TAMU-CC Study Abroad Program Options

Understanding Program Types/Options: 

At TAMU-CC, we utilize three main program program types, or options, for students: Faculty-Led Programs, Independent Study/Provider Programs, and Exchange programs. There are many factors that students should consider before applying for a program such as their academic needs, financial resources, career aspirations, etc. Depending on a student's needs, there may be limitations on which program types may be available to them. 

TAMU-CC Faculty-Led Program 

Faculty-led programs are programs that are taught by TAMU-CC faculty in worldwide locations that are available to TAMU-CC students. Because the programs are taught by TAMU-CC faculty, courses can be very specific to a major or academic area; however, all of the courses/credits earned on these programs should already fit into student's degree plans as either a requirement or elective. Faculty-led programs tend to be shorter, in duration, often taking place over the summer months and can be a short as 10 days to as long as 6 weeks. Faculty-led programs will vary from year to year based on faculty interests and their areas of expertise.  

Provider Programs 

Independent Study, or Provider Programs, are study abroad programs that are available through a third-party provider such as study abroad organizations or other U.S. institutions such as other A & M system schools or the University of Wisconsin - River Falls. Since there are a lot of study abroad program providers, we encourage students to start with our recommended list FIRST before exploring other options. You can find program recommendations here.  All students who apply for independent or provider programs are still required to submit application materials to the TAMU-CC Office of International Education in order to be conditionally approved for your study abroad program.  Each program has its own application process and deadline, so please plan accordingly. Students applying for provider programs should set-up an appointment with the Office of International Education before they start the application process for the provider. 

Exchange Programs

Exchange Programs are programs in which TAMU-CC has a direct agreement with a specific institution overseas. Exchange programs allow students to study abroad for a semester or academic year. Currently, TAMU-CC is exploring the idea of adding more institutional exchange partners to the list, so be sure to stay tuned for updates. 

If students are interested in exploring exchange program options, please visit the Office of International Education and speak with a Study Abroad staff member. 

Exchange programs are programs in which TAMU-CC has a reciprocal agreement with an institution overseas. The reciprocal exchange agreement allows for each institution to send students to the host institution for a semester or academic year. Exchange programs are the most financially feasible for students who want to study abroad for a full semester or academic year due to the fact that students are paying TAMU-CC tuition while abroad. Housing, meals, airfare, and other program related expenses will vary based on the location and the amenities offered by the host institution. 

Current Exchange options: 

• University of Applied Sciences (Worms) - Worms, Germany*
• Colegio Universitario de Estudios Financieros (CUNEF) - Madrid, Spain*
• Tecnologico de Monterrey (Tec de Monterrey)- Puebla, Mexico
• Montpellier Business School (MBS) - Montpellier, France*
• Pontifica Universidad Javeriana (Bogota, Colombia)
• Universidade Federal De Juiz De Fora (UFJF) - Juiz De Fora, Brazil(Starting Fall 2022)

*Note: Programs with an asterisk are mainly for students in the College of Business as they were selected for their program compatibility with many of the academic majors/minors housed within the College of Business. 

Tecnologico de Monterrey, Pontifica Universidad Javeriana, and Universidade Federal De Juiz De Fora exchange programs are open to students from non-Business related majors; however, the program may have some restrictions such as foreign language requirements, or limited course selections in English.

Course Selections:

Course selections will vary depending on which exchange program a student selects. Programs marked with an asterisk (*) above, are more appropriate for students with Business-related majors. Students in the College of Business should consult their CoB Advisor to discuss degree progress, course options at the host university, as well as transferability of courses. Graduate level students in the College of Business may be able to participate in the exchange programs to CUNEF or MBS. 

Students interested in studying at the Tec de Monterrey campus in Mexico will need at least a B2/C1 Level (Intermediate/High) of Spanish in order to take classes in the Spanish language. There are some classes available in English; however, course availability will vary based on the term students wish to be abroad and which specific Tec de Monterrey campus they select. 

Regardless of location, students are expected to carry a full-time credit course load for their semester/terms abroad for either TAMU-CC or their host university. Students studying abroad for a semester are expected to take an equivalent of 12 U.S. credit hours (minimum for Undergraduates) and 9 U.S credit hours (minimum for Graduates) while abroad. Keep in mind that the credit system, and full-time credit course load may differ from one country to the next. For example, students studying in many European countries may be required to take a minimum of 30 ECTS credits per semester (approximately, 15 U.S. credit hours). 

