Study Abroad Registration and Checklist

Registering to Study Abroad

UMW students who are planning to study abroad are required to register in EagleNet. Registration has never been easier — simply log in to the UMW EagleNet portal, click on MY UNIVERSITY RESOURCES, click on the ACADEMICS tab, find the STUDY ABROAD channel and click on “View or Register to Study Abroad”. Select your desired program location and follow the prompts on each screen. Deadlines for studying abroad are as follows:

PLEASE NOTE: While all study abroad programs have individual deadline dates for submitting applications (which are often extended when programs are not full), UMW’s Center for International Education requests that students register in EagleNet to study abroad and submit applications to preferred programs by the deadlines stated above. UMW Faculty-Led Programs are hosted during winter, spring, and summer breaks, and their deadlines for both registration and payment are different than those listed in the chart above.

Study Abroad Checklist

1.    Select and Register for Your Study Abroad Program

• Register to study abroad by logging onto the EagleNet portal. Click on “My University Resources”, then click on “Academics”, and click on “View or Register for Study Abroad Programs.”  Select your desired program location and time frame (fall, spring, academic year, or summer), and register accordingly.
• Complete and submit application materials for your specific study abroad program. You are responsible for following application guidelines and abiding by all deadlines.  Determine whether your program includes comprehensive health insurance, as all UMW students must show proof of overseas coverage.  Students participating in UMW Partner Programs (except Spain) will automatically be enrolled in HTH Worldwide insurance (students to provide CIE with program dates), and each student’s account will be billed accordingly.
• Apply for a passport or ensure your passport is valid for 180 days beyond the ending date of your program.

2.   After Acceptance (and before you go abroad)

• Arrange travel plans.  In most cases, you are responsible for making your own transportation arrangements to and from your study abroad site.  Book air travel well in advance to get the best fares.
• Obtain a student visa, if applicable.  Many countries require students to hold a student visa.  If your destination country requires fingerprints, you can have those taken at the University Police Station.

Submit to CIE (Lee Hall, 4th floor, Rm. 433):

• Copy of Study Abroad Program Acceptance Letter.
• Completed and signed Course Approval Form.
• Advance Registration “Wish List” of courses you wish to take the semester you return to campus.
• Copy of your passport photo page.
• Provide Emergency Contact Information (online form).

Submit to Registrar (Lee Hall, 2nd floor):

• Experiential Learning/Global Inquiry Contract (to satisfy either EL or GI while abroad)
• Course Cancellation Form (if you registered for courses at UMW as a backup).  This form is available from the Registrar.
• Degree Completion Application (if applicable).

Submit to Residence Life (Marye House, 1st floor):

• If you live on campus, submit official Notice of Study Abroad to Res Life.

Take Care of Money Matters (Offices mentioned below are located in Lee hall, 2nd floor):

• Visit the Financial Aid Office if you receive any financial aid, loans, or scholarships.
• Visit the Office of Student Accounts if you participate in the Virginia Prepaid Education Plan (VPEP) or any other third party benefit.  It is recommended that students contact Virginia College Savings directly (804.786.0719) to learn the amount that will transfer to your program abroad.
• Visit the Registrar if you receive Post 9/11 benefits.  For students who are doing a UMW exchange program, see the V.A. Representative in the Registrar’s office.

3.   Before You Leave Campus for your Abroad Experience

• Pay your outstanding balance at Student Accounts (Lee Hall, 2nd floor).  A Study Abroad fee and the enrollment fee for health insurance (if applicable) will be billed to your student account prior to studying abroad.  If you live off campus but have a meal plan, you will need to cancel your meal plan with Student Accounts.
• Forward your Mail (Woodard Campus Center, Ground floor).  Submit a Mail Service Form to the UMW Post Office to forward your mail while abroad.
• Office of Disability Resources (Lee Hall, 4th floor, Rm. 401): Request an accommodations letter for your program abroad if you qualify for disability services. Studying at an overseas university can be very different from your experience here at UWM.  You may find you need accommodations you don’t typically use here on campus. It’s better to have the letter and choose not to use it than to need it and not have it!
• Make photocopies of all important documents to have while abroad and to leave behind with a family member or friend. Include your passport, driver’s license, credit and ATM cards (both sides), and insurance cards, as well as your travel itinerary.
• Attend the Mandatory UMW Pre-Departure Orientation. 

Pre-Departure Orientation for all Summer or Fall 2012 Programs will be held on April 16th from 4:00-6:00pm in Lee Hall room 411.

4.   While Abroad

• Check your UMW email regularly.
• Register for next semester’s classes via “Advance Registration.”  Prior to Advance Registration, check on EagleNet to be sure you have no “HOLDS” on your account.  If you have a “HOLD” on your account, you will not be able to register while abroad.  Also, be sure to connect with your advisor prior to Adv. Reg. to receive your RPN number. If you cannot register yourself, contact CIE prior to Advance Registration for assistance.
• Complete Housing Contract for next semester (if applicable).  For students living on campus upon return of semester or year abroad, look for an Email from Res Life with information on completing your Housing Contract.
• Have a wonderful study abroad experience!