Study Abroad FAQs
Any full time UTulsa undergraduate or graduate student currently in good academic standing with a clear disciplinary and academic honesty record, who has studied at UTulsa for at least two (2) semesters, can participate. Students must have successfully completed the previous semester (prior to going abroad) at UTulsa as a full time student. UTulsa requires a 2.50 minimum GPA for undergraduate students and a 3.0 minimum GPA for graduate students at the time of application. Students from majors and minors in all disciplines are encouraged to apply. Note: International students must consult with International Student Services prior to pursuing a program abroad. In most cases, visa and immigration issues must be considered as well funding, scholarships and sponsorships. UTulsa employees are not eligible to participate.
UTulsa has several locations for semester and summer study abroad that provide rich academic experiences in all areas of study. For a complete listing of programs, click here.
No, not necessarily. However, the CGE highly encourages students to take advantage of the unique opportunity to learn a new language or build upon their current foreign language skills by being fully immersed in a language and culture abroad. Many approved programs do offer courses taught in English across disciplines. There are numerous program options allowing students to take courses in English while at the same time taking courses taught in the host language as well.
Finally, there is always the option of studying abroad in an English speaking country such as Australia, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, and Singapore. However, do keep in mind that some programs will require varying levels of foreign language skills before acceptance and UTulsa has specific language requirements for language majors and minors so it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with these policies as you are exploring options.
Yes, all Federal Financial Aid as well as academic and institutional scholarships are portable on approved UTulsa study abroad programs. It is necessary to keep the Financial Aid Office up-to-date on your decision to go abroad so appropriate paperwork can be completed in a timely manner. If necessary, qualified students and their parents can take out additional loans to help offset the costs of studying abroad. The UTulsa Center for Global Engagement offers scholarships most semesters.
Additionally, a number of our program providers offer their own scholarships for which students can apply directly. There are scholarships available exclusively for study abroad programs offered by various educational and governmental sources as well. Certain qualifications and considerations are required, though, students can apply directly for: Gilman, NSEP, Bridging Japan, BUTEX, Rotary International, DAAD to name just a few. Both need-based and merit-based study abroad scholarships can range between $500/semester up to $10,000/year depending on the program. We advise that students check individual application deadlines as they often come much earlier than program application deadlines.
Scholarships such as CGE scholarships and program provider awards will be first applied to your UTulsa account. After the UTulsa bill has been paid in-full and there are no other holds on your account, the Business Office can release the balance of your financial aid award or deposit credit to your private bank account so that you may pay for other program related expenses abroad. If you want the money to be deposited directly into your banking account, you will need to sign up for direct deposit through Self Service. The money is released after Enrollment Verification. Some federal aid may be released in 2 installments. Questions about financial aid or refunds should be directed to the Bursar’s or Financial Aid Office.
The summer months provide an ideal time for students to go abroad who otherwise may not be able to go during the year due to work or academic schedules. During summer, most UTulsa affiliate programs offer similar options for study abroad but on a short term basis. Students studying abroad for a summer term will pay UTulsa tuition based on the number of credits taken or the program cost, whichever is greater. The CGE will directly pay program fees on behalf of the student, which includes foreign tuition, room, board, insurance, and excursions directly related to the academic program. Students are responsible for expenses that are not part of the advertised program fee, including international airfare, personal expenses, ground travel, optional excursions, deposits, application fees, entertainment, visa and passport fees, and upgrades in housing or meal plans.
Students must enroll in at least a minimum of 12 UTulsa equivalent credit hours per semester and have their College’s approval for coursework taken abroad. Students are required to be enrolled full time as determined by the host university or program provider during the period of study abroad. The number of actual courses taken will vary according to the program. Graduate students require an enrollment minimum of 9 credit hours per semester, or equivalent, or an approved mix of coursework and research to be determined and approved by the Graduate College. Summer programs will vary depending upon their length.
Pending students’ College approval for coursework taken abroad, UTulsa allows for the transfer of credit from its approved study abroad programs. In consultation with their Academic advisors, students can take a combination of courses towards Major, Minor, Block or Elective credit. Students must be enrolled full time according to the host school or program which is generally 12 credit hours for undergraduates and 9 credit hours for graduate students per semester.
