Your adventure awaits

Whether you’ve never been out of the country or you’re a seasoned traveler, USAC is here to support you. To start: 

1. Confirm you have an active passport on the Department of State website
   • Yes, I have an active passport: Great, continue to the next steps!
   • No, I don’t have a passport: Don’t worry! You can still apply to USAC. Stop by USAC Advising Center in the VSG to get a passport photo taken for your passport and visa application for just $5.00 photo service for USAC students. You’ll need it to travel abroad. 
2. Make a list of top choice USAC programs from ones listed on the usac.edu 
   • Consider factors such as: 
     
     • When will you go? Program lengths vary from semester, summer, winter, or yearlong terms.
     • Which electives or major-specific courses look the most interesting; and do you meet eligibility requirements?
     • • Where would you live? Consider housing options such as apartments, homestays, and residence halls.
     • How much are the program fees? (Up to 100% of your current financial aid & scholarships may apply.) 
     • What is the general cost of living like? Estimate your daily expenses, such as food and transportation, with the interactive budget sheets.
     • Are there internships and research opportunities? How about volunteering, language immersion, traveling, and more?
3. Talk to someone about your top choice list.
   • Meet with your UNR Academic Advisor to discuss which USAC study abroad program would be the best fit for you. AND, attend an in-person Drop-in Advising Session at the VSG, or schedule a Virtual Advising anytime.
     • Things to talk about:
       • When is the best time in your academic career to study abroad? Discuss the course options you found and how they may apply to your degree plan. Even if you’re graduating soon, you may still be able to go overseas. 
       • What courses are best suited for my degree? Explore the differences between USAC Specialty and Partnership models:
         • Specialty Programs: Use the USAC and UNR Advising Guides for the UNR courses offered.
         • Partnership Programs: Review course catalogs and syllabi on the Host University website to determine how courses will transfer as UNR credit.
       • How can I pay for this study abroad program?
         • If you are currently receiving Financial Aid or Scholarships, you will be asked to submit the Study Abroad Authorization Request in the secondary step of the application process. 
           • IMPORTANT: When you submit this request, your UNR Academic Advisor will be the one processing this request. 
         • If you have not already, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 
         • Review all financial aid & scholarships information and exceptions. 
         • For any questions, contact the UNR Financial Aid Office at finaid@unr.edu, and in the Fitzgerald Student Services building (3rd floor). 
4. Complete a preliminary USAC Application online for your desired USAC program & term.
   • How long will it take? The application takes 10-15 minutes to finish. 
   • When is it due? Program deadlines vary. See website for details. Late applications may be possible. Note: You may have the option to change your program or term up to a certain point before your program starts.
   • What do I need for this part of the application?: You will be asked to provide personal contact details and your initial academic information. There is no application fee.

Within three business days of submitting your preliminary application, your USAC Enrollment Specialist will send you an email (check your junk/spam folders) with your USAC Gateway login to complete the following steps: 

1. Complete all documents on the USAC Admissions tab on USAC Gateway
   • Transcripts
   • Personal Statement
   • Internship Statements (if applicable)
   • Agreements and forms
   • Preliminary Course Registration Form (Specialty programs only)
   • $500 Confirmation Deposit (USAC Financial Policies - this payment goes towards your USAC program fee)
   • Submit the Study Abroad Authorization Request
2. Research & submit scholarship applications (check deadlines) 
   • USAC Scholarship Application (application through USAC Gateway) 
   • UNR Undergraduate Annual Scholarship (application through MyNEVADA
   • Apply for external scholarships 
     • External Study Abroad Scholarships
     • Currently receiving the Pell Grant? You may be eligible to apply for the Gilman Scholarship
     • External local and national scholarships 

If your’e approved, you will:

• Receive guidance from your designated USAC Program Advisor. They will email and support you during your pre-departure journey. USAC recommends treating your pre-departure preparation as if it were a college course itself!
• Check your USAC Gateway and email inbox regularly to stay up to date on pre-departure information and necessary tasks.
• Complete all pre-departure tasks.
• Apply for your visa (if applicable).
• Complete your Host University Application (Partnership programs only).
• Enroll in courses (Partnership programs only).
• Prepare back-up courses in case of cancelations, disapproval, or pre-requisites.
• Book your flights.
• Submit housing documents.
• Research and prepare for your program site (location, norms, culture, etc.).
• Ask your Program Advisor to connect you with alumni from your program.
• Follow social media accounts, read blog posts, listen to podcasts, and watch videos. 
• Plan accordingly how you will communicate with friends and family at home.
• Download offline maps to navigate your host city.
• Organize your finances (budgeting, bring backup credit/debit cards, avoid international fees, carry local currency with you).
• Reach out to other USAC students going abroad and prepare together! Their contact information is in the “Participants” tab on USAC Gateway.
• Meet with your UNR Academic Advisor to solidify the courses that you will be taking abroad.
• Prepare with your friends and family and pack your luggage. 

When you’re traveling, you will:

• Keep your USAC Program Advisor updated as you arrive.
• Adapt to your new lifestyle abroad.
• Attend classes:
  • Specialty: Once you arrive, you will have an add/drop course period. Ensure that you have the credits and course schedule that you need
  • Partnership: Once you receive your official course syllabi, email copies of those to your UNR Academic Advisor and be aware of all academic policies 

Before the end of your study abroad program, you will:

• Register for classes for when you return to UNR.
• Request transcripts.
  • Specialty: Grades will be posted to your MyNEVADA account 1-2 months after you return. 
  • Partnership: Your USAC Enrollment Specialist will be in touch 2-3 months after your program regarding your host university transcript.
• Schedule a time to meet with your UNR Academic Advisor to confirm that the courses you took abroad will fulfill your degree requirements. 

Things to do with your experience:

• Order a USAC Graduation Stole to wear at commencement.
• Stay Involved with USAC.
• Share Your Story, explore job openings, and attend events.
• Continue expanding horizons and study abroad again! (USAC Returning Student Discount)
• Apply what you learned abroad to your community! Some ideas include...
  • Become a conversation partner by applying through UNR Writing Center
  • Volunteer in the community (example: Northern Nevada International Center).