About Study Abroad

Important Dates

Deadlines to Study Abroad
FALL:
ISEP: January 28
All other programs: March 10

SPRING:
ISEP: August 28
All other programs: October 1

SUMMER:
March 10

Qualifications to Study Abroad

Must have completed two semesters
Must be enrolled as a Northwest student
Must contain at least a 2.5 GPA
- ISEP program requires a 2.75 GPA
- Sophia University requires a 3.0 GPA
Must want to have fun, keep and open mind, and be excited to learn about the globe!

Benefits of Studying Abroad

There are many benefits of studying abroad. Here is just a list of a few of them. Also check out what the Study Abroad Alumni have to say about it!

Study Abroad...

Expands your career options
Sets you apart from your peers
Develops your self awareness and concept
Enhances skills in communication, leadership, collaborating, problem solving, decision making and more
Helps you to learn about yourself
Gives you a broader perspective of the world
Helps you to network and make international friendships
Enhances language proficiency
Gives you a chance to travel the world for less
Improves your resume

And most importantly...

Lets you experience the best time of your life!

Why Should YOU Study Abroad and Where!?

Answer the following questions to help find out if you are a good candidate to study abroad. Also, these questions will help assist in making decisions on where to go and when.

Why do you want to study abroad?
Have you been out of the country?
When do you want to study abroad?
Do you want to study abroad more than once?
In what country or countries would you like to study?
Do you want to study abroad for a year, semester, summer, or participate in a faculty study tour?
Why have you chosen this length of time?
If you chose only summer, would you consider studying for an entire semester?
If you chose only one semester, would you consider studying for an entire year?
When would be the best semester to study abroad for you? (fall/spring/summer) Why?
When would be the best year for you (sophomore, junior, senior)?
How does study abroad fit into your personal or academic plans?
What kind of living arrangements do you prefer? (single dorm, roommate, apartment host-family, off-campus apartment, on-campus)
Do you have cost restraints?
Are you aware of financial aid, personal loans, and/or the Gilman scholarship?
Do you think you are a good candidate to study abroad? Why?
What are some things that scare you about studying abroad?
What are some myths or rumors you have heard about study abroad? Have you researched this or talked to people with experience?
Do you believe you are emotionally stable to be away from home for the amount of time?
Would you prefer a program in which you are with other American students mainly? Or would you like to participate in a program in which you get the chance to completely immerse into the culture?
Do you feel comfortable traveling on your own? Or do you prefer to be with other Northwest students?
During your time abroad, do you prefer to have unstructured time and freely use your time outside of the classroom? Or would you prefer to participate in a program in which time is structured and there is constant programming going on?
Do you believe you will take the time to explore new things and meet new people?
What type of location would you prefer? (small town, city, large city, metropolitan area)
How are you going to benefit from this experience?

Northwest Missouri State University