How do I go about studying abroad?

Maryville College makes it as easy as possible to study abroad.  It simply takes some planning ahead.

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

Check out our WEBSITE to choose a few countries and/or programs that look like they might be what you want. Attend a Study Abroad 101 general information session.

GO TO THE CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

Second, go to the Center for International Education for the particular country in which you're interested to talk about your plans.  You can also talk with faculty liaisons for each exchange program. The liaisons are identified at the information page for each country's exchange.  You should also begin familiarizing yourself with the specifics of the particular country. You'll find lots of helpful information on this web site.

MEET WITH YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR

Third, discuss with your academic advisor as early as possible your intent to spend a semester--generally during your junior year--abroad.  Your advisor should be able to help you identify a country. Discuss your MC course requirements and the course descriptions from the program you want to attend. Your academic advisor will help you make selections from what is available at the host school so that your credits will best transfer back to Maryville College.

APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM

Next, complete the applications for both study abroad and, if you're interested, the Ragsdale scholarship.  Fill out the necessary forms from the Center for International Education WEBSITE and return them to Bartlett Hall 332. Read all instructions carefully. Different programs may have different applications.

Deadlines are:

MC Direct Exchanges: October 1 if you're planning to spend the spring semester abroad, and March 1 if you're planning to be away during the summer or fall semester.  (Please note that some exchanges, such as those in Northern Ireland and South Africa and Japan, have separate application processes and deadlines.  The faculty liaison will alert you to these.) 

ISEP Exchanges: April 15 if you’re planning to spend the following spring semester abroad, and November 15 if you’re planning to be away during the summer or following fall semester.

Ragsdale Scholarship: Ragsdale scholarship deadlines will be awarded twice a year and follow the MC direct exchange deadlines (March 1 and October 1).

SELECTION PROCESS BY THE INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE

The International Programming Committee will screen applicants, conduct interviews, and make its decision within a month or so after the deadline.  It will also disburse Ragsdale monies. 

AFTER YOU ARE ACCEPTED

  • Fill out the host institution application, if required. This is available from the IPO.
  • Apply for a passport if you don't already have one.
  • Apply for a visa, if required.
  • Begin finalizing your plans with both your academic advisor and the IPO. 
  • Choose courses to take at your host institution:
    • Talk to your advisor about your selections, and register for OVS. Prior to your departure, you'll need to register for OVS (Overseas Study) in order to have your classes and grades transfer to MC. You must sign up for OVS through your advisor or through the exchange liaison whether you go for a semester or for the summer.
    • Fill out Transfer Credit Forms (available in the Registrar’s Office)
    • Bring list of courses you plan to take to the Center for International Education.
  • Discuss your plans with the Business Office, the Financial Aid Office, the Registrar's Office, the Post Office, and Residence Life. 
  • A pre-departure orientation session will be scheduled at some point before you leave.
  • You'll also be given a copy of the Maryville College Study Abroad Handbook by the IPO. 
  • Continue to learn as much as you can about your destination (e.g., politics, social and cultural life, etc.). 

A crucial part of the process is planning, both with your academic advisor and with your faculty liaison.