Non-UM Study Abroad Programs

While our goal is to encourage every student at UM to participate in Study Abroad during their academic career, we recognize that not all students may find a program through UM that fits their academic interests and needs. For this reason, many students choose to participate in a Study Abroad Program that is not sponsored by UM. To learn how to find and apply for such a program, along with other important information to consider, please follow the steps below.

Steps

Step 1: Finding a Program

Step 2: Considering Your Safety

Step 3: Applying to a Program

Step 4: Ensuring Credit Transfer

Step 5: Financial Aid

Step 6: UM Travel Policy

Step 7: Preparing for Your Departure

Step 8: While You're Abroad

A plum blossom tree in Kyoto

Step 1

Finding a Program ^

In selecting a program, bear in mind such concerns as cost of program, and your personal goals for study. Above all, remember to consult your academic advisor concerning his/her recommendations for your study plan. Your advisor and the chair of your department will determine if the classes you take abroad may count towards your UM degree. You may find information about Non-UM Study Abroad Programs through a number of resources:

Search the web through a general search or at sites such as:
Use materials from the International Program's resource library:
- Consult reference books such as Academic Year Abroad and Short-Term Study Abroad
- Skim our collection of brochures and fliers from various language institutes, foreign institutions, and other American universities.
Be aware that the presence of brochures in our library does not automatically guarantee UM approval of credit. UM can only transfer credit based on an official transcript from a regionally accredited institution of higher education and provided that your credits have been pre-approved by the appropriate departments (see Step 4: Ensuring Credit Transfer)

Step 2

Considering Your Safety ^

A student standing with a group in traditional Korean garb It is imperative that you and your family carefully evaluate the safety and location of any study abroad program in which you may participate. UM requires all students to register their travel. On the U.S. Department of State's website, you will find a list of current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, Consular Information Sheets, Travel Publications, and other safety information about every country you may be considering for study abroad. In addition, we encourage you to consult resources available to you on our website, through the program provider, and even through personal contacts who may be able to advise you about travel in the location you are considering.

Please note that the presence of a program's brochure in the our library does not guarantee that the program's location is considered safe by UM standards. Also note that UM professors, department chairs, and admissions evaluators who approve your credit transfer for a study abroad program are not approving the safety of a program location. They can only approve credit transfer; it is up to you to assess the safety of any program you choose.

Please also be aware that UM cannot be held liable for the safety conditions of any non-UM study abroad program.If you have questions about the safety of any study abroad program, please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with the staff of Education Abroad at studyabroad@umontana.edu or (406) 243-2296.

Step 3

Applying to a Program ^

Once you have selected a Non-UM Study Abroad Program, it is your responsibility to contact the program and complete the application as required. Some programs will request signatures from a Study Abroad Advisor, Dean of Students, Registrar’s Office, or other offices at UM to approve your application. If your program requires UM's approval to participate in the program, please see:

The Registrar's Office if the form asks you to verify your enrollment or good academic standing at UM. You can also request this form via CyberBear.
The Vice President for Student Affairs if the form asks to verify disciplinary standing at UM
Your academic advisor and major/minor department chair or Admissions & New Student Services if asked to verify that you will receive credit participating in the program
Education Abroad Coordinator if the form asks you to get approval from a Study Abroad Advisor on campus.

Step 4

Ensuring Credit Transfer ^

Students participating on non-UM affiliated study abroad programs should complete the Study Plan Approval Form with information about the non-UM affiliated study abroad program. This form requires you to log in to your UM application account. This is the account you had to create to submit an application to UM and it is also the account you have used to access Beartracks. If you do not remember your login credentials, you can request to have your password reset. Contact admiss@umontana.edu if you have problems logging in.

If a U.S. school is issuing its resident credits and official transcript on behalf of the program (considered as the program’s “school of record”), then these are considered domestic credits and students should consult the information on the Office of Admissions Transfer Credit Evaluation page about course transfer pre-approvals.

Non-Transferable Programs

The University of Montana does not accept transfer credits that are not eligible to meet undergraduate-degree requirements of the respective institutions abroad. Make sure to inquire about their program and institution policies before applying to non-affiliated study abroad programs.

For example, summer and winter programs at Chinese universities generally are not transferable to the University of Montana, because these programs are not recognized by the Ministry of Education in China. Language programs that are not part of a regular degree program in the host country may not be eligible for direct transfer to a degree program to UM, though if approved by the language department at UM, may be eligible for Prior Learning Credit. Non-transferable programs are not eligible for financial aid. If you are uncertain whether or not your program is transferable, contact the Office of Admissions.

In some cases, UM Admissions-Evaluations may not be able to pre-approve courses for credit transfer for non-UM affiliated programs. In these cases, students will need to order an independent credential evaluation report after the courses have finished and once the final transcript is issued. See the Requesting Academic Records section on the Office of Admissions’ Academic Records page.

Step 5

Financial Aid ^

There are several different resources available to find out about funding opportunities:

Consult the Financial Aid Office to see if your program qualifies for any UM scholarships and/or student loans and to also inquire about a Consortium Agreement.
Check the website of the program that you are attending to see if they offer any financial aid or scholarship options.
Perform a general web search for non-UM scholarships and funding available.
Browse the Educations Abroad's Resource Library.

Step 6

Familiarize with and follow UM's International Travel Policy ^

The University of Montana's travel policy can be found at the International Travel Guidance web page on the menu bar above. Students should consult with UM Education Abroad if they have any questions or concerns about the expectations listed on that website.

Step 7

Preparing for Your Departure ^

Before embarking on your overseas adventure, there are many details to consider, so be sure that you register your travel with UM. You will find many helpful resources and learn about important UM requirements, such as minimum health insurance and other useful considerations.

Step 8

While You're Abroad ^

Save your syllabi, course notes, papers, homework, etc. from classes that you take while abroad in order to facilitate credit transfer upon your return to UM.
Access the course catalog and class schedule while you are away.
Pre-register for classes at UM via CyberBear; you will need to contact your advisor in order to obtain your advising PIN (for this reason, obtain his/her email address before your departure).
Before you leave your host institution, request at least one copy of your official transcript (it may be difficult to obtain extra copies later) to be sent to the Global Engagement Office at the address below. Once Education Abroad receives your original official transcript from your program, the office will submit it along with a copy of your Official Study Plan Approval Form to UM's Enrollment Services, Admissions and New Student Services to be evaluated for credit transfer.

Mail to:

University of Montana
Global Engagement - Education Abroad
32 Campus Drive Int'l Cntr
Missoula, MT 59812 USA