Non-UM Programs
Our goal is to encourage every student at The University of Montana to participate in Study Abroad during their academic career at the university. We recognize that not all students will find a program at the university 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 The University of Montana. For information about finding and applying for such a program, safety, credit transfer, financial aid, and preparing for your departure, please read the steps below.
Step 1: Finding a program to fit your needs
Step 2: Considering your safety
Step 3: Applying to a program
Step 4: Ensuring credit transfer
Step 5: Financial Aid
Step 6: Preparing for your departure
Step 7: While you are away
Study Plan Approval Form for Non-UM Sponsored Study Abroad Programs
Step 1: Finding a program to fit your needs
You may find information about Non-UM Study Abroad Programs through a number of resources:
- Use materials from the International Program's resource library:
- Consult reference books such a 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 for credit transfer information).
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.
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Step 2: Considering your safety
Many students and their families have concerns about overseas travel and safety. It is imperative that you and your family carefully evaluate the safety and location of any study abroad program in which you may participate. We strongly urge you to consult the U.S. Department of State's web site. There, you will find a list of current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, which the U.S. Department of State regularly updates. The U.S. Department of State also maintains 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 in the International Programs, the program provider, and even 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 IP 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 sponsored 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 UM's International Programs at studyabroad@umontana.edu or 243-2296.
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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, or Registrar at UM to approve your application. You don't need permission from UM to participate in a study abroad program, although the program may still require signatures from specific UM offices. 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;
- The Vice President for Student Affairs if the form asks to verify disciplinary standing at UM;
- Your advisor and major/minor department chair or Admissions & New Student Services if asked to verify that you will receive credit participating in the program.
- International Programs if the form asks you to get approval from a Study Abroad Advisor or International Office on campus.
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Step 4: Ensuring credit transfer
- The first step to ensure credit transfer is to verify with Admissions and New Student Services in Enrollment Services that the institution is regionally accredited and that UM will recognize and accept credit from that institution.
- The second step is to get approval from your academic advisor and the heads of the academic departments for which degree requirements you want the credits to apply to. Whether the credit will apply for your major, minor, or general education requirements is up to you, your academic advisor, the department chair for your major and/or minor, and the UM Admissions and New Student Services office in Enrollment Services. Complete the Study Plan Approval for Non-UM Sponsored Study Abroad Programs according to the instructions provided on the form. Keep a copy of the form for yourself and ask your advisor to also keep one in your file. Submit the original copy of this form to International Programs.
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Step 5: Financial aid
It may be possible to receive financial aid for your program. Consult the Financial Aid Office to see if your program qualifies for financial aid. Inquire about a Consortium Agreement.
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Step 6: Preparing for your departure
Before embarking on your overseas adventure, there are many details to consider, so be sure that you:
- Inform your advisor and major/minor department chair of your plans, and keep in contact (i.e. via email) in case your academic plan of study changes while you are gone (remember that if there are any changes to your Study Plan Approval Form, you must have the changes approved);
- Update your address with Business Services or leave them the address of a reliable friend or family member who can process any UM correspondence in your absence;
- Visit a health care professional to discuss your health needs (and obtain immunizations) for your travel abroad. Visit the Center for Disease Control & Prevention for travel and health information for the regions to which you are traveling;
- Inform yourself of any safety concerns in the region you will be visiting. Read the U.S. State Department's travel advisories for region-specific information;
- Visit Mobility International USA for more information for travelers with disabilities;
- Contact your health insurance provider to ensure that you are covered while abroad; if not, purchase health insurance to cover you while you travel (purchase adequate coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation);
- Consider purchasing an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) at Foreign Student and Scholar Service in Lommasson Center 219 or seeCouncil Travel. ISIC provides many student discounts and covers Emergency Evacuation, Repatriation, and some sickness/accident and travel insurance;
- Obtain a passport by applying at the local post office - apply early, as the process may take four to six weeks;
- Apply for a student visa (if necessary) at the consulate of the country to which you will be traveling (your program should provide you with visa information and requirements, or see www.embpage.org to access your host country's embassy web site;
- Consider leaving the following items with a family member and/or friend:
- Your travel itinerary and appropriate contact numbers;
- A copy of your passport (and visa, if applicable);
- A list of your traveler's cheques in case of theft or loss;
- Your banking or credit card information in case of theft or loss;
- Power of Attorney.
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Step 7: While you are away
- 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 class catalog and class schedule while you are away at www.umt.edu/registrar.
- 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 International Programs at the address below. Once International Programs receives your original official transcript from your program, the office will submit it along with a copy of your Study Plan Approval Form for Non-UM Sponsored Study Abroad Programs to UM's Admissions and New Student Services to be evaluated for credit transfer.
- International Programs
The University of Montana
32 Campus Drive
Missoula, MT 59812
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Study Plan Approval Form for Non-UM Sponsored Study Abroad Programs Click here to open the form.
