10 Steps to Study Abroad

Learn the Terms

Start here! Review important terminology, timelines, processes, and all the general information you need to know before planning your study abroad experience. Great beginning resource for students and their families. 

Get Your Passport

Students must have a valid passport or have applied for a passport at the time of their application. Passports must be valid for up to 6 months after the end of the proposed study abroad program. 

Students and community members can now apply for and renew their U.S. passports at the UNM bookstore! For more information, please visit the Passport Acceptance Center website.

Search Programs

Research programs based on your study abroad goals. Use filters as a guide for finding programs that are the best fit for you. Consider course offerings, location, cost, and semester start dates. 

• Exchange Programs - A study abroad program where the school has a specific agreement with UNM to accept our students. Students continue to pay their UNM tuition (scholarships & aid included) while abroad with the partner institution. These programs are tagged as "Exchange" when using the program type filter.
• Direct Enrollment -  A study abroad program offered by a provider company or a university without a formal exchange agreement with UNM. For these programs, the student must apply, enroll, and pay the provider tuition directly to the third-party organization. These programs are tagged as "Study Abroad" when using the program type filter. 
  • Independent Study Abroad- A type of direct enrollment study abroad where the program the student is interested in attending is not listed on the UNM Study Abroad Program Search Page. Students should complete an Independent Study Abroad application by the proper deadline to be eligible to study abroad at their independent program of choice.
• Faculty-Led Programs- Short-term programs (2-8 weeks) that are led by UNM faculty, staff, or student leaders and are often topic or disciplinary-focused. Most Faculty-Led programs run over winter, spring, or summer break. Many of these programs offer UNM credits – no credit transfers are needed. These programs are tagged as "Faculty/Teacher Led" when using the program type filter. 

Meet Your Study Abroad Advisor

You will need to set up a LoboAchieve appointment with a study abroad advisor. An advisor will be happy to answer any questions you have during your appointment. Simply search for the Global Education Office in LoboAchieve.

Fall Walk-in advising hours are Tuesdays-Thursdays from 1:30 PM-3:00 PM at the Global Education Office (The Global Education Office is on the second floor of Mesa Vista Hall. We are above AASS, AISS, and El Centro). 

Students are encouraged to attend Abroad 101 Group Sessions held at the start of each month for first time meetings. February 9th, February 23rd, March 1st, and April 12th are the Spring 2024 dates. Students can register for these group appointments LoboAchieve.

Leanne Olona, Study Abroad Advisor

Exchange, Direct Enroll, Independent Programs
liolona@unm.edu
Asia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, all of Europe (Except France, Italy, Spain & Portugal)

Madde Lesnewich, Study Abroad Advisor

Exchange, Direct Enroll, Independent Programs
mlesnewich@unm.edu
France, Italy, Spain & Portugal, The Americas, Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands), Africa, The Middle East

Sara Gutierrez, Faculty-Led Program Coordinator 

Faculty-Led (Group) International Programs (All Regions)
sagutierrez@unm.edu or flip@unm.edu

General Study Abroad Questions 

studyabd@unm.edu

Meet With Your Academic Advisor

Plan early!  Once you have selected a program, you should meet with your academic advisor to make sure the program satisfies your academic requirements and keeps you on track for graduation. Research the courses you would like to take abroad before meeting with your academic advisor. 

Review the GEO Credit Transfer page to prepare for your advising meeting.

Explore Your Resources

• Funding and Scholarships
• Health and Safety
• Credit Transfer
• Visas
• Diversity in Study Abroad
• Mental and Emotional Well-Being Abroad
• Discussing Politics Abroad
• What to Pack
• Study Abroad Resources Through UNM Libraries

Complete Your GEO Application

Once you have met with an advisor, and selected your first choice program, you can start your application! Complete your application by the final deadline. 

Deadlines:

Applications are reviewed at both the Early Decision and Final Deadline dates. Decisions will be released to students shortly after each deadline. 

For exchange programs, students are accepted for nomination spots on a first-come, first-served as qualified. The number of nomination spots for each program varies.

Students who submit their applications earliest in the application window have the best chance of being accepted for their first-choice program. 

• Fall or Academic Year:
  • Early Decision Deadline: November 15
  • Final Deadline: February 15
• Spring or Calendar Year:
  • Early Decision Deadline: June 15
  • Final Deadline: September 15
• Summer Deadline:
  • Final Deadline: March 1

Apply to Your Host Program

After submitting your GEO application, you will receive notice if you’ve been accepted to study abroad. Students who are accepted will then be instructed to apply directly to their host program or university. This application may include online or mail-in documents to be completed entirely by the student. Check the program’s website or check in with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Get Ready to Go!

After you have been accepted by GEO to study abroad, a new list of requirements will appear in your UNM Study Abroad account.

1. Apply to your host program or university
2. Complete the remaining items on your GEO application as soon as you are able. 
   • Apply for your visa (if required)
   • Make an appointment with the SHAC Travel Clinic
   • Purchase your UNM international health insurance
   • Secure housing abroad
   • For a full list of tasks, please refer to your Post-Decision Application 
3. Attend your MANDATORY Pre-Departure Orientation. 

All Post-Decision tasks should be completed one month before your departure date.

Attend study abroad workshops and meet with your advisor to answer specific concerns or questions you may have!

Stay Connected! 

While you are abroad:  

• Reach out if you have any questions or concerns. The Education Abroad team is happy to help!
• Send your advisor updates! Advisors love to hear about your experiences
• Tag @unmstudyabroad in your Instagram photos

When you return: 

• Utilize returnee resources
• Share your story: volunteer at study abroad events and encourage your friends to study abroad!