May Term Faculty-Led Program FAQs

Below is a list of the most commonly asked questions and answers for May Term faculty-led abroad programs. Can’t find an answer to your specific question? Contact a faculty-led programs coordinator or send an email to educationabroad@austin.utexas.edu.

 

How do I find a program that works for me?

• Use our “Find A Program” tool to search for study abroad options by country, semester, language of instruction, or by area of study.
• Meet with Education Abroad Peer Mentors, who can help guide you to the best faculty-led program for you. They are available at the Texas Global office for walk-in advising from Monday – Friday, 12pm-5pm.
• Attend advising hours at the Texas Global office with a faculty-led program coordinator if you have narrowed down to specific program(s).
• Make an appointment with your academic advisor to learn more about options within your major.
• Use our “My Credit Abroad” database to find a specific course that is offered abroad.

How can I learn more about a specific program that I’m interested in?

For each program, we offer a number of info sessions throughout the semesters leading up to departure. These sessions cover a general overview of the program, how to apply, and how to receive funding for your Education Abroad experience. The info session dates are posted on the program’s page, or you can search on the Education Abroad events calendar.

What is the difference between “in-residence” credit and “affiliate” credit for faculty-led programs?

In-residence credit is credit obtained through a course taught by a UT-appointed faculty member. Most faculty-led programs offer in-residence credit, as you are taught by UT faculty. Affiliate credit is credit obtained through a course taught by local faculty at the program destination. This credit is awarded as “transfer credit” and is not factored into your UT GPA. These courses are offered in faculty-hybrid programs or customized affiliate programs.

Do I have to enroll in the exact courses offered on the program? Can I pick and choose which ones I take if multiple courses are offered?

Generally, students must enroll in the specific courses that are offered by the program (or enroll in the approved cross-listing options).

Some programs offer a choice between several predetermined options, which the student can choose according to their preference.

I would like one of the program courses to count for a Common Core credit or Flag. Is this possible?

Yes, students can petition for a course to count for a Common Core credit or Flag to fit your degree plan. This procedure is coordinated by the student and Texas Global is not able to guarantee a successful result from this petition, as the decision is determined by UGS. The staff in the Vick Center for Strategic Advising & Career Counseling is available to consult with you on any questions about core petitions you or your advisor may have.

I would like one of the program courses to be cross-listed for another course that better fits my degree plan. Is this possible?

Yes, Education Abroad can coordinate with other academic departments on campus to get a cross-listing approved. This can be completed after the program ends, although in some case before the program begins if a syllabus is available. Texas Global is not able to guarantee a successful result from this petition, as the decision is determined by course evaluators from academic departments. Contact your program coordinator who can assist you with this process.

How do I know if the program I’m interested in has prerequisites or not?

Program requirements are located on the program’s page via the Texas Global website. All eligibility requirements are listed on this page.

Can I take courses as Pass / Fail?

In most cases, this is highly discouraged, but is an available option. Please refer to UT Registrar page regarding Pass / Fail registration. Also, be sure to check your specific college / department preferences.

Please Note - If you are participating in a program that awards Affiliate Studies (transfer) credit, you may not elect for that credit to be posted as Pass / Fail.

When will I receive my grades after the program has ended?

For courses that award in-residence credit, your grades will be available within 1 week after your program ends.

If you are receiving any Affiliated Studies credit, this process can take longer due to communication with foreign academic institutions and coordination with other offices on campus. Grades are typically available 1-2 months after your program ends but can take up until the end of the Fall semester to reflect and post on your UT transcript.

Application Process

How do I open an application?

Once you have decided which program to apply for, you can access the application through the MyAbroad Portal. Be prepared to provide the unique program code and indicate the semester you would like to go abroad.
Keep in mind that once you open an application, you will be charged the $75 application fee, which will automatically be billed to your “What I Owe” account.

When are May Term applications due?

May Term applications are due November 1 at 11:59pm. 

Do I need to meet with an Education Abroad coordinator before I apply?

While it is not required, it is highly encouraged to attend an info session, or meet with a program coordinator before applying. They will be able to assist you with the application process and give you all the information you need regarding the specific program you are interested in.

How can I make an appointment with a faculty-led program coordinator?

