that you are submitting your application, getting everything done, and then I will send you an offer [00:14:00] letter, and then once you accept your offer,

KayCee Carlen: you're good to go. On the USAC side, you're approved, which means that you got a spot on the program, so you're not necessarily competing with other students to get these spots. You're competing against yourself and the deadline for the application itself. I do wanna just go over that real quick, so applying is really easy.

KayCee Carlen: There's an Apply Now button on the top left of the USAC website. And that will lead you to the initial application. This application only takes around five minutes, it's really easy. And then from there, your enrollment specialist will review your application. And if it all looks good, we'll email your welcome letters and that will explain to you just what the next steps sort of are.

KayCee Carlen: We do require some supplemental documents, so these will be things like your transcript, a copy of your passport, if you have it already. If you don't, we'll work with you on that. 

Jonathan Hakim: So can I just, can I just add that one thing. I like to tell students is that we don't have an application fee, so there is no financial loss on the part of the student to submit or even start an [00:15:00] application with USAC.

Jonathan Hakim: Mm-hmm. So, like KayCee was saying, if you're just thinking about it or you're a little unsure or you're not quite sure maybe which term you're looking to do you can start an application and there is nothing you need to worry about financially in order to begin the process with USAC, which is I think a really nice feature about our programs.

KayCee Carlen: That is so true. Thank you for bringing that up. Once you submit all of your documents, I'll do a final review, or your enrollment specialist will do a final review of your application and if everything good looks good, you'll be offered a spot on the program. So definitely keeping those important dates in mind and just knowing that we are here to help you, help you submit everything.

KayCee Carlen: And we are really flexible too, as well. 

Jonathan Hakim: And then in terms of deadlines, it's very likely that your institution might have its own internal study abroad deadlines that are different from USACs deadline. So as a student who is, you know, going ahead with the application, it's important that you're also working with the study abroad office at your home school and making sure that you're meeting any kind of [00:16:00] application deadlines on their end. But again. We'll work with you, your study abroad office, 

Dominique Nelson: and that's really one of the benefits of studying abroad through USAC, is you receive guidance and reminders throughout the process. So you know, in the admissions process, you've got the support of your enrollment specialist. Once you're admitted into the program and you're preparing to go abroad, you have the support of your program advisor and once you're abroad, you have the support of the onsite staff, whether that be a resident director on a specialty program or the host university international office support staff on a partnership program.

Dominique Nelson: So we're, we're all here to support your journey. 

Jonathan Hakim: And I always hear from students, they love, like everybody really appreciates their enrollment specialists, their program advisors. So yes, if you have a lot of that anxiety or worry there is a lot of support with for you throughout the entire process.

Dominique Nelson: Going into more of that anxiety about studying abroad. Most of our [00:17:00] students, like KayCee mentioned, have not traveled internationally before. A lot of our students have never had a passport, and that's totally okay. We're here to help. In addition to past student lists, speaking to an enrollment specialist, talking to a program advisor, talking to your home university study abroad office, there are additional resources on our website. The Virtual Advising Center not only has a section where you can book an appointment with your enrollment specialist like KayCee, but there's also considerations for you to reflect on when choosing a program and in deciding if it's right for you and it's gonna fit your goals and needs, and then.

Dominique Nelson: Going through the process, KayCee mentioned this earlier, but you really develop a sense of self reliance and independence. I think KayCee, you said you really don't know what you're capable of until you do it, and that's certainly true with studying abroad. It does seem [00:18:00] very overwhelming at first. You know, you can't swallow the elephant hole.

Dominique Nelson: It's just one bite at a time. But yeah, we help you break it up into little pieces and guide you through the process. 

KayCee Carlen: I just wanna jump in really quick with just a funny little story of my first night abroad 'cause I feel like it's very permanent to this. So I did my study abroad in Japan and I did speak Japanese before I went.

KayCee Carlen: But I remember I got off the plane, I got to my hotel, it's my first night there and I was like, dang, I'm so hungry. I need to go out and I need to get something. But I was so nervous to like go to a restaurant or go somewhere. So I was like I'll do it tomorrow. And I went to bed and I didn't eat anything.

KayCee Carlen: And so I woke up the next morning and I was like, okay, I can't put it off. Like I can't keep doing this. So I went to a convenience store and I was like listening around, I'm looking around to see how everybody's like interacting with the cashier and I was like, okay, okay, I can do this. And I like went up and the lady was like, "Oh, do you need a bag?" like in Japanese.

