STUDY ABROAD STEP BY STEP

1. DECIDE WHERE AND WHEN YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO

For the complete list of study abroad programs, please go to oru.via-trm.com.

Check out the "Most Popular Programs" link on the left to find ORU students' favorite schools. Although many students have great experiences at these schools,  you are not limited to them. ORU students have attended over forty different institutions abroad.

Get advice from your advisor and from friends who have gone before. You can also search the web for more ideas. Take the description of your selected program or school to your academic advisor to see which courses will transfer into your degree plan sheet.

2. MEET WITH YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR

Discuss how the courses offered at the off-campus institution will fit into your degree plan.  Also, plan how you can complete your degree  in the remainder of your time at ORU so you can be sure to resolve any scheduling conflicts before graduation. For non-course credits, don't hesitate to contact your department chair.

3. SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH A STUDY ABROAD ADVISOR

Meet with a study abroad advisor by scheduling it online or coming to the Study Abroad Office. In the meeting, you will discuss your plans and the application process. The sooner you meet with an advisor, the better.

4. START THE STUDY ABROAD APPLICATION

Go to oru.via-trm.com to create a profile and start an application.
The study abroad advisor will explain the details and deadlines to you.

5. APPLY TO THE PROGRAM AT THE OFF-CAMPUS INSTITUTION (FOR NON-ORU PROGRAMS ONLY)

Start your application with your study abroad provider. Each program has different deadlines, so read the instructions carefully and allow plenty of time. The sooner you send your application in, the sooner the school will respond with your acceptance and other information.  Depending on the program you wish to attend, you may need to arrange for housing.

6. COMPLETE ALL THE VIA-TRM ONLINE FORMS

Once accepted into the program, you must complete all the forms on your via-trm account.

7. CONTACT YOUR PROFESSORS (ORU PROGRAMS ONLY)

Make sure all your professors know you will be taking their classes while abroad. Please contact the study abroad office if you need help communicating with them. 

8. APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Search for possible scholarships. Spanish students can apply for Club scholarships by downloading and filling out the application here. Financial Aid may have other financing options. For more information, contact the financial aid office.

9. PASSPORT AND VISA

If you need to renew or get a new passport, do it fast, especially if you also need a visa. You need your original Birth Certificate for the passport application. Depending on your program and length of stay, you may need a Student Visa. France has a highly complex procedure to follow. See instructions under "Visas" or in the study abroad office. Obtaining a French visa will probably involve going to the nearest consulate.

10. START SEARCHING FOR AIRLINE TICKETS

Start searching for airline tickets about three months before departure unless you are in the low season. Make reservations, if possible, two months ahead.

11. INFORM THE STUDY ABROAD OFFICE OF YOUR FINAL DATES OF DEPARTURE AND RETURN

Inform the Study Abroad Office of your final dates of departure and return. The number of days will affect your insurance coverage. If your dates change, contact the study abroad office immediately.

12. ATTEND MANDATORY PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION MEETING

This final meeting is mandatory.  You will not be cleared to travel if you do not attend. Here you will get your final signature from the study abroad coordinator.

13. STAY IN TOUCH

Stay in touch by email with your academic advisor and your study abroad director while you are abroad. Any change in classes taken would need their approval. Have your transcript sent directly to ORU Registrar. Attn: Transfer Coordinator.

14. UPON RETURN, COMPLETE THE STUDY ABROAD QUESTIONNAIRE

After you return, please pick up a study abroad questionnaire from your study abroad coordinator and complete it.

*For more information, download and read the ORU OFF CAMPUS AND STUDY ABROAD HANDBOOK.