Coursework taken abroad can transfer back to the students’ permanent UTulsa record as well as fulfill Major, Minor, Block and Elective credits to satisfy graduation requirements, pending students’ College approval. Students may have two options for transferring grades back to UTulsa, in consultation with their academic advisors: (1) students take courses for the actual grade from the host school which will affect the overall UTulsa GPA; or (2) students take courses for the actual grade from the host school, however, grades attained abroad will transfer back as credit hours only and will be recorded on the UTulsa transcript as a “P” (Pass) or a “N” (No Credit). Students must attain at least a “C” or better, or the equivalent, to receive a “P”. The “P” and “N” option will not affect the overall UTulsa GPA. In both cases, the CGE/UTulsa will receive an official grade report or transcript from the host program or institution and all coursework taken abroad will appear on the permanent UTulsa record.
The CGE requires official transcripts be sent by your program provider or foreign host institution before grades can be recorded. Because of the inherent differences between academic systems and program dates, transcripts may not be immediately available upon program completion. In most cases, transcripts are not sent to UTulsa until well after the program’s end dates. Until your official transcript arrives, you will have incomplete (I) grades. When the transcript arrives, the Incompletes will be replaces by your official grade. The late transcript may have financial aid repercussions. Some scholarships and aid can only be released after your grades arrive demonstrating that you are making satisfactory progress towards graduation. Please keep this in mind and discuss any concerns with your CGE and Financial Aid advisors.
In order to maintain active student status while abroad, students must meet with their College advisor and register for courses as they normally would during any other semester at UTulsa before going abroad. Students are then registered for special courses designated “Study Abroad” in the UTulsa system. Upon successful completion of coursework abroad, the Host University or program will issue a transcript to our office. Pending students’ College approval, the credit hours along with the name of the courses taken abroad are then posted on the UTulsa transcript and become a permanent part of the UTulsa record. Students who go abroad on approved programs maintain all rights and privileges of a UTulsa student which includes access to Financial Aid, Scholarships, UTulsa email accounts, etc.
In most cases, it does not. Because UTulsa allows coursework taken abroad to transfer back to UTulsa for credit, this allows students not to miss any ‘time’ from UTulsa and in most cases to still graduate with their class. However, if students change majors or degree plans before or after a program abroad, graduation may be affected. Again, students are required to seek approval from their academic advisor to ensure courses taken abroad will transfer towards degree requirements. It is suggested that students meet with their academic advisors early on to discuss their plans to go abroad so necessary accommodations and advising can be made.
UTulsa has several locations for semester and summer study abroad that provide rich academic experiences in all areas of study. For a complete listing of programs, click here. These are high quality programs that will meet UTulsa students’ academic needs in diverse locations across the globe. Look at the CGE website, talk to former study abroad participants and your academic department for advice and come to the CGE study abroad fair every fall. When choosing programs, here are some questions to consider:
- What do I want to study?
- What type and length of program do I want?
- Do I want to take courses with other Americans or enroll directly in a foreign university?
- Do I want to live with a host family or in a university residence?
- How many credits taken abroad will count toward my degree?
- What types of courses are offered abroad?
- Do I want to focus on learning a foreign language?
- Does the program require previous language study and how much?
- How much integration into the foreign culture do I want?
- How will my decision to go abroad affect my family?
By defining your goals early on, you will have a better chance of finding a program that best fits your academic and personal needs. The Center for Global Engagement staff can help you along the way!
Yes, and it is already included in all study abroad programs. Most of UTulsa affiliate programs include required health insurance as part of their overall program fee. In cases where a program does not provide insurance for its participants (i.e. some exchange programs) students will be covered free of charge by a UTulsa insurance plan with AIG during their approved study abroad program.
Students must complete the UTulsa online study abroad application, submit some additional documents and meet general eligibility requirements. To access the online application, find your desired program and click on “Apply now.” Students can meet with a CGE Study Abroad advisor for help in researching program options and getting general information. In addition, students can expect to complete a second (possibly a third) program or host university application for their specific study abroad program. Individual study abroad programs have different eligibility requirements. There are generally two deadlines each year to keep in mind: for ALL spring semester programs, the UTulsa application deadline is October 1; and for ALL summer, fall and full year programs, the UTulsa application deadline is March 1. Program specific application deadlines will vary so it is always a good idea to pay close attention to program deadlines as they do not necessarily coincide with UTulsa’s campus deadline.