You can make an appointment using our online booking system. Select your program and region of interest, then complete the form to request an appointment. The program coordinator will confirm your appointment. Appointment requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

You can also email the program coordinator directly to request an appointment.

Where can I find the application code for the program I am interested in?

The application code can be found on the program’s information page on the Texas Global website. This can be found using the “Find A Program” search tool.

Can I apply for multiple programs?

Students may only apply for one program per term. In your application, you will be offered the chance to provide a second choice of program in case, for any reason, you are not accepted into your first choice.

My plans have changed and I no longer wish to complete an application I have started. Can the application fee be removed from my What I Owe page?

As stated in the disclaimer you agree to once you open an application, the $75 application fee is charged whether you complete the application or not. Incomplete or non-acceptances will not reverse or refund the charge. There are no exceptions to this policy.

I would like to switch my first-choice program. How do I do this?

You can contact the assigned program coordinator for the first-choice program you chose, and they will be able to switch your application to another program. They will also alert you if you need to make any adjustment to your application.

How does the Preliminary Courses form work?

There are many programs that offer cross-listed courses or multiple offerings of courses that a student can choose from. The preliminary courses form of the application notifies the program coordinator what your course preferences are if options are available. Please consult your academic advisor and make sure this is accurate when you submit your application. If you need to make changes after you have submitted this form, contact your program coordinator.

How do I obtain a faculty / TA reference for my application? Who can be a reference on my behalf?

When completing the application, you will be provided with a student evaluation link that you will send to a UT faculty member / TA. Your reference must have this link, your EID, and term abroad to submit as part of your application. Note that your reference must be completed by someone who has taught you academically at UT (currently or in a previous term). It cannot be completed by an academic advisor, mentor, supervisor, coach, etc.

I don’t have a passport yet or my passport is being renewed. Is this OK?

You can still submit an application without providing passport information. If you need to apply for a passport or renew your current one (make sure your current passport is valid for at least six months after the end of your program), we recommend that you start NOW to avoid rush fees or delays. U.S. citizens can get their passport through Passport and ID services, on the second floor of the Texas Global office.

How do I know if my application is complete?

Your application is complete once all required items are submitted: a completed application, the responsibilities of participation page, the financial responsibility policy, preliminary courses form, two essays, and a faculty / TA reference. You will not be able to edit your application once it has been submitted.

Please Note - customized affiliate programs will not require essays or a faculty reference.

How does the selection process work? When will I be notified if I was accepted?

Once the application deadline has passed, faculty directors will make their decisions of acceptance as soon as possible. Faculty are taking your academic / disciplinary record, the quality of the two essays you submitted, and your faculty / TA reference into consideration throughout this review.

If a program receives more applications than can be accommodated, students may be put on a waitlist, and can choose to pursue another program, or stay on this list if / when an opening becomes available.

Students are typically notified of their acceptance by February 10th and scholarship decisions are made shortly after.

I was conditionally accepted. What does this mean?

“Conditionally accepted” is the term used by Education Abroad to indicate that you have been accepted to the program on the condition that you complete all of your pre-departure requirements. If these are not completed, you will be withdrawn from the program before departure.

I was accepted with a special condition. What do I do now?

You are responsible for meeting the requirements of your special condition acceptance, which will be communicated to you by your program coordinator. If these requirements are not fulfilled, you will be withdrawn from the program. You may need to meet with the program coordinator as part of this process. Please be sure to read your requirements carefully and be proactive!

What can I do if I wasn’t accepted into my first-choice program?

If you provided a second choice option, your program coordinator will transfer your application to the second choice coordinator if that program still has capacity after the application deadline.

Education Abroad will also send out announcements of programs that are extending their deadlines due to open capacity, and you are welcome to apply for those if you are not accepted into your first choice program.

Students are also eligible to apply for an Education Abroad program that is available the following term.

Eligibility

Who can apply for faculty-led programs?

All UT students who are in good academic and disciplinary standing and have completed the required prerequisite courses (if applicable) can apply. Students cannot be on disciplinary probation, suspension, or deferred suspension at the time of application, prior to, or during their time abroad. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to an Education Abroad program. An applicant's total educational and disciplinary record, educational objective, professional attitude, level of preparedness, interpersonal maturity, advisor recommendations, special talents, personal preparation, and personal achievements may be considered in the selection process.

