Know Before You Go

 

Important Pre-Departure Information and Resources

  • Complete Study Abroad Course Forms prior to departure (everyone except Faculty-Led and the TU Global Internship Program). View instructions on how to complete the course form in DocuSign here. 
  • Review the Course Database for any pre-approved course equations.
  • Meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss how study abroad fits into your degree plan and for assistance in selecting TU courses for the semester following study abroad.
  • NOTE: Courses that may not be taken abroad are MNGT 481, SPED 301, any upper-level ACCT courses (except ACCT 341), any FIN courses (except FIN 331, FIN 350, and FIN 436), and no more than 6 units of upper level (300-400) MKTG. 

  • Attend the mandatory Study Abroad/Away pre-departure orientation.
  • Review the pre-departure guide for your program:
    General Study Abroad/Away Pre-departure Handbook (PDF)
    Faculty-led Study Abroad/Away Pre-Departure Handbook (PDF)
  • Complete your Post-Acceptance Information in Horizons by the specified deadlines.
  • Are you using Financial Aid? Request a Study Abroad/Away Budget from your Study Abroad & Away Advisor and schedule an appointment with the TU Financial Aid Office to discuss your borrowing options. 
  • Do you live in University housing at TU? Submit a cancellation request to  and ask your Study Abroad & Away Advisor to send a Housing Release Request to HRL.
  • Are you a senior? Check graduation deadlines and, if necessary, apply for graduation prior to departure.
Student health and safety is critical to a positive study abroad/away experience. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these health and safety basics as you prepare for your time abroad or away. 

The TU Study Abroad & Away Office recognizes and supports a diverse range of students. We encourage you to tuse the information below as you consider program options and preprare for your experience.

Questions to Think About:

  • What is the demographic of your host community? What are the racial and ethnic majority or minority groups in your destination? Which groups have power and privilege? How does this compare to your home country?
  • How are people that share the same or a similar racial, ethnic, or national identity treated in your host destination? 
  • Will there be other participants with the same racial or ethnic background in your program and/or housing?
  • Are there stereotypes about the different aspects of your identity in your host country? 
  •  Will you be part of the racial or ethnic majority in your host country? How will that experience differ from your experience at home?  
  • How will your intersecting identities impact your experience?

Tips to Consider:

  • There are different cultural norms abroad, and people you encounter may be less inclusive than you may expect. 
  • Integrating yourself in the culture will make you stand out less, but keep in mind that if your appearance is different to the local majority population, your skin tone, hair, or other features may still be highlighted. 
  • Be aware that cultural norms and "political correctness" may be different abroad. For example, people might ask more explicit questions, be curious about your hair, or make assumptions about you that aren't typical in the U.S. 
  • Practice how you would respond and resolve different situations if they occur.
  • Research the history of your host location to familiarize yourself with the region’s ethnic and racial background. Understanding how this has changed over time may help you to contextualize some of the complex cultural dynamics you could encounter. 
  • Consider your