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Learning Abroad

Global Engagement

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Application Instructions and Definitions

First Steps

Application Stages

Application Process

Failure to Commit

Late Applications

Applying to a U of U Affiliate Program

Applying to a U of U Exchange Program

Applying to a U of Faculty-Led Program

Initial Payment

Troubleshooting Tips

First Steps

Studying abroad can be an extremely exciting and rewarding experience! Learning Abroad at the University of Utah provides students with over 500 programs to choose from in over 50 countries which range in length from one week to one academic year. There are opportunities for career development skills, for language immersion, research experience, the community engagement. There are opportunities available for all majors!

If you’re wondering where to start, here are your first steps:

1. Attend Learning Abroad 101

In this information session, we will provide you with the tools and information you need to find the best program for you! We cover information about the different types of programs we offer, the application process, as well as scholarship information. This is a required step for all applications. Sign up here!

2. Identify your Goals

Your learning abroad experience is whatever you make of it. Maybe you want to use your time abroad to hone your language skills, conduct research that will prepare you for graduate school, focus on developing career skills, or engage with the local community. Identifying what you want to get out of your program is a critical step to the application process so you can make the most out of it!

3. Determine Academic Needs

If you want your Learning Abroad program to be incorporated into your academic plan, you will want to discuss this with your Academic Advisor(s) early so that they can help you identify what requirements you need to fulfill before graduation.

4. Start the Search

After attending Learning Abroad 101, identifying your goals, and understanding your academic needs, you can begin your program search! Our Search Programs page allows you to sort by area of study, length of program, program provider, etc. If you still have questions, you can do a program search with a peer adviser in the office or can schedule an appointment with a coordinator in the office. 

We are here to help you choose a program and make the most out of it! You are welcome to send us an e-mail at learningabroad@utah.edu or come into our office in the Union, room 159 Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (except for holidays).

5. Begin an Application

After you have found your perfect program you are ready to start an application!  

Application Stages

Application Stage Diagram

Learning Abroad Applications move with you before, during, and after your Learning Abroad Program. You will find important information in your application to help you plan and prepare for each stage in the process.

Make sure to log back into this Learning Abroad Application and to check your Umail frequently.

Learning Abroad Application Stages: 

  • PENDING
    • Complete Pre-Decision steps by the deadline (see the top left section of this Learning Abroad Application)
  • ACCEPTED 
    • View Decision Letter & Click Commit button in Learning Abroad Application
  • COMMITTED 
    • Complete Application Post-Decision Steps & Pre-Departure preparations
  • WHILE ABROAD 
    • Connect with the Virtual Community
    • Read Learning Abroad Application reminders
  • RETURNEE & ALUMNI
    • Check for credit & transcript updates
    • Share your experience
    • Provide feedback to Learning Abroad
    • Connect with international opportunities on and off campus

Application Process

Applications are not considered complete until all application materials are received (including the initial payment and Learning Abroad 101).  Once all of the application pieces are checked (refer to the Progress Meter at the top of the page) and the application deadline and/or decision date has passed, applications will be reviewed. Students will be notified by Learning Abroad through Umail of their application status.

After students are Accepted, students will have 3 business days to log back into their application to Commit to their program. Students will then have access to the next set of requirements for the Committed stage of their application.

Failure to Commit

If you fail to log back into your Learning Abroad Application and commit to your Learning Abroad Program within 3 business days of Acceptance. Your Learning Abroad Application will be marked as Withdrawn: did not commit. It will not be considered for admission to the Learning Abroad Program until you email Learning Abroad and/or Reinstate your application AND the U of U Learning Abroad: Failure to Commit Penalty Payment is received.  The Failure to Commit Penalty of $50 is non-refundable and does NOT apply to the program cost.  This payment is a separate transaction from the Initial Payment and/or Late Fee Payment. Applications with the status of Late or withdrawn: did not commit will be considered for admission to the program on a case-by-case basis.

Late Applications

All applications completed after the application deadline are considered on a case-by-case basis, and are subject to an additional, non-refundable $100 fee due at the time of application. Please note that the $100 late fee cannot be applied to the cost of your program.
 
If you have questions or concerns about any of the information included in this application, contact Learning Abroad at learningabroad@utah.edu or 801-581-5849.

Applying to a U of U Affiliate Program 

U of U students participating on this program are required to submit TWO applications that can be completed at the same time. Please note: there may be different deadlines for the Uof U application and the Affiliate program application. Please be sure to check both the U of U program application and the Affiliate application to ensure you meet both deadlines.

  • U of U Learning Abroad Application
    • Attend Learning Abroad 101
    • Click on the Apply Now button at the top of the program page
    • Submit an initial payment to Learning Abroad
    • Receive email notification through Umail when U of U Learning Abroad Application is Nominated and/or Accepted
    • Log back in to Commit to your program
    • During the intended term abroad Learning Abroad will enroll you in the required International Medical and Emergency Evacuation Insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI)
      • The CISI policy typically costs $40-50 per month and will be charged to your University of Utah tuition account
  • U of U Affiliate Application
    • Click on the Homepage link on the search page for your chosen program
    • Receive approval to participate from U of U Learning Abroad Coordinator
    • Receive an update directly from the U of U Affiliate regarding U of U Affiliate Application status
      • Upload a copy of your acceptance letter to your U of U Learning Abroad Application
    • The majority of the fees associated with this program will be paid directly to the affiliate and are subject to the withdrawal and refund policies of the affiliate

Applying to a U of U Exchange Program

U of U students participating on this program are required to complete the following steps:

  • U of U Learning Abroad Application for OUTGOING students
    • Attend Learning Abroad 101
    • Click on the Apply Now button at the top of the program page
    • Submit an initial payment of $500
    • Schedule a meeting with a Learning Abroad Coordinator BEFORE the application deadline
  • U of U Exchange Nomination
    • Receive notification of status through Umail within two weeks after the application deadline
  • Host University Application
    • Schedule a meeting with a Learning Abroad Coordinator to complete the host university application AFTER nomination
  • Host University Acceptance
    • Upload a copy of host university acceptance letter to application

Applying to a U of U Faculty-Led Program

  • U of U Learning Abroad Application
    • Attend Learning Abroad 101
    • Click on the Apply Now button at the top of the program page
    • Submit an initial payment to Learning Abroad
    • Receive email notification through Umail when U of U Learning Abroad Application is Accepted
    • Log back in to Commit to your program
    • During the intended term abroad Learning Abroad will enroll you in the required International Medical and Emergency Evacuation Insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI)
      • The CISI policy typically costs $40-50 per month and will be charged to your University of Utah tuition account

Initial Payment 

 The initial payment for all Learning Abroad Programs is $500.00. This payment will be made online through your Learning Abroad Application for your chosen program. Once you are committed to your program, this payment is non-refundable, except in the case that Learning Abroad cancels your program.
 
Even though the initial payment will NOT be billed to your U of U student tuition account, this charge is required in order for the application to be considered complete by the application deadline. 
 

Troubleshooting Tips

Please compelte the following steps if you are experiencing difficulty with either accessing or completeing your Learning Abroad Application.
  1. Try logging in to CIS (if this does not work, connect with the Campus Help Desk)
  2. Shut down your computer and restarting 
  3. Clear your browser
  4. Enable pop-ups
  5. Try a new browser
  6. Try a different device
  7. Email a screenshot to learningabroad@utah.edu

Handbook Contents

Last Updated: 7/12/22