KayCee Carlen: And I was like, all of a sudden, everything gone. I [00:19:00] was like, "Huh?". And then she said it in English, and I was like, yeah, yeah. And I was just like, oh my gosh. I messed up my first interaction. Like, and it's just so funny to think about now, 'cause I've been back to Japan a couple times now since my study abroad and it's, it's like second nature now.

KayCee Carlen: But it's just so funny to look back on that and just think about how nervous I was, even though I thought I was so ready. Like I had the language aspect. I had this, which you don't need, by the way. Everyone's really nice and we'll speak to you in English, but it's just so funny to look back on now and being in this position, working with students, I can completely understand how you might be feeling, but you're

KayCee Carlen: going to learn so much during your study abroad. You're going to realize how adaptable you are, how capable you are, how much you can do that you had no clue you could even do before. So yeah, it's a really great experience and we're here to help you throughout the way. And we have all done embarrassing or other things during our time that we look back on and we realize just how much we've grown.[00:20:00] 

Dominique Nelson: In addition to the personal development that happens during a study abroad, I also. I'm so pleased for the new opportunities that open themselves to a student during or after the study abroad. You just, your awareness of options increases, your connections increase, and you may have an idea of what you wanna do after you graduate and then you study abroad and your world gets so much bigger and smaller at the same time that

Dominique Nelson: maybe a new path reveals itself to you. So it's, it's really long lasting, the benefits and effects of studying abroad, definitely worth every penny. 

Jonathan Hakim: Yeah. I heard a story of a, a USAC student who studied abroad in Italy. I forget which program, but then came back and like started his own chocolate company [00:21:00] and like

Jonathan Hakim: his time abroad just really kind of changed, you know, the entire trajectory of his life. And I was like, that is, you know, that is amazing. And I see that. And I was also like, I, I want chocolate. Like that's, great. 

Dominique Nelson: So definitely as you're preparing to study abroad, or even if you're just considering programs, starting early is definitely in your benefit.

Dominique Nelson: Do some research, compare different programs with certain criteria so you have a better sense of what you're getting into and what you can expect. Explore scholarship opportunities. Reach out to your resources, so your home university. Reach out to USAC. Talk to fellow students maybe who studied abroad before

Dominique Nelson: at your campus. You're gonna learn a lot. And your anxiety is not gonna go away completely. You know, you, you learn to become more comfortable with the uncomfortable. But you know, if you're [00:22:00] just naturally an anxious person, I am personally.

Jonathan Hakim: Same. 

Dominique Nelson: That isn't just gonna be gone. But using the resources available, I can mitigate how that anxiety affects my decision making or impedes my decision making.

Dominique Nelson: And it's okay to be anxious about the entire process. You know, like don't think that, you know, you are different or you know, it's only you that is worried or anxious. You know, I talk, we each talk to hundreds of students every semester, and a lot of students are anxious. It's an entirely different new thing for you, so it's okay to be anxious about that.

Dominique Nelson: It's okay to, you know be a little worried, how am I going to be able to afford study abroad? You know, that is totally a normal and an okay feeling to have about this process. You're not the only one going through it. There are other students in a similar position as you and we, your home [00:23:00] institution, you know, everybody is there really to help you.

Dominique Nelson: Throughout the entire process to help you kind of mitigate everything, help you alleviate some of that worry and that anxiety. So yeah, so don't think that, you know, oh my God, I'm the only one who is worried about, you know, my academics or, or my, you know, finances for this. You know, there are hundreds, thousands of students in a similar boat to you as you. 

KayCee Carlen: Just because you brought up the anxiety around finances.

KayCee Carlen: This was my biggest anxiety that I had as a student. I was a Pell Grant recipient. So when I talked to my parents about the idea of studying abroad, they were initially really against it just because in their mind it was this like really expensive unobtainable experience and they felt really bad. But they told me if I was somehow able to get it to the same price or lower than what we were paying at my university, they would let me go.

KayCee Carlen: So I was like, okay, it is time to lock in. I don't know what I need to do, but I will do anything. So I was able to apply all of my student aid that I was [00:24:00] getting to my program, and then I did not get a USAC scholarship, so we'll be talking to someone about that. No kidding. But I totally recommend that you guys apply for it.