Students that have graduated before the application deadline and are no longer a full-time student are not eligible.

For non-UT students – to participate in a UT Education Abroad program, you must be matriculated at a 2 or 4-year institution of higher education. Recent high school graduates are not eligible. Learn more about Non-UT Student program participation.

I’m graduating in May. Can I apply?

Graduating seniors should pay careful attention when selecting a summer program abroad so that their graduation is not affected. Programs offering a full six hours of UT tuition are scheduled to post on the UT transcript in time for the degree to be conferred in August.

Courses taught by local faculty (Affiliated Studies) cannot be processed in time for August graduation. Affiliated Studies (AS) courses may take up to one long academic semester after the program ends for credit to post on the UT record. If you are planning on the credit to reflect on your transcript to apply for graduate school, please take this into consideration when applying.

Can international students at UT Austin apply?

International students can definitely apply! Check with your program coordinator to verify if there are additional visa requirements / restrictions based on your home country passport.

I am a student with a disability. Can I apply?

Students with disabilities are encouraged to study abroad and should select programs that match their academic needs and expectations.

Please refer to our considerations page for students with disabilities to learn more about what you can do to prepare for your program.

Is there a minimum GPA needed to be accepted?

All summer faculty-led programs require a minimum GPA of 2.0 at the time of application for acceptance. Some programs may have a higher requirement, so it is advised to check the program page and refer to the program’s specific eligibility requirements. Students are also expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 up until program departure.

Do I need to have knowledge of a foreign language?

Most programs do not require knowledge of a foreign language. Some programs do have a proficiency requirement that must be confirmed before going abroad, so refer to the program page for program-specific eligibility requirements.

I am not a UT Austin student. Will I receive credit?

You will receive an official UT Austin transcript upon completion of your program. How the credit applies to your degree is at the discretion of your home university. It usually takes up to four months following the program completion to receive your final UT Austin transcript.
Contact the Academic Records Coordinator with any questions.

All non-UT students are given a special admission status to UT and are registered at UT while abroad. UT Education Abroad will facilitate the actual registration. Students will not have access to the UT online registration system.

I have prior plans and will need to arrive a few days late or leave early. Is this allowed?

This is usually not allowed for all Education Abroad programs, as students who arrive late often miss important orientation procedures and those who leave early may miss out on course contact hours needed in order to obtain credit. Talk to your program coordinator to explore options for accommodation for extenuating circumstances, if available.

If I don’t have the prerequisite needed for the program I’m interested in, can I still go?

Students must obtain the prerequisite course needed by the time of departure.

If the program courses are not in my major, am I still eligible to apply?

Absolutely! Most courses abroad have cross-listings that can be used to fit into your degree plan. You can also petition once you have completed the course for it to be cross-listed / flagged and apply to your specific degree plan. We suggest making an appointment with your academic advisor to explore these options.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

How much do summer programs typically cost?

The exact cost depends on the program location and how many weeks you are abroad. Each program page includes a link to an estimated budget, which itemizes the costs paid to UT and estimated living expenses. This is a good place to reference as you are exploring program options.

Remember that the real cost of education abroad is the cost of the program minus the costs you would normally be spending if you stayed in Austin, such as rent, public transportation, personal items, and food.

Aside from the application fee, program fee, tuition, and medical expenses, the other items in the budget are estimated and totally up to you. You should consider your personal spending habits when calculating these numbers.

When are my payments due once I have been accepted?

Your $500 non-refundable deposit is due by December 10. If you decide to withdraw by this date, you will have no other financial penalty.

The full program fee is due to UT by March 1. If you withdraw from the program at any time between December and March, you will then be responsible for a certain percentage of the program fee depending on which date you withdraw.

Refer to our Financial Responsibility Policy for May Term faculty-led programs that you will also review as part of your application submission.

Is the application fee refundable?

As stated in the disclaimer you agree to once you open an application, the $75 application fee is non-refundable.

If you have a $75 application fee outstanding at the time of the deposit deadline, please pay the application fee first. Otherwise, part of your $500 deposit will go towards the application fee and you will end up being dropped because only $425 would be applied to your deposit.

Is the program deposit refundable?

As stated in the financial responsibility policy page that you review and sign as part of your application submission, the $500 program deposit is non-refundable.

What does the “program fee” cover?