Program costs and student budgets
The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) is committed to making study abroad affordable for all UTulsa students and has adopted policies and practices that ensure affordability. Students preparing to study abroad will be advised by staff in the CGE about the costs of studying abroad and related travel and living expenses so that students can accurately anticipate their financial needs for the semester abroad.
Templates of program budgets are available on the CGE website for most programs. Students are required to have a final advising meeting with a CGE staff member prior to their departure from campus to create a budget specific to that students situation; failure to come to the meeting may impact a student’s ability to access financial aid for the study abroad program and result in the CGE withdrawing approval of the study abroad application.
Tuition
There are three separate tiers of approved study abroad programs at UTulsa, explained below in further detail. Program fees will vary depending on which tier the program falls under. Students should work with the Student Financial Services offices to determine how much of their aid is applicable to the study abroad program. Some scholarships and tuition waivers cannot be applied to study abroad program fees. Because students are paying for UTulsa credit through their tuition, even if a program cost is less than the net tuition paid to the host institution abroad, there will not be a refund of the difference issued. UTulsa campus meal plans and housing are waived or do not apply to students studying abroad.
- Tier one programs: Students participating in a tier one program will enroll with one of our direct exchange partners. Students will pay their regular UTulsa tuition and fees. No additional tuition will be charged by the host institution. Students will coordinate housing and associated payments with the host institution. Students are responsible to pay for housing or any other additional fees and expenses including international airfare, personal expenses, ground travel, optional excursions, deposits, application fees, entertainment, visa, passport fees and housing or meal plans. All approved students will be enrolled in an insurance plan that covers medical and travel emergencies abroad at no additional expense.
- Tier two programs: These include direct enrollment programs and most USAC & ISA programs. Generally, the cost of tuition for tier two programs is less than $10,000. When students select a tier two program, they pay their regular UTulsa tuition, a program fee which covers the difference between the program cost and the net UTulsa tuition paid by the student. The CGE will pay the program tuition directly to the program provider/host university. Students are responsible to pay for housing and any other additional fees and expenses including international airfare, personal expenses, ground travel, optional excursions, deposits, application fees, entertainment, visa, passport fees and housing or meal plans. All approved students will be enrolled in an insurance plan that covers medical and travel emergencies abroad at no additional expense.
- Tier three programs: These programs generally cost $10,000 or more per semester. When students select a tier three program, they pay their regular UTulsa tuition and an additional program fee based on the program cost. This fee will be determined by the CGE and the Student Financial Services office. The CGE will pay the program tuition directly to the program provider/ host university. Students are responsible to pay for housing and any other additional fees and expenses including international airfare, personal expenses, ground travel, optional excursions, deposits, application fees, entertainment, visa, passport fees, and housing or meal plans. All approved students will be enrolled in an insurance plan that covers medical and travel emergencies abroad at no additional expense.
Program cancellation
If students cancel participation in a program, they are responsible for deposits and expenses already incurred by UTulsa. If for any reason a program is canceled, CGE will help students to find a suitable program alternative. If students decide not to participate, they will be responsible for deposits and all expenses already incurred by UTulsa.
Financial aid and scholarships
Students studying abroad must work with the Student Financial Services office to determine if any of their funding can be applied to their study abroad program, and students must submit an approved CGE budget form to Student Financial Services in order to have financial awards released to cover study abroad expenses. Students must disclose any additional awards they have received for support of study abroad to the Student Financial Services office, such as travel scholarships provided by the program provider or outside scholarships; failure to disclose these awards may result in the cancellation of a student’s program and disciplinary action per student Code of Conduct. Graduate assistantships have work requirements and so students may not hold an assistantship while they are participating in study abroad. Contact the dean of the graduate school to obtain approval to participate in study abroad while on a fellowship.
Study abroad fee
All students applying to study abroad for a semester, year, or summer term are responsible for a one-time $200 study abroad fee that is charged in addition to application fees required by the study abroad program provider. This fee should be paid directly to the CGE at the time the student submits his or her application to study abroad. This fee is non-refundable unless the student’s application is denied by the CGE. Students whose application was denied by the program provider will be refunded their fee minus a $50 processing fee only when the CGE has not successfully identified an alternative study abroad program. The study abroad fee is an administrative fee to cover services provided by the CGE and pre and post program events, a commencement stole designating the student as a study abroad alum and other benefits.