KayCee Carlen: We give out a lot of different scholarships, need based, merit-based, program based. So many different options. But what I did get was a lot of external scholarships. So I received two different external scholarships, which helped cover. Almost the whole program cost, and my parents were very happy about that.

KayCee Carlen: So the main takeaway of that is please just apply for as many as you can. Even though I did end up receiving two external scholarships, I probably applied for like 15 of them. And every single time I got that email saying like, sorry you didn't get it. I was so disheartened. And I was like, I'm, I'm not gonna get them.

KayCee Carlen: I'm competing against so many different people. But just keep in mind that like. Rejection is just redirection. Like even though I didn't get those ones, I was still able to receive other ones and I was still able to go abroad. And I was like sitting there in Japan being like, oh my gosh, I'm here and [00:25:00] like I'm able to do this and I got a scholarship that's helping me pay for my everyday expenses.

KayCee Carlen: Go on the train, do this. Like it was so wonderful. So please just keep applying you never know what will happen I know that that's a huge anxiety for students and if you do want more information on that. Feel free to reach out to us. Like I said, your enrollment specialist or whoever else you have a contact of, we'll get you where it needs to go and we can help provide you with links and different resources to look into that as well.

Jonathan Hakim: And then in terms of financial aid, if you receive federal aid, federal aid will oftentimes carry over to a semester or an academic year abroad. So you can always talk to your financial aid office about your specific financial aid package and, and will that carry over? What parts of it will carry over. I think a lot of students, in terms of the finances assume that, okay, let me look for the shortest possible program because that will, by definition, be the cheapest program. And that's why doing a little bit of research is so important because on paper you're like, wow, like a summer is [00:26:00] so much cheaper than a semester, but maybe you're not taking into account all of the aid and, and scholarships and things like that that can be used for a semester.

Jonathan Hakim: And then you're like, oh my God. Wow. This semester in Santiago, Chile is, you know, so much more cheaper than this summer program in, you know, England, for example. So. I would definitely also do a little bit of research, talk to advisors, financial aid and things like that.

Dominique Nelson: So how far in advance should I be considering, actually making plans to study abroad if I want to do that? What are your suggestions? 

Jonathan Hakim: I would say usually, probably about a year out would be good. I always tell students it's never too early to start. Thinking about study abroad, to start planning, to start having those conversations that Dominique was really talking about with academic advisors, financial aid advisors, even as a freshman, you know, I talk to a lot of [00:27:00] freshmen who their first semester they just got to campus and you know, they're swinging by a study abroad fair because it sounds interesting or looks interesting and you know.

Jonathan Hakim: I'm like, you just got here. It's been a month and we're already trying to convince you to leave campus. But really, you know, the earlier you start having these conversations, the easier it will be for you to actually be able to go abroad. Maybe you know, your sophomore year, you need to double up on some major requirements.

Jonathan Hakim: To be able to go abroad for a semester, your sophomore, your junior year, and if you wait until, you know, second semester, junior year to start having those conversations, it might limit the types of programs or the opportunities that you are able to have in terms of international experience. So it's never too early.

Jonathan Hakim: Like start having those conversations. Start doing the research. I am. I don't know KayCee, if there was any other thoughts or suggest 

KayCee Carlen: No, I totally agree with that. Like once the thought festers in your mind that you wanna go abroad. 

Jonathan Hakim: Yep. 

KayCee Carlen: Look for a [00:28:00] table, go talk to somebody. Like the earlier, the better. I think I started looking probably like two days into college and they were like, oh, when do you wanna go?

KayCee Carlen: And I was like, junior year. Okay. But it's great to look, I learned so much early on, like especially about the scholarships and other things that I was, because I knew about them beforehand, I was ready when those opened up. Like day of I was submitting my applications and I didn't have to worry about it because once the time came for the USAC application.

KayCee Carlen: Because the application due dates, like you were saying, Jonathan, are usually a term in advance. So for example, right now fall applications are going to be due in a couple weeks and a lot of students right now, I'm getting messages saying, sorry, I'm busy with my midterms, I'm busy with other things. Like I don't know if I can get it in in time.

KayCee Carlen: So yeah, I would say a year is a good time timeline, especially if you are working on getting your passport, just because it can take a few months to come just, but as early as you. Think about it, even if it's just a thought. Even if you're like, I don't know if this is plausible yet. Like I just, [00:29:00] there's just something about it calling me like.

KayCee Carlen: Go talk to someone, go start getting the process started early. There's no downside to that. I think. 