This depends on the program that you choose. In most cases, the program fee includes the
$500 deposit, housing costs, excursion transportation and expenses, 24/7 emergency response, on-site orientation, access to on-site provider staff, and classroom facilities.

Check your program’s page to find out more about what is included in the program fee.

I am a Pell-grant recipient applying for the Gilman Scholarship. Can someone help me with the application?

Yes! Program coordinators at Texas Global would be more than happy to go over any questions you have with the Gilman application.

As part of the application, you must identify who your study abroad advisor is at UT. In this case, it will be the assigned program coordinator for the program you are interested in. They will need to certify your application as part of the completion process.

Your financial aid advisor at UT is Billy Bossier.

Texas Global also holds free Gilman info sessions and essay-writing workshops every semester to help you complete the application. Check out our events page to learn more about these sessions.

Can I use financial aid for faculty-led programs?

Absolutely! Financial aid can be used for any May Term faculty-led program.

Keep in mind that certain types of aid such as the Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan, UT Tuition Grant, Be-On-Time Loan or Top 10% Scholarship CANNOT be used toward Affiliated Studies fees. If the program you’re interested in has this component, be sure to talk with your program coordinator.

I have the Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan / Hazelwood Exemption / GI Bill. Can I use this funding for education abroad?

For UT faculty-led programs, the Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan only pays for UT tuition and does not reimburse the cost of the program fee or the $600 Affiliated Studies fee.

For the GI Bill, students must be enrolled in courses that will apply to their degree program. The VA also has additional rules surrounding what specific education abroad expenses it will pay, the percentage of expenses it will pay, etc. Please visit the VA website for more detailed information.

The Hazelwood Act can be applied to faculty-led programs, provided that the student is enrolled in state-funded courses (offering UT tuition). The Hazelwood exemption cannot apply to Affiliated Studies. Refer to the UT Office of Registrar page for more information.

If my program has an Affiliated Studies component, can I still use my financial aid?

Financial aid such as federal student loans can be used to cover the Affiliated Studies fee. Any financial aid that is restricted to UT tuition only, such as the Texas Guaranteed Tuition Plan, UT Tuition Grant, Be-On-Time Loan, Top 10% Scholarship, GI Bill, or Hazelwood Exemption CANNOT be used to fund the $600 Affiliated Studies fee.

When will my financial aid be disbursed for May Term?

The May Term is part of the Spring semester and aid for May Term Abroad programs is disburse with Spring aid. If you are added to the program late, you may need to wait until the Financial Aid Office is able to repackage your aid and send a new FAN (financial aid notification).

How can I find and apply for scholarships? Can I apply for more than one?

Once you have selected a program you are interested in, you can visit our Scholarships page to find out which UT scholarships are available to you. Make sure you have your program’s application code handy to filter out all of the scholarships that are applicable to that particular program via our Global Assist page. There is no limit to how many scholarships you can apply for, but do note that there are different deadlines!

You can also check with your home department or student organizations for scholarship opportunities. Finally, there are also many national scholarships that are available too! We have highlighted those on this page as well, but it is certainly not an exhaustive list.

I don’t have enough money to pay the deposit right now. What can I do?

If you are unable to secure funds for the program deposit, you may apply for an emergency cash loan from Student Accounts Receivable through UT Direct. It is not possible to have an extension for the deposit deadline, as this secures your spot in the program.

I am having problems securing funding before the program fee deadline. What can I do?

It is important to be as proactive about this as possible! Contact your program coordinator and inform them of your situation. The program coordinator can work with you to set up a payment plan if absolutely necessary. Please remember that the financial responsibility policy will still apply, even if you are on a payment plan.

I need to withdraw from the program. Is there a penalty fee for this?

As part of the application, all students sign the Financial Responsibility Policy, which outlines the dates and percentages of financial responsibility if a student withdraws. Please read this document carefully and refer to it when making a decision to withdraw.

I need to withdraw from the program, but I received a scholarship. How does that work?

If you received a UT scholarship, you would need to return the full value of the scholarship to UT if you will no longer be participating with Education Abroad. If you already spent some of the scholarship money to pay for other non-refundable expenses, including program costs, you will need to cover this difference out-of-pocket to match the amount of scholarship you received.

Contact your program coordinator to learn more about the actions you must take