Studying Abroad with Magellan Exchange at UNA: Everything You Need to Know

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Consider studying abroad through Magellan Exchange at the University of North Alabama (UNA) to experience a semester or year at a partner university abroad for the cost of UNA tuition. This opportunity provides numerous benefits such as language options, potential cost savings, easy access to public transportation, and cultural experiences. Learn about scholarships, housing options, available classes, academic calendar considerations, and how to register for classes through UNA. Embark on a transformative international academic journey with Magellan Exchange.

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Magellan Exchange Semester (or Year) Abroad Dr. Christy Office of International Affairs 211 Powers Hall tcchristy@una.edu 256-765-5217

Why Choose Magellan? You can study 1 or 2 semesters at a partner university abroad for the price of UNA tuition There will be no disruption of your student loan, scholarships, financial aid, etc. You can take classes in either English or the host country language that transfer to UNA You will possibly spend less than at UNA since you will have no car expenses, and will pay no UNA fees other than the technology fee You will have access to student-discounted public transportation You will have countless travel and cultural enrichment opportunities

Getting There You can apply for a UNA Study Abroad Scholarship which provides $800 you can use to cover expenses associated with your study abroad (for example, airfare, books, etc.). Fall Semester application deadline is November 1 (Spring Semester deadline is February 15) If you qualify for a Pell Grant, you can also apply for a Gilman International Scholarship: http://www.iie.org/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship- Program#.WIIgfNgzXs0 (awards are up to $5000 to apply toward study abroad).

Room and Board Housing options vary, depending on the university. Expect to pay approximately the same amount you would pay for on-campus housing at UNA. Typical options include: Dormitory Living with a host family Sharing a house or apartment The cost of food is approximately the same as you would pay for a UNA Meal Plan.

Classes Abroad Many classes are taught in English. A comprehensive list of classes taught in English at all our Magellan partner universities is available here: http://www.magellanexchange.org/Students/St udents%20Additional%20Resources.aspx Language and culture classes, as well as academic classes taught in the language of the host university are also available.

Calendar Considerations When planning your semester (or year) abroad, please consult (at www.magellanexchange.org) the Calendar for each of the universities you re considering since, in some cases, the fall semester continues into late January or early February. This is the case, for example, with our partner universities in Germany and Spain. If either of these is your destination, you should choose spring semester.

Registering for Classes You will register, and pay your tuition, at UNA by signing up for 12 hours of Study Abroad as follows: SA 499 (05) = 5 credit hours of study abroad SA 499 (04) = 4 credit hours of study abroad SA 499 (03) = 3 credit hours of study abroad 5 + 4 + 3 = 12 credit hours Some partners allow you to take more than 12 hours, but 12 is the definition of full time student, required for your visa. You will also be registered for the zero-credit SA 498, which is used to record on your official transcript that you spent a semester/year abroad. Employers today value *experiential learning* especially highly.

Credit for Classes Taken Abroad Before departing you will meet with your advisor in the Major, and with me, to determine possible course equivalencies. This will be recorded on the Study Abroad Academic Pre- Approval form. Since foreign transcripts are typically not available in time to assign grades, you will receive the grade Incomplete for your classes abroad. These Incompletes will be changed to the appropriate letter grade, for the equivalent UNA course, once your transcript has been evaluated.

Visa Requirements For most countries, you will need to obtain a visa before departing. To obtain a visa for France you must appear at the French Consulate in Atlanta for your visa interview. For a visa to Spain you must have an FBI background check and go to the Spanish Consulate in Houston, Texas. No visa is required for Americans to study in Germany. Details of the protocol for obtaining a visa are handled on a case by case, country by country basis. The fee for a visa is typically $100 to $150. For visa requirements check http://travel.state.gov/ In the course of applying for a visa you will need your letter of acceptance from the host institution as well as a statement (from parents/guardian/bank) guaranteeing your financial support.

Application to the Host University Once you have been accepted and placed by the Magellan Exchange, you will be contacted by the host university to fill out their online application form. Upon approval you will receive a Letter of Acceptance that you will need to obtain your visa.

Details about Housing Once your application to the host university has been accepted, you will be contacted by their office of international affairs regarding housing options and prices.

Pre-Departure Orientation Information This information covers all aspects of the study abroad experience, especially practical matters such as withdrawing money abroad, plug adaptors, cell phones, how to call home, seeking medical assistance, using public transportation, etc. The Pre-Departure Information Powerpoint is posted at www.una.edu/study-abroad . You can contact me by email or phone with any remaining questions.

Medical Release and iNext Insurance Before departure you must have a physical exam, either at the Student Health Center or with your own doctor, and complete and have notarized a Medical Release Form which confirms your fitness to undertake travel abroad. Many Notaries are available on campus, including in the Office of International Affairs, where Ms. Marthaler (Powers Hall 209) will assist you. She will also issue your iNext Insurance policy, which costs around $55.

Tips for Completing the Online Magellan Application Begin your application today. You can then complete it and pay the $150 application fee before the applicable deadline (October 15 for Spring, March 15 for Fall). If you are paying close to the deadline it s best to use the credit card option. By starting your application now I am aware of who is interested, and can send out deadline reminders. Use your UNA email for your primary email address. *Be sure to check your UNA email regularly to avoid missing important announcements and deadlines.* You need to select 3 possible host universities (most applicants get their first choice). For transcript information, just log into UNA Portal, copy your transcript, and paste it into a Word document, which you can attach. No need to buy an official transcript.

Application tips, continued Under the Student tab at www.magellanexchange.org click on Additional Resources, which will take you to a linked Word document listing all courses taught in English at partner universities (all courses at University of Tasmania are taught in English, so this newest Magellan partner is not included in this list). By searching this document (Control F + keyword), you can quickly determine which partner institutions offer courses in your area of study. In consultation with me and your advisor in the major, the following form will be completed prior to your departure. This facilitates the process of establishing course equivalencies upon your return, and provides you with an insurance policy in that you know your credits will indeed transfer back to UNA.

Study Abroad Academic Pre-Approval Form Name:________________________________ Student#: ________________________________ Home Institution:_______________________ College/School: ___________________________ Major(s): ______________________________ Minor: __________________________________ UNA Faculty-Led Program: Faculty Leader:_______________ Destination: _______________: Program Dates:_____ Magellan Exchange: (Check One): Semester _____; Year_____ Program Dates: _______________________________ Destination Country: ____________________ Partner University: __________________________

Pre-Approval Form, cont. Course title on Study Abroad Program Credit hours Course counts towards: Major requirement ___ Minor requirement ___ General Ed. ___ Elective ___ Major requirement ___ Minor requirement ___ General Ed. ___ Elective ___ Major requirement ___ Minor requirement ___ General Ed. ___ Elective ___

Pre-Approval Form, cont. The above-named student is approved to study abroad according to the terms listed above. Faculty Advisor:_________________________________ ___________________Date: __________ Magellan Coordinator ________________________________________ _______Date: __________

Questions? Preguntas? Fragen? Wenti? Many questions that come to mind regarding a partner university abroad can best be answered by consulting their webpage at www.magellanexchange.org Here you will find information about classes, scheduling, fees, and more.

Useful Addresses http://travel.state.gov/ http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/t w_1764.html http://studentsabroad.state.gov/ http://cdc.gov