Application Process
You’re interested in studying abroad during your college career! As you prepare to research programs and start the application process, it’s important to take some time to reflect on your goals and preferences. Think about your personal and academic objectives before deciding where you want to go. Ask yourself:
- Do you want to study abroad for language acquisition?
- Is there a particular culture or region that you’re interested in?
- Do you have specific career goals that studying abroad can help with?
- Would you prefer a large university or a smaller one?
These are just a few questions to consider as you start your planning. The steps to studying abroad can take time, so it’s crucial to get started early to have important conversations and meet deadlines. Here’s where to begin:
1. Meet with Your Academic Advisor
Once you’ve thought about why you want to study abroad, schedule an appointment with your academic advisor. Review the courses you’ve completed and the ones you still need to take. Discuss how study abroad fits into your academic plan. Your advisor can help you understand which types of courses (e.g., LT, SS, DFR) or specific courses (e.g., ECO 210, MKT 301) you should consider for your study abroad program.
Depending on your major, your advisor may recommend studying abroad during a specific year. For example, majors with strict course plans, like nursing, require early planning to ensure that study abroad options align with your academic requirements.
2. Make an appointment with GEO
Schedule a meeting with the Global Education Office (GEO) to explore study abroad program options and learn how to navigate the program brochures on our website. This is also a great time to ask any questions you might have. You can schedule a meeting by emailing .
3. Choose a Program
Compare different study abroad programs by reviewing their brochures on our website. Pay attention to important details such as the location, program dates, GPA requirements, housing options, and courses. To see courses that past MU students have taken and received credit for with a particular program, you can go to the “Academics” and click “MU Course Equivalents.” You can also see what courses are offered by the program partner by clicking on the “Provider Course Catalog.”
Once you’ve decided on a program, click “Apply Now” to start your Marymount Study Abroad application.
4. Complete Your Marymount Study Abroad Application
Submit all required application materials by the designated deadline (listed below). Your application must include a completed Course Approval Form, which outlines the courses you’re interested in taking abroad (and backups) and how they will transfer back to MU. For more details, see “Credit Transfers.”
Application Deadlines:
Fall/Academic Year: November 1 – March 1
Summer: November 1 – February 1
Spring: March 1 – October 1
Note: Some program partners may have earlier deadlines, which might require you to submit your Marymount Study Abroad application earlier than the dates listed here.
5. Complete the Program Partner’s Application
After you submit your Marymount Study Abroad application, GEO will notify you if you’ve been approved to study abroad. You must receive GEO approval before applying to the program partner.
Upon approval, you’ll receive instructions on how to start your application with the program partner. Be sure to note their deadlines and complete all required application materials on time. GEO will order your academic transcript and to send to the partner, so you don’t have to.
Note: Acceptance by the partner is required to participate in the study abroad program.
6. Complete Remaining Items in the Marymount Study Abroad Portal
Once accepted by the partner, upload your acceptance letter or email to the MU study abroad portal and complete any remaining items. Many countries require visas for entry. It is your responsibility to research visa requirements and apply in a timely manner. You can see resources for our most common study abroad locations under Digital Resources.
The program partner will likely also have pre-departure requirements. Be sure to read all emails from them carefully to meet deadlines and complete any necessary items.
7. Registration for Study Abroad through MU
Students participating in any study abroad program, including a Global Classroom Program, will be registered for their study abroad credits by GEO. For Marymount semester/summer programs, students will be enrolled in a temporary Study Abroad placeholder course during the study abroad term.
Internship program participants must also obtain approval from both their academic and internship advisors and register the internship in Handshake.
8. Attend the Pre-departure Orientation
This orientation is mandatory for all students studying abroad.
9. While Abroad: Upload Final Course Schedule to MU Study Abroad Portal
You’ve arrived in your host country and are getting ready to start the semester! Once your course schedule is finalized, please upload it to the MU Study Abroad portal. If you enroll in any courses that weren’t listed on your original Course Approval Form, the GEO team will work with faculty to determine the course equivalencies. In addition, be sure to complete any other required items in the portal.
