OIP Statement on Racial Justice

In light of the murder of George Floyd and other black Americans, we at the OIP want to state that black lives matter. Diversity and multiculturalism are at the very heart of our mission and our policy as an internationally-focused office is to treat students, faculty, and staff of all races, religions, genders, abilities, and sexualities with acceptance and respect. We expect all those who enter our space to do the same. 

Becoming anti-racist is lifelong work both personally and systemically. None of us are immune to the effects that structural racism has had on our own social programming. Therefore, our office has committed to a long-term dialogue on race and decolonization, supported by anti-racist works and media. We will use our learnings and resources from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to better inform our policies and procedures and to actively advocate for anti-racism within the UMaine system and in our community.

We look forward to continuing our partnerships with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Office of Student Life, the Counseling Center, and others to advocate for your success here at the University of Maine. If you would like to read more about UMaine’s position on these issues, please see this statement from the Office of the President.

First time looking into study abroad? See a Peer Advisor first!

Drop into a Zoom session (no appointment needed!):

Mondays and Fridays 2:30-5:30pm

Tuesdays 2-4pm

Thursdays 10-2pm

Study Abroad Advisor Erika Clement will only see students who have already met with a Peer Advisor first!

Book an appointment at: erikalclement.youcanbook.me

All appointments are held over Zoom.

For the Fall semester of Fall 2020, we anticipate moving all of our advising online through Zoom. We will be hiring new peer advisors over the summer and will announce new hours at the beginning of the semester.

Looking for interesting upcoming events? Check out our Linktree below! https://linktr.ee/BlackBearAbroad 

Get Started

Step 1: Research

• Learn about what programs and resources are available. Browse the program search, attend the study abroad fairs, and check out the UMaine Study Abroad Instagram (@umainestudyabroad). 

• Also check out the FAQ page and the Understand Study Abroad page for more information.

• Ask Yourself

• What countries are you drawn to?

• What countries are available to travel to?

• What have others experienced there?

• What are the expenses?

• What do you want out of the study abroad experience?

Step 2: Academic Advice

• Let your advisor know that you are interested in studying abroad. 

• Ask your advisor to go over what your curriculum might look like for the next year or two. 

• See if your advisor can help you find the easiest semester(s) to go abroad and what course you will need to take while abroad. 

• Ask Your Advisor

• What do you need to take at UMaine?

• What courses are the easiest to get equivalents for?

• Should you use your study abroad experience to take care of your gen eds or electives?

Step 3: Set Yourself Up

• Meet with a Peer Advisor to figure out the best options for you.

• Create an account in Abroad Office. 

• Take advantage of scholarship opportunities.

• Peer Advisors have been in the same position as you, so make sure you ask for opinions and advice.

• Ask the Peer Advisor

• How do you find courses abroad?

• What scholarships can you apply for?

• What was the Peer Advisors experience while abroad?

• What advice did the Peer Advisor get from other students?

Step 4: Get the Details

• Meet with the Study Abroad Advisor, Erika Clement, to go over important details about your top choice programs and figure out if they are the right fit for your needs.

• Go over finances, funding, coursework, and location with the Study Abroad Advisor. 

• Learn how to discuss your plans with your parents or guardians. 

• Learn how to apply for your chosen program. 

• Ask the Study Abroad Advisor

• How can you get the most out of the study abroad experience?

• What locations are most cost effective?

• How much time do you have to apply to programs?

• What programs does the Study Abroad Advisor suggest?

• What scholarships should you apply for?

 

Application Deadlines

Please note that UMaine has a rolling admissions policy. Students are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs, particularly direct exchange programs, fill prior to the deadlines:

October 15th - for all Spring Programs

February 20th- for Summer, Fall and Academic Year Direct Exchange Programs

March 12th - for Summer, Fall and Academic Year Recommended Programs

If you are applying to one of UMaine's approved programs, you will need to fill out the UMaine Study Abroad Application and apply to the program provider.