Summer sessions
Students studying abroad for a summer term will pay UTulsa the program fee based on the program cost. The CGE will directly pay program fees on behalf of the student, which includes foreign tuition, room, board, insurance, and excursions directly related to the academic program. Students are responsible for expenses that are not part of the advertised program fee, including international airfare, personal expenses, ground travel, optional excursions, deposits, application fees, entertainment, visa and passport fees, and upgrades in housing or meal plans.
Independent semester break, field camp or internship experiences:
Students participating in any short, credit-bearing, UTulsa approved program will pay UTulsa tuition on the basis of the number of actual credits associated with the program, as per the tuition policies outlined in this document. Students are responsible for all related costs, including but not limited to foreign application fees, airfare, optional tours, damage deposits, student activity or facilities fees, excursions, entertainment, books, ground transportation, meals, and personal expenses.
Exchange networks
Exchanges, including the Global Engineering Educational Exchange Consortium (Global E3) and Mid-American Universities International (MAUI), are special relationships between UTulsa and specific foreign universities and are intended to promote university wide international cooperation and collaboration. Participating students are responsible for paying the tuition to their home institution and the room/board, and related fees to the hosting institution. Students participating in an exchange program will pay their regular UTulsa tuition and will be responsible for paying all related costs, including but not limited to foreign application fees, airfare, visas, housing, and meals at the foreign location, optional tours, damage deposits, student activity or facilities fees, excursions, entertainment, books, ground transportation and personal expenses, unless otherwise specified by the negotiated billing agreement between UTulsa and the partner university. The CGE will maintain records to monitor the balance of exchange students with individual exchange institutions.
Scholarships and tuition awards
Some scholarships and tuition awards cannot be applied toward a study abroad program. Check with the CGE and the Student Financial Services office (and if applicable, the graduate school) to determine whether or not your funding will apply.
Feel free to contact our office anytime via email: globalengagement@utulsa.edu or via phone at: (918) 631-2329. Each Fall, the CGE hosts a Study Abroad Fair where you can meet representatives from our affiliate partners, gather materials, and learn more about program offerings.
For news, events, opportunities, and updates related to programs abroad and CGE activities check out any or all of the following:
Studying abroad is an experience of a life time! It enables students to gain experience and insights into another culture, and see the world from a different perspective. Not to mention, many students have an opportunity to learn another language. Study abroad is a unique opportunity and as a student this may be the best chance in your life to go abroad. Additionally, employers highly value cross cultural experience and foreign language proficiency in prospective employees. An international experience is sure to enhance any resume. Spending time abroad does require a considerable commitment – academically, mentally, and financially. But the return on the investment is well worth it!
Students can study abroad for a maximum of one full academic year or two semesters, consecutively or not, plus one summer term OR a total of 3 summer terms. Some students choose to study a semester in one country and the next semester in another country.
All students will need a current passport (which must be valid for at least 6 months past the date of return) in order to travel outside of the U.S. It is strongly recommended that students begin the passport application process, if it is the first time to apply for one, as soon as they begin looking into programs. It can take between 8 – 12 weeks processing time for a new or renewed passport to be issued. Passport applications, instructions and downloadable forms can also be found: https://www.travel.state.gov. Visas and/or study permits will be required for some countries and it is the student’s responsibility to obtain and pay for one, if required.
Important Note: Some destinations will require travel to the host country’s U.S. consulate (Houston, Chicago, or otherwise, depending on student’s residency) for a personal interview when applying for a visa and students must make plans accordingly. After acceptance, the host program or university typically provides some details on visa applications; our office can assist where necessary.
The first step is to explore this website and look at the approved programs. You can stop by the office and speak with one of our Peer Advisors, during regular office hours, who can assist you in researching your program options via our searchable database and guide you through the process. In most cases, you will likely be researching program information via websites linked to our database so please be sure to read through the information carefully.
When you are ready to apply, find your desired program, click “Apply Now” and complete the CGE application. At any point you can meet with a CGE Study Abroad Advisor. Advising appointments can easily be set up here.