Whether you’re just getting started, preparing for your upcoming international experience, or are just returning, UNC Pembroke Education Abroad is glad you’re here.
Studying abroad is a life-changing experience and we’re looking forward to supporting you along the way.
Filter through all the drop downs to secure any needed trip advising, pre departure tips or returning guidelines.
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Education Abroad Application Cycle & Deadlines
Refer to the following timetable for EA application cycles. Note that the time frame when approval decisions will be communicated is estimated and it could take longer than what is outlined due to high volume of applications.
Term Program Type Applications Open Applications Due EA Review Begins Approval Decision Communicated to Student Fall/Academic Year Exchange November February 1 After deadline 3-4 weeks after deadline ISEP/BW-NC Program November March 1 Rolling basis after Jan. 15 2-3 weeks after review begins and after submission Faculty-led January April 1 Rolling basis upon submission 2-3 weeks after submission Spring/Calendar Year Exchange May September 1 After deadline 3-4 weeks after deadline ISEP May October 1 Rolling basis after Aug. 15 2-3 weeks after review begins and after submission Faculty-led July Mid-September Rolling basis upon submission 2-3 weeks after submission Spring Break Faculty-led September November 1 Rolling basis upon submission 2-3 weeks after submission Summer ISEP/BW NC Program November March 1 Rolling basis after Jan. 15 2-3 weeks after review begins and after submission Faculty-led September February 1 Rolling basis upon submission 2-3 weeks after submission -
What are the Requirements to Study Abroad?
Students planning to study abroad must:
- Be in good academic standing
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.70
- Be enrolled at least part-time
- Complete at least 30 hours before going on a semester or year-long program
- Have 12 or more credit hours left in program or not be in last term of program
Semester/year long programs must meet with the EA Coordinator to have an evaluation completed to determine if course options are available based on student's academic program. Minors and concentration options will be considered as well. In order to qualify for Financial Aid, any/all credits must be needed for graduation at UNCP.
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I am eligible, what is my first step?
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Schedule an Interest Meeting with an SA Coordinator
- How long would you like to study abroad? Do you plan to go on a faculty-led trip, or study on your own through an exchange program?
- Is there a country or region of the world where you would like to study?
- When do you want to study abroad?
- Do you want your classes to be in English or in a foreign language? If you want to learn in a foreign language, how well do you speak the language?
- Do you need to take courses for your major while you are abroad, or will you be taking electives?
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Academic Credit Process
To determine whether or not a program is a good academic fit for you, see a summary of how the academic credit process will work and things you can do to evaluate the program to the best of your ability:
Phase
Description
Before Researching Programs
- Meet with your Academic Advisor(s) to determine what UNC Pembroke courses you have yet to take to complete your degree requirements. Obtain the course descriptions or syllabi for each course
- Note that your Academic Advisor(s) cannot confirm what UNC Pembroke equivalent credit you will receive for the courses you take abroad
While Researching Programs
- Look at the list of courses (not the "areas of study" section) the program offers and compare it to the courses you have yet to take to complete your degree requirements
- Determine whether or not the program offers courses you're interested in taking or that you think would satisfy your degree requirements. Ensure you meet any prerequisites outlined and that the courses you want to take abroad are offered the term you intend to participate in the program
- Compare the course descriptions or syllabi of the host university courses with the UNC Pembroke courses you think they are equivalent to in order to determine whether or not they cover the same topics
- If you can select enough courses at the host university that allows you to be the equivalent of full-time at UNC Pembroke as well as some alternative course options, and you have identified some potential course equivalencies here at UNC Pembroke, this is a good indicator that the program is likely a good academic fit for you
Applying
- Once you determine a program is a good academic, financial and personal fit for you using your best judgement, apply to UNC Pembroke Education Abroad (EA) in order to receive approval and placement
Upon Approval & Placement
- If and once you receive approval and placement from EA, you will then be given access to a document called a Course Equivalency Form. Here you will list all the courses you plan to take, including some alternatives, at the host university
- Print the course descriptions for the host courses
- Submit the Course Equivalency Form and course descriptions to the relevant academic department(s) at UNC Pembroke
- The Department Chair of the corresponding academic department will assign a UNC Pembroke equivalent course if there is one
Upon Acceptance
- Work with the host university to register for courses abroad (note that this may also take place upon arrival on-site)
While Abroad
- EA will put you in a full-time placeholder course while abroad to keep you active and full-time here at UNC Pembroke
Upon Return
- Official host university transcript will take 1-6 months to arrive in EA
- Once the transcript is received, grade processing will begin as long as you submitted an accurate Course Equivalency Form that matches the courses listed on the host university transcript
- EA will convert all host grades into A-F letter grades
- Total grade processing time takes 4-5 weeks after transcript is received
- Registrar then removes study abroad placeholder course and replaces it will the UNC Pembroke equivalent credit and A-F letter grade earned abroad
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UNCP Study Abroad Application Forms
Have you talked with the Office of Global Engagment and are ready to apply?
Semester Long/Summer Application
There is a $50 application fee associated with either program, this fee is non-refundable and it is highly encouraged you seek council with the Office of Global Engagement before applying.
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Is language a requirement?
All of UNCP's exchange partners offer classes in English. However, sometimes course selection is limited; so it is important to learn about the course offerings at the school you are considering. See our list of exchange partners for more information.
The UNC Language Exchange is a collaboration among universities in the UNC System that expands the number and diversity of online language courses available to UNC System students. It provides students with course offerings and course delivery modes that might not be available at their home institution and streamlines the inter-institutional registration process.
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Are there any scholarships?
Yes! UNCP offers several scholarships for study abroad. Follow this link for information.
Students can also use financial aid to help with their study abroad expenses. Make an appointment in the Financial Aid Office to discuss your options.
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How do I get a passport or visa?
The UNCP Mail Services! Just call or stop by to make an appointment.
Applications for a first-time passport may take only four to six weeks, but during busy times you should allow up to ten.Visa regulations vary widely, and processing may take from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the country.
Check with the embassy of your host country as soon as possible to confirm their visa requirements.Follow this link for additional information.
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Can students who need physical or academic accommodations study abroad?
Absolutely. Just be sure to consult with your study abroad coordinator and the staff at your host university. Accessibility and accommodations may vary at different program sites.
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Ready to depart for your program?
Review the U.S. Department of State's website for international travel and the Pre-Departure Handbook found at the bottom of this page.
