Outgoing Exchange Students (UA students wishing to study at an exchange partner university)
The University of Alabama has partnerships with 29 universities in 14 countries worldwide. Through these partnerships, we send and receive students internationally for one or two semesters, giving them the opportunity to be immersed into a different culture.
Placement into an exchange program may be competitive. Participants must be nominated by the UA Education Abroad Office and are advised to begin preparing six months to one year in advance of participation.
5 Steps to UA Exchange
The University of Alabama nominates students each semester/year to study at UA’s international exchange partner universities through the exchange program. The Education Abroad Office manages these programs and offers assistance to all outgoing exchange students.
There is a 5 Step process for students wanting to represent UA overseas on exchange. Each step is detailed below.
Step One: UA Application
Step Two: Nominations
Step Three: Admissions and Housing Applications
Step Four: Visas
Step Five: UA Study Abroad Pre-Departure
Step One: UA Application
Using the UA Study Abroad website, students will navigate through “Program Search” to find the brochure page of their chosen exchange program. Selecting the “Apply Now” button will begin the application and show the active application cycles for which Education Abroad is accepting applications.
The brochure page of each exchange program will also contain information specific to that exchange, including links to pertinent information at that university. Because placement in exchange programs can be competitive, it is highly recommended that applicants have a back-up program in mind.
Step Two: Nominations
After the application deadline, nominations are made to the partner universities. The partner university decides how many students they will accept each semester from UA. Based on exchange balances and qualifications, not all applicants are nominated and not all nominations are necessarily accepted. Applicants are notified as soon as a decision has been made about their nomination. Assistance is provided to those needing to change their application if their nomination is not accepted.
Step Three: Admissions and Housing Applications
After nominations have been accepted by the partner university, the applicant will receive instructions on how to begin the Admission Application to the exchange partner university. The Admission Application needs to be completed and all supporting documents submitted before the scheduled deadlines. If anything needs to be mailed to the exchange partner university, the Exchange Coordinator at UA can express mail it to the host university overseas.
Housing applications vary, as do housing options, and should be completed in a timely manner so as to secure housing. These options can range from traditional student dorms to off-campus apartments or living with a host family. It is important to read the host university website information regarding housing. The Exchange Coordinator can be contacted with any questions.
Step Four: Visas
After your Admissions Application is processed, you will receive an acceptance letter. Most countries require U.S. citizens staying in country for a period longer than 90 days to apply for a student visa. Find out more about visas here.
Step Five: UA Study Abroad Pre-Departure
One of the last steps on campus before going on an exchange program is to attend a mandatory UA Study Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation. Click here for a brief outline of some of the things you’ll learn during this important orientation.
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