Housing & Meals: 

Housing will vary depending on which exchange program students select. Many foreign institutions do not own their own housing accommodations, so they may work with a housing provider in order to provide accommodations to students on exchange. Many foreign institutions also do not provide meal plans for students; however, they do have dining facilities where students can purchase meals. Depending on the amenities included with the housing options, some students may be able to select self-catering housing options which would provide a kitchen/cooking area for students to prepare their own meals. Once, again, housing will vary based on program selection and the host institution. Most housing and meals are considered an "out-of-pocket" expense for students, so they should budget accordingly. 

Program Costs: 

Most exchange program participants will pay TAMU-CC tuition and insurance coverage for their term abroad. Students are expected to take a full-time credit course (minimum 12 U.S. credit hours for Undergraduates; minimum 9 U.S. credit hours for Graduates) load while abroad, and will be assessed for a minimum of 9 or 12 credit hours. Tuition fees will vary depending which college and which degree level students are enrolled in.

Tuition will be billed directly to students via their student/SAIL account. Tuition billing and due dates will follow the TAMU-CC tuition billing and payment due dates. Please check with the Bursars Office for updated dates. 

All students participating on an exchange program will be required to enroll in the TAMU System's international insurance coverage program provided by CISI. Overall cost for insurance will vary based on the students intended program dates. The Office of International Education will notify students of the cost as well as how to submit payment, closer to the students intended departure dates. 

Costs for housing, airfare, meals, and other amenities provided by the host university (or the host university's service provider) will be the students responsibility and may be payable directly to the host institution or the service provider the host institution utilizes. Students will need to check with their host university on when billing and payment deadlines are. Also note, some host institutions, or their service providers, may ask for deposits/payments via wire transfer. If this is the case, students may be responsible for any additional wire transfer fees incurred for these payments. 

Airfare: 

Airfare is NOT included in the exchange program fees. This gives students the flexibility to select their own travel dates and their own preferred airline provider. Students SHOULD NOT purchase flights until they have been officially admitted to their host institution and have been provided the arrival/departure dates for their program. In some cases where a student visa is required, students should not purchase flights until their visa has been approved or if they were instructed to do so by the host university. 

Some host institutions may offer an airport pick/reception program. If host institutions provide this option, they will let students know which dates and time frames to arrive in order to utilize this service. 

Visa/Passports: 

All students will need a valid passport in order to enter/exit the country. Passports must remain valid for at least 6 months after the program end date in order for it to remain valid. Most students applying to programs that are longer than 90 days in length, will require a student visa in order to enter and legally remain in the host country. Visa regulations/restrictions will vary depending on the student's home country/country of citizenship. For example, students who are U.S. passport holders studying in Germany for a semester might not need a German student visa in order to enter the country; however, students will need to apply for their Residency Permit, within 90 days of their entry into Germany, or after their initial entry into a Schengen country. 

Students who do not have a passport, or need to renew their passport, should do so as early as possible. U.S. residents should take note that passports/renewals can take at least 4-8 months. 

The visa application process from application submission to approval may take up to 3 months. Students cannot apply for a student visa until they have been officially admitted by their host university. Because of this, students should plan accordingly, as some consulate offices require students to submit the visa application in person at the nearest consulate office (Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, or Austin). Many consulate offices require students to make visa appointments weeks, if not months, in advance, so students should plan accordingly. 

Program Eligibility: 

• Sophomore + standing (some programs require students to be Junior standing by program start date)
• Good Academic Standing (Not on/completing academic probation)
• Good Behavioral Standing (No current judicial holds/sanctions; no major behavioral/misconduct records)
• 2.5 GPA minimum, 2.75+ preferred (UG); 3.0 minimum (GR) 
• Students in the College of Business must be nominated by the College of Business

To apply for an exchange program: 

Students in the College of Business (COB) should meet with their Academic Advisor first to discuss eligibility and course compatibility before submitting the application forms listed below. Only those who have been nominated by the College of Business will be asked to complete the application procedures.

COB students should have their nominations forwarded to the Office of International Education by following priority deadlines: Feb. 15 (Summer/Fall/Academic Year programs) or Sept. 15 (Spring programs) to allow them time to complete and submit the necessary application materials to our office. 

All students applying to a TAMU-CC exchange program, will need to submit the following application documents to the Office of International Education. 

• Study Abroad Application Form
• Personal Statement
• 2 Recommendation Letters
• TAMU-CC Internal Records Release Form
• Unofficial Transcripts (Accessible via SAIL Account)
• Language Proficiency Report(if applicable)

Application Deadlines: 

Summer/Fall/Academic Year applications due: Priority Deadline: February 15th

Spring applications due: Priority Deadline: September 15th

Faculty-Led Programs will vary with regards to length, location, and program content. Programs will get added to the list after they have received program approvals.

