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 |
| Affiliate | November | March 1 | Rolling basis after Jan. 15 | 2-3 weeks after review begins and after submission | |
| Direct Enrollment | November | March 1 | |||
| 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 |
| Affiliate | May | October 1 | Rolling basis after Aug. 15 | 2-3 weeks after review begins and after submission | |
| Direct Enrollment | May | October 1 | |||
| 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 | Affiliate | November | March 1 | Rolling basis after Jan. 15 | 2-3 weeks after review begins and after submission |
| Direct Enrollment | November | March 1 | |||
| Faculty-led | September | February 1 | Rolling basis upon submission | 2-3 weeks after submission |
Begin your study abroad journey by checking out these frequently asked questions:
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Why Should I Study Abroad?
See and experience new locations around the world
Improve your intercultural understanding and develop your appreciation for people from other countries, cultures, and traditions. Enjoy the sites and natural wonders of places you have always wished to see.Expand your worldview by gaining a global perspective
Study abroad experiences have a long-term impact on the worldview of those who participate; when you study abroad you will learn to respect and appreciate cultural differences and beliefs.Diversify your educational experience
Study abroad will give you the opportunity to learn in different environments, to experience your lessons in new ways, and to gain first-hand experience of the places you would normally see only in pictures. Go beyond the campus and learn through a variety of unique academic experiences.Personal Growth
Prepare yourself for the future by increasing your self-confidence and maturity. Learn to survive and thrive when faced with uncertainty and unexpected challenges.Improve your chances for a great job after graduation
Your study abroad experience will a great addition to your resume. Employers value international experience and the skills you will learn while studying abroad. -
Where Can I Go?
Exchange Options
Click HERE for a list of our current partners
Study abroad is not out of reach. When you choose to study at one of our partner universities you are able to enjoy an affordable study abroad experience.
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Pay the same tuition & fees you would normally pay if you were on campus (room & board costs vary by program)
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Make new friends and enjoy the opportunity to connect with students who have come to UNCP during previous semesters
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All of UNCP's exchange partners offer classes in English. However, sometimes course selection can be 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.
Study Abroad Belize Faculty-Led Study Abroad
Click HERE for a list of our current programs
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Study abroad with UNCP students and faculty
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Short-term trips are great for those who wish to explore new places and for students who are going abroad for the first time
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Faculty-led trips may be offered in the fall, spring or summer, depending on department preference
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Travel takes place in December, over Spring Break, during Maymester or over the summer
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No need to worry about credit transfer. All faculty-led programs are sponsored by UNCP
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Financial Aid and scholarships are available
Previous Locations
Belize - Bermuda - Canada - China - Costa Rica - France - Germany - Ireland - Japan - Mexico - Oman - Spain - Thailand
Study Away Yellowstone Faculty-Led Study Away
Click HERE for a list of our current programs.
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Study in the U.S. with UNCP students and faculty
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Explore new places around the U.S.
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Faculty-led trips may be offered in the fall, spring or summer, depending on department preference
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Travel takes place in December, over spring break, during Maymester or over the summer.
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Financial Aid and scholarships are available.
Previous Locations
Charleston - Grand Canyon - Nashville - Puerto Rico - Savannah - Washington D.C. - Yellowstone
Check out our students' stories about their experiences!
See more pictures on our Facebook Page- Global Braves and at #uncp_studyabroad and #everywherealwaysbrave
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What are the Requirements to Study Abroad?
Students planning to study abroad must:
- Be in good academic standing
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.50
- 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
Find out more here.
*Students studying abroad for a semester or a year and students who have transferred to UNCP must meet additional requirements.
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Do I Have to Speak a Language Other Than English?
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.
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What are the
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What do I do first?
Begin by making some general decisions about your study abroad experience:
- 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?
- Check out the eligibility requirements, listed below, for study abroad.
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Next, gather information
If you want to travel abroad for a semester or a year:
- Look at the exchange partners website for a list of current partner schools and consortiums.
- Which schools interest you? Does it offer the courses you need?
- Make an appointment with the Study Abroad (SA) Coordinator to discuss your options. Students should contact the SA Coordinator at least 6 months prior to their desired study abroad dates.
