Study Abroad is a life changing educational experience that gives a fresh and unique perspective on the United States and the world. By living and studying in another country, students learn about different cultures while expanding their horizons and opening their minds.
Gateway Student Services serves as the university’s resource for students interested in study abroad. We will work with you and your academic advisor to provide information on study abroad opportunities. We encourage you to follow the timeline outlined below as you consider a study abroad experience:
12+ months before departure
- Explore Interest: Reflect on motivations for studying abroad and determine your preferred term.
- Research study abroad program providers:
- Metro State faculty-led study abroad:
- Metro State faculty-led study abroad programs are designed and delivered by a Metro faculty member and are part of Metro curriculum. Faculty-led study abroad programs are promoted by the individual faculty member and bear the course designation “A” at the end of the course number in eServices. (i.e HIST 365A).
- Minnesota State programs:
- Third-party providers:
- Metro State faculty-led study abroad:
- Academic advising: Meet with academic advisor to review degree audit; Identify courses that can be taken abroad; Discuss transfer credit policies and prerequisites
- Financial aid prep: Submit FAFSA and institutional aid forms.
- Budgeting: Plan for out-of-pocket costs (passport, visa, insurance, personal expenses); Research scholarships and external funding
- Start documentation: Begin passport application (if needed)
6–9 months before departure
- Program selection: Finalize program choice and apply; Confirm how study abroad fits graduation timeline
- Institutional approvals: Complete required forms for Metro State and provider
- Financial aid and payment: Ensure program costs are included in Cost of Attendance; complete consortium agreement for federal aid; Review provider payment schedule and refund policy
- Visa and travel: Begin visa application process
- Academic coordination: Secure course approvals for transfer credit; understand international transcript evaluation requirements (ECE/WES)
1–3 months before departure
- Pre-departure orientation: Attend sessions on cultural expectations, health/safety, and academic requirements
- Finalize logistics: Confirm travel documents (passport, visa); Submit emergency contact and liability forms
- Financial check: Confirm aid disbursement timeline and payment arrangements
- Prepare academically: Review syllabi and expectations for courses abroad
During study abroad
- Stay engaged: Communicate with Metro State as needed; Manage academic responsibilities and cultural adaptation
- Safety and support: Follow emergency procedures and maintain health insurance coverage
After Return
- Academic wrap-up: Submit official transcripts for evaluation; Ensure course-by-course evaluation by NACES member (ECE/WES)
- Credit transfer: Work with Registrar/Credential Evaluator for articulation
- Financial wrap-up: Confirm all aid reconciliations and outstanding payments
- Reflection: Attend post-travel debrief and provide feedback
- Graduation check: Confirm updated degree audit and graduation timeline
Still have questions?
Students interested in study abroad should first consult with their academic advisor and can email rachel.hanson@metrostate.edu for assistance.
Study Abroad Policies and Procedures
System Policy 3.41 Education Abroad Programs
System Procedure 3.41.1 Education Abroad Programs
Metro State Policy 2140 Study Abroad Programs
Metro State Procedure 214.A Study Abroad for Individual Students
Metro State Procedure 214.B Metro State Faculty/Staff Designed Study Abroad Programs