Faculty Led Program

Forms :

1.  Justification memo template
2.  Budget Worksheet
3.  Faculty Led Program Coversheet
4.  Faculty Led Program Detailed Narrative 

Since there are a lot of provider programs available out there, we highly encourage students to explore or utilize the following affiliate programs first, before exploring other outside study abroad providers. TAMU-CC has affiliation agreements with the following providers: 

• API (Academic Programs International)
• CIS abroad

As an affiliate partner institution, TAMU-CC students may receive special program offers or discounts from these specific providers.

PROVIDER PROGRAM APPLICATION PROCEDURES

1. Students set-up appointment with Study Abroad Advisor to discuss their program selection
2. Students submit a "Study Abroad Application Form," unofficial transcripts, and TAMU-CC Internal Records Release Requestform to the Office of International Education 
   • Students will need to complete follow-up procedures and forms with the Office of International Education
3. Students will ALSOneed to complete the application procedures for their specific provider program in order to be OFFICIALLY accepted into their program. 
   • Providers have their own application procedures and requirements, so students should research the process with their provider.
   • Providers will work with the student and their intended host university, for official admissions into the program. Failure to complete application materials for the provider may result in a student's inability to participate in the program. 
   • Providers will require students to obtain approval for their study abroad program from their home university. Students should be working with the TAMU-CC Office of International Education to complete study abroad approval or disciplinary verification forms for their provider program. 
4. Once students have been OFFICIALLY accepted into their program by the provider (or Host university), students will need to submit a copy of their acceptance letter to the Office of International Education. 

Application Deadlines for TAMU-CC: 

Students need to submit the TAMU-CC Study Abroad Application Form, unofficial transcripts, and TAMU-CC Internal Records Release Request form to our office by the following dates: 

• Summer/Fall/Academic Year Programs:March 1st
• Spring Programs:October 15th

Application Deadlines for Provider Programs: 

Application procedures, requirements, and deadlines will vary for based on which provider program and term student's select; however, below is list of general deadlines that most provider programs have: 

• Summer/Fall/Academic year Programs:March 15th
• Spring Programs:October 15th

Notes/Reminders: 

Financing & Scholarships: 

Students currently receiving financial aid may be able to apply their financial aid towards an independent/provider program. Students should work with the Financial Aid Office to discuss eligibility as well as additional aid. Students should make sure their FAFSA is up to date, and, also, have information about what their overall program costs (program fees + out-of-pocket expenses) will be.

Students utilizing Veteran's benefits may have more limitations when it comes to independent/provider programs. State benefits may only apply towards tuition fees assessed by TAMU-CC. In this instance, provider programs would not fit the criteria since the tuition fees are being assessed by the provider and being paid to a foreign institution.

There are a lot of study abroad scholarships available to students; however, depending on the provider, location, and length of the program, scholarship eligibility will vary. Students should check with their provider programs to see if there are any specific scholarships available through the provider, or host university. 

Students can also apply for the TAMU-CC Study Abroad Scholarship as well. The application cycle for this scholarship is open on a term-by-term basis, so students should apply according to the term they plan to study abroad; for example, students who plan to study abroad for Fall 2018, should apply by the May 1, 2018 application deadline. The TAMU-CC Scholarship application is online and can be found on the TAMU-CC scholarship website. 

Housing and Meals: 

Housing accommodations will vary based on which program and location students are applying to. Many institutions overseas do not own their own on-campus housing, so they may utilize housing providers to supply accommodations for students. Accommodations can range from student dormitories to shared apartments, or even homestay options. Students should research housing accommodations as well, as this may affect a student's program selection or overall program fees. Homestay options may not be available with every program or location. It is more common to find homestay options available in programs to Spanish-speaking destinations. 

Most universities overseas do not have meal plans for students; however, they will have dining options available for students. Students may be able to select housing/accommodations that are "self-catering" which means they come with a shared kitchen or cooking space; thus, allowing students to purchase groceries and cook their own meals. Most homestay options, though a bit more expensive, should include most, if not all meals for students. 

Courses and Credits: 

All courses and credits earned on an independent/provider program will be considered transfer credit since the credits are being awarded through a different institution. Courses and credits will transfer back to TAMU-CC; however, not all of the courses and credits are guaranteed to transfer back as a specific TAMU-CC course. Depending on the course and how comparable it is to the TAMU-CC course offerings, academic departments may choose to approve the credit for transfer as a specific TAMU-CC course or as an upper/lower level elective. Not all courses may count directly towards a student's degree program; however, the transfer credits will count towards a student's overall degree/program credit load. 

