Procedures for Applying and Preparing for NU Study Abroad

3. Set goals for your experience. Consider how your selection impacts your academic major. Can this experience complitment another subject area of interest to you? Is there an opportunity for senior research or international work experience? Is your focus on your discipline or do you plan to take classes in a variety of areas? How long do you plan to go for?

4. Determine if the location is most important or if you are looking for a program with the best course and experiential offerings. Are you looking to explore family roots? Do you wish to become proficient in a foreign language? Do you wish to live with other students or with a host family?

5. Consider how your decision to study abroad impacts your family, your social, academic or athletic commitments.

6. Review the costs of various programs and weigh the impact on your budget.

7. Once you've reviewed the programs and set your goals for the experience, make an appointment to meet with Bernadette Brennen, Study Abroad Coordinator by calling 716-286-8360 or by emailing

rshiah@niagara.edu to schedule an appointment. Be sure to bring a copy of your curriculum card along with your program choices and goals.

8. After meeting with Bernadette, review the study abroad program folder and complete the following Niagara University forms:

Request for Study Abroad
Niagara University Waiver of Liabilities
International Student ID Application
Course Advisement for Study Abroad
Transcript Request (from the Records Office at NU)

9. Contact your insurance provider and make sure you have medical coverage while overseas. Obtain a letter of verification from your insurance company outlining your coverage limits, and return the letter to the Study Abroad Coordinator for your file. If you do not have coverage, applications for short-term overseas coverage are available in the Study Abroad Office.

10. Make sure that you have a passport that will be valid for at least 6 months after you return from your trip. If you do not alread have a passport, apply for one as soon as possible (at least 3-4 months before departure). If you need to apply for a passport, you can find the closest passport-issuing post office by reviewing www.usps.com/passportinfo.

11. Once you've selected a program, make an appointment early in the semester to see Jennifer Garey (Associate Director of Financial Aid) for advice/information. Call 716-286-8673 to schedule a meeting, even if you do not receive any financial aid. See also the Financial Aid/Study Abroad Statement of policy in the handbook.

12. Discuss the Course Advisement for with your Academic Advisor and have them approve the form. You must sign before submitting the form to the dean. Then submit the form to the Assistant Dean of your College for approval and they will forward the form to the Study Abroad Office (SAO) for approval. The Study Abroad Office will distribute copies of the approved form to all parties.

13. Contact students who have recently been to your destination for their views on the program and housing recommendations.

14. Check the program deadlines (Fall--March 15th; Spring--Oct. 1st; and Summer--Feb 1st) and complete your application as soon as possible. Hand it in to SAO, together with a declaration from your medical insurance company.

15. Request and official copy of your transcript from the Records Office and bring/send it to the Study Abroad Office. The SAO will then send off all application materials together.

16. The program you select may require a visa to enter the country. To search visa requirements of your host country, visit www.travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html You may wish to conact the consulate directly for further information. Be sure to note the visa application fee for your country.

17. Attend a study abroad information session (if possible) and ask questions to students who have recently been abroad.

18. When it's time for course selection for the next semester, check the Niagara website to make your choices. Email your selection to your advisor for approval and have them unlock your access to WebAdvisor so you may register online.

19. If you are a campus resident studying abroad during a semester program, see the NU Housing Department in order to withdraw from housing during your semester overseas. Also ask Housing for advice as to how to secure housing for your return to campus. Email housing your address abroad so they can send you information for housing placement the following semester.

20. Before the end of the semester BEFORE you leave, make an appointment to see Bernadette Brennen to make sure that you have made all necessary arrangements. Make sure to collect all useful addresses (mail, fax, and email) at NU, and give your overseas contact information to the Study Abroad Office.

21. Write a letter giving permission to a named individual to take care of any necessary business for you while you are abroad.

22. Complete the pre-study abroad survey online.

23. When you arrive in your host country, if you wish to change your course selection, you must IMMEDIATELY email your Dean's office and copy your advisor and Study Abroad Coordinator for approval.