Dominique Nelson: Now KayCee, I personally am a bit of a procrastinator. I know. I'm sorry. So, of course preparing a year or a semester in advance is definitely ideal. But for people like me, maybe you're not quite that ahead of the game.

Dominique Nelson: Is there a place like on the USAC website or somewhere where I could check if, an application is still open for a program I'm looking for? 

KayCee Carlen: Yeah, totally. We keep our website updated with all of the deadlines, so you can click on a specific program, click the fees and deadlines page, and then if you scroll down it'll say like, application deadline.

KayCee Carlen: And let's say if it is passed to that date. So for example, April 1st is a pretty big deadline for some fall programs coming up. It will say like April 1st, and then it might say Program close. And some of our programs, these are usually going to be some of [00:30:00] our more specialty programs. Those might have more flexibility with a deadline.

KayCee Carlen: So we always just recommend that you reach out to our study abroad inbox or reach out by like calling or anything like that and just saying, Hey listen, I might've missed that April 1st deadline, or some of those deadlines. Do you have any program set? Are willing to be flexible on that or have later deadlines.

KayCee Carlen: And I know that a lot of them are able to do that. So there's no worry in calling. No worry in reaching out to us. We will let you know. And then even if it's not possible, maybe for that semester, we do have shorter term programs that a lot of students choose to go on, whether that's. Like summer programs or like January winter programs even, which might have like a quicker turnaround, like getting your application than being able to go.

KayCee Carlen: And then you can always start planning for next semester if that's an option as well. If you're reaching out early enough, we can get you started on switching your application to a next semester or anything like that. So there's really no harm in reaching out to us. We will help let you know what is feasible and we [00:31:00] will do the most that we can on our side to ensure that you are able to go or know what your options are.

Jonathan Hakim: And then just to piggyback off of that, there also is a very handy page on the USAC website. So if you go to just the USAC website and you search, can I still apply, that will take you to sort of a one page page. Yeah, where it will list all of the upcoming term deadlines, so you can kind of get a one stop shop for all of the upcoming deadlines.

Jonathan Hakim: You can see which ones might have extended deadlines, and that can also be a really good resource for students who might be a little bit on the later side and seeing what applications are still accepting students. So, yeah. 

Dominique Nelson: Well, that's great. It seems like there's a lot of resources available and it's never too early to start and reach out to USAC. We're here to help. 

Jonathan Hakim: A hundred percent. I think, like I said, the earlier, the better, but you know, if we [00:32:00] are able to accommodate last minute, we will definitely try our best. 

KayCee Carlen: And I always like to say, I never, I have students come back that are like, I regret studying abroad. It's always people that come up, like alumni that are like, oh my gosh, I wish I would've gone earlier.

KayCee Carlen: Or we'll have like people come up that say, oh, I didn't study abroad in college, but like, I wish I did. And I think that we can all feel that some sentiment, it might be overwhelming earlier on when you're thinking about it, but once you're actually abroad, you're in your location, you're getting settled.

KayCee Carlen: It's like, dang, I'm here. I did this and you might wish that you can even stay longer. I know I do. I wish I would've done the full year, but I was nervous about it. Didn't know if I'd like it. I loved it. I have been back many times since and plan to go back again.

KayCee Carlen: So hopefully that was able to help you get a broader overview of what to start doing now to start working [00:33:00] towards your study abroad process. Like we said, please reach out to us. If you have any questions, your questions will get answered and it will go to who it needs to go to. But yeah, I look forward to reviewing your applications. 

Dominique Nelson: And thanks so much for letting me be here to talk a little bit about studying abroad.

Dominique Nelson: I also look forward to helping you prepare for your study abroad experience. 

Jonathan Hakim: Thank you everybody. Hopefully this was informative and helps to alleviate maybe some of that anxiety around the process. Hopefully you learned that there are a lot of resources for you, so please don't hesitate to reach out and hopefully I may see you at a study abroad fair or info session on your campus.

Morgan Ramos: Thank you for listening to THE Study Abroad Pod, a podcast brought to you by the University Studies Abroad Consortium. Please listen, subscribe, and review us on Buzzsprout or wherever you get your podcasts. You can follow USAC on all your favorite social media channels @studyabroadusac, and if you have an idea for a future episode or wanna learn more about Study [00:34:00] Abroad, you can email us at studyabroad@usac.edu.