Steps to Take

Define your goals

Articulating why you want to study abroad and how it fits into your academic, personal, and/or professional goals will help you choose the right program, communicate the value of the experience to family and friends, and stay focused and motivated throughout your study abroad journey.

Aside from the positive experience and the soft skills you'll attain, here is a page of resources from NAFSA with statistics about the benefits of studying abroad.

Get informed

Take advantage of the many people and resources who are here to help you succeed. Come to a drop-in advising session with Study Abroad and speak with your Academic Adviser to be sure your chosen program fits well within your degree plan. You may also speak to faculty or TAs with whom you have a good relationship, Career, Internship & Student Employment Services, staff in the Office of Financial Aid Services, students who have participated in study abroad before at Study Abroad Coffee Hour, etc. The more perspectives you gather, the better prepared you’ll be to make informed decisions and connect your experience abroad to your future goals.

Learn about your destination

Your family may have questions about where you’re going, especially if international travel is new to them. Take some time to read and research your host city and country, especially its culture and customs, language, safety and healthcare, and its geography and history. If you have other specific questions, contact your program. 

Plan for expenses

  • Read through our Finances Abroad page to understand the program costs and how financial aid applies to study abroad.
  • Make an appointment with the Office of Financial Aid and Study Abroad Advising to discuss how financial aid will be adjusted for your term abroad as well as any questions you may have about other funding opportunities.
  • Draft a budget for yourself based on the remaining out-of-pocket expenses. Compare this to what you would be spending for the same kinds of expenses if you were living on campus, but remember that your program fee, which is eligible for financial aid, will already cover some expenses (such as tuition and housing).
  • Other considerations
    • If you plan ahead, you may be able to apply for additional external grants or scholarships. See the Study Abroad Scholarships page and Cat $cholarships
    • Make sure you factor in passport and, if necessary, visa fees. See the ISEP Country Handbook for country specific information about visas 
    • Some meals may be included in your program fee – check with your program
    • The cost of food and groceries could be lower or higher than in Bozeman, depending on your location. Ask your program about the cost of living in your program destination. You can also check out this resource to find what cost of living looks like in your host country.
    • Bring your student ID to get discounts while abroad
    • Some locations might require using public transportation to get to and from class – check with your program about how much you can expect to spend on local transportation
    • Remember to budget for plane tickets, including potential tickets to fly to a consulate for a visa appointment if necessary for your country

Find support

Once abroad, it is important to have support networks in place. Seek out friends from your program who can share this experience with you, and, if possible, make local friends who can help you navigate your temporary home. Your on-site program staff are also always there to lend an ear or help you out when you need it.

Be realistic about budget and time

You do not need to spend a lot to have a meaningful experience. Find friends who share your approach to spending and explore free or low-cost activities like museums, cultural sites, walking tours, local festivals and events, and public parks. Participating in these activities is often one of the best ways to experience the local culture of the country or region where you are studying. Your program or university might have a few good activities or discounts for you to take advantage of, so make sure to check in with them.

Real Student Experience

Watch this video from Centre College interviewing a panel of first-gen study abroad alumni covering the following topics: 

  1. Gaining a global perspective to supplement the classroom experience
  2. Considerations when pursuing a study abroad program (e.g. program length, application process, academic credit, travel arrangements, expenses, faculty/students, family support)
  3. Ideas to maximize time immersed in different cultures
  4. Unexpected challenges and benefits as a first-gen college student
  5. Personal insights regarding individual growth and maturation as a global citizen

Overview of Study Abroad Program Finances

You can find this table and more information on the Finances Abroad page. This is a general overview of how program charges work at MSU.

Program Type Tuition & Fees Room & Board MSU Scholarships Apply? Application Fee MSU Study Abroad Fee Payment Deadline/Cycle
Direct Exchange (DEX) MSU tuition & fees paid to MSU through Student Accounts Paid to host university (with the exception of programs in Africa)

Yes, most apply

 

 $50 MSU Study Abroad fee per term $300 Standard MSU billing time - Visit Student Accounts for more information
 ISEP Exchange MSU tuition & fees paid to MSU through Student Accounts Cost of a double-occupancy dorm room and silver meal plan; Paid to MSU through Student Accounts Yes, most apply Application fee paid online to ISEP $300 Standard MSU billing time - Visit Student Accounts for more information 
 ISEP Direct Program cost paid to program provider (ISEP) Depends on program; paid to program provider (ISEP) if applicable No but will remain Application fee paid online to ISEP $300 $300 due on standard MSU billing; other amount deadlines vary by program
Faculty-Led Program cost paid to MSU through student Accounts  Paid to MSU through Student Accounts Depends on program  $300 enrollment deposit to be paid online at time of application   Payment deadline will vary by program term
Direct Enroll Program cost paid to host university or program provider Paid to host university or program provider No but will remain $50 MSU Study Abroad Fee per term $300 $300 due on standard MSU billing; other amount deadlines vary by program
Fee-based Program cost paid to host university or program provider Paid to host university or program provider No but will remain $50 MSU Study Abroad Fee per term $300 $300 due on standard MSU billing; other amount deadlines vary by program