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!):

Hours to return during Fall 2021 semester.

Study Abroad Advisor Erika Clement is seeing students over the summer to talk about study abroad for Spring 2022 and beyond!

Book an appointment at: erikalclement.youcanbook.me

All appointments are held over Zoom.

For the Fall semester of Fall 2021, 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

Looking to go abroad but unsure where to start? Read our guide below!

 

Step 1: Research
1. Browse the program search, attend the study abroad fairs, and check out the UMaine Study Abroad Instagram (@umainestudyabroad).
2. Look over the FAQ and Understand Study Abroad pages.
3. Ask Yourself:
What countries are you drawn to?
What countries are available to travel to?
What do you want out of the study abroad experience?

Step 2: Academic Advice
1. Let your academic advisor know you're interested in studying abroad.
2. Find out what your curriculum will look like over the next year or two.
3. See if your advisor can help you find the easiest semester(s) to go abroad.
4. Ask your academic 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?

Step 3: Set Yourself Up
1. Meet with a peer advisor to figure out the best study abroad option for you (Direct Exchange or Recommended Program; USAC, CIS, SIT).
2. Create an account on Abroad Office.
3. Take advantage of scholarship opportunities.
4. Ask your peer advisor:
How do you find courses abroad?
What programs are there? (USAC, CIS, SIT)
What was the peer advisors experience abroad?
What advice did the peer advisor get from other students?

Step 4: Get the Details
1. Meet with Study Abroad Advisor, Erika Clement, to discuss important details about your top choice programs.
2. Go over finances, funding, coursework, and location with the Study Abroad Advisor.
3. Learn how to discuss your plans with your parents or guardians.
4. Ask how to apply for your chosen program.
5. Ask your study abroad advisor:
How can you get the most out of your experience abroad?
What locations are cost effective?
When are program deadlines?
What program(s) does the study abroad advisor suggest?
What scholarships can/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.