Students participating in an independent/provider program will be required to complete a Study Abroad Course Approval form. The form requires students to obtain transfer credit approval from the Academic Department which corresponds with the courses students are intending to take while abroad. (Example is given, students taking a History course overseas wishing to transfer the course back as a History course will need to obtain transfer approval from the Chair of the History Department.) Keep in mind that these approvals and any course equivalencies are tentative. Official credit transfers will occur AFTER the students' study abroad program has been completed and transcripts have been received and fully evaluated by the TAMU-CC Office of Admissions. 

Transcripts Issued by a Host University/Foreign vs. Transcripts Issued by a U.S. School of Record

Students who are participating in an independent/provider program will also need to pay close attention to whom is issuing the official program transcript from their study abroad program. Independent/Provider programs will utilize two options: 1) Transcript issued from the host university/foreign institution, or 2) Transcript issued by a U.S. School of Record. 

In instances where the provider program or foreign institution is not able to issue courses and credits for students, provider programs will partner with a U.S. School of Record (U.S. institution) to provide the courses and credits for their program. 

If a student participates on a provider program that allows students to select either a transcript from the host institution/foreign institution, or a U.S. School of Record, students should select the U.S. School of Record option. Often times, requesting that the transcripts be issued from a U.S. School of Record as this will make it easier for the TAMU-CC Office of Admissions to transfer the credits back to TAMU-CC since the courses and credits would have already been evaluated and translated to a U.S. institution. Keep in mind that utilizing the U.S. School of Record option may cost more for a student's program as these institutions may require a transcript fee. 

If a student participates in a provider program that only provides transcripts from the host university/foreign institution, the student MUST obtain a foreign credit evaluation for their study abroad transcripts AFTER their study abroad program is completed. This is a requirement set forth by the TAMU-CC Office of Admissions. The Office of Admissions will not transfer courses/credits from foreign institutions without an official credit evaluation. Transfer evaluations must be from one of the approved evaluation agencies designated by the TAMU-CC Office of Admissions. To see a current list of evaluation companies, visit: Approved Evaluation Agencies List

Program Costs: 

Program costs for provider programs will vary based on which program selection, location, length of the program, and amenities included in the program. Generally, program costs for provider programs are more expensive when compared to exchange or faculty-led programs; however, students will find that provider programs may include more services and amenities.

Most provider program fees should include tuition, airport reception, some excursions, insurance, and access to staff both in the U.S. and on-site. Some provider programs may include other amenities such as a cell phone rental or give students the opportunity to add a service learning or internship component to their regular study abroad program.  

Airfare is generally NOT included in the provider program fees in order to allow students the flexibility to select their own travel dates and preferred airline carriers. Some programs may offer students the option to select group flights if the provider is utilizing a group flight service provider. If group flights are available, the provider program will notify students of this option once students have been officially admitted to their program.

Students SHOULD NOT book airfare until they have been officially accepted into their program and have been provided with arrival/departure dates. Students utilizing airport reception/pick-up services offered through their provider program or host university will need to arrive during specific dates/times in order to utilize these services.

Visa/Passport Information: 

All students will need a valid passport book in order to exit/enter their intended country of study. Passports must remain valid for at least 6 months after their program end date, in order to be considered valid. Students should apply for a passport, or renew their passport, as soon as they can. Passports usually take 4-8 weeks to be processed and returned to students.

Keep in mind that valid passports may allow students to enter/exit a country, but it does not guarantee the student's ability to stay in a country for a long-term stay. Most students who will be studying abroad for more than 90 days are required to apply for a student/study visa PRIOR to their program departure. Visas help immigration officials identify a travelers purpose for being in that country. 

Most countries will not require a visa for programs that are less than 90 days in length; however, this varies based on the student's country of citizenship. U.S. passport holders will find that they may not require a visa for short-term programs. Passport holders from other countries may be required to apply for an entry visa, or Schengen visa if the short-term travel is to European countries that are part of the Schengen countries list. 

Students should check with the Consulate General Office (for the country they wish to travel to), to see if they will require a visa for their program. 

Students generally apply for visas at least 3 months prior to their departure date, depending on their country. Students will NOT be able to apply a visa until they have been officially accepted by their provider program or host university. Many times, students will have to submit their visa applications in person at a designated Consulate Office (Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, or Austin) which will require a visa appointment. Students should plan accordingly.