If you want to go on a faculty-led program:
- Look at the faculty-led website for a list of current programs.
- Which program interests you? Is it being offered this semester?
- Attend an interest meeting or speak to the faculty-lead about the program.
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Fill out an application
- Find the correct application HERE.
- Be sure to pay attention to the deadlines.
- Pay the $50 application fee.
- Turn in all of the required documents.
Eligibility requirements for students planning to study abroad:
- You must be in good academic standing. Your name will be submitted to the Director of Student Conduct & the Director of Counseling & Psychological Services.
- A minimum (overall) GPA of 2.50 is required for long-term study abroad. This GPA must be maintained throughout the semester leading up to the program start date & the program itself.
- Short-term study abroad allows for anyone who has a 2.0 GPA or higher. Freshman are also eligible for short-term study abroad.
- Students must complete at least 30 hours before being considered for semester/year-long study abroad, unless otherwise stated.
- Freshman and Transfer students must have completed 1 full semester of study at UNCP before participating in study abroad.
- You must be enrolled at least part-time.
Additional requirements for semester or year-long study abroad programs:
- Student must meet with the SA 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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Acquire a U.S. Passport
- Acquire a U.S. passport
- Visit our passport information page for more information
Explore your financial options
- Arrange a meeting with the UNCP Office of Financial Aid
- Research applicable scholarships
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How Much Will It Cost?
The cost of your study abroad experience is based on several factors including:
- The program you choose
- The length of your program
- The country where you will be studying
- The cost of transportation
- The additional activities you have planned
More information can be found here.
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Are there any scholarships?
Yes! UNCP offers several scholarships for study abroad, and there are several companies and foundations that give scholarships as well. Follow this link for information about UNCP scholarships and check out this page for a list of external scholarships. Be sure to pay attention to deadlines when you apply.
Students can also use financial aid to help with their study abroad expenses. Make an appointment with Julie Leach in the Financial Aid Office to discuss your options. Additional Information about using financial aid for study abroad can be found here.
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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.
Follow this link for more information. This information is in the Special Concerns section.
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How do I get a passport or visa?
The UNCP Post Office is now a passport center. 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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Who should I contact about study abroad?
For information about study abroad, call 910.775.4095 or questions can be sent to oge@uncp.edu.
Passports and Visas
Do You Need a Passport?
Applying for a passport should be one of your first priorities after you decide to study abroad.
A valid passport is required for all study abroad programs. We recommend you get a Passport Book and contact UNCP Mail Center to schedule an appointment: passports@uncp.edu.
WHERE CAN I GET A PASSPORT?
- The UNCP Mail Center processes applications for U.S. passports! This is open to all UNCP students, staff, and faculty as well as members of the surrounding community.
- If you need your passport photo taken, you can have it taken at the Braves Card Office.
- Applications for a first-time passport may take only four to six weeks, but during busy times you should allow eight to ten weeks.
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If you are really short on time, you may request express processing of your passport application for an extra cost plus overnight delivery costs. Processing a passport with this service usually takes about two weeks, but to request this service, you must show proof (such as an airline ticket) that you will be leaving the country in less than three weeks.
HOW MUCH DOES A PASSPORT COST?
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET A PASSPORT?
Visit the following website for detailed instructions:
Department of State Passport Photo Guidelines
Department of State Passport First Time Applicants
Department of State Passport Renew Applicants
Do You Need a Visa?
- A visa is an official document (endorsement or stamp) issued by the government of the host country that allows the bearer to visit that country. It is your responsibility to verify the visa requirements for your host country and obtain your student visa.
- 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.
- Some embassies will accept (or require) visa applications to be submitted in person; others will accept (or require) applications to be submitted by mail. It is important that you begin the visa application process immediately to ensure that you receive your visa in time.
- To find out whether or not you will need one for your study abroad adventure, search HERE.
Reminder: If you plan to visit other countries while abroad you should ensure you have the proper documentation to enter those countries too, including a visa if necessary, and also to reenter your host country. Visit embassy websites to find out which documentation you will need.
Ready to Depart? Review the U.S. Department of State's website for international travel and the Pre-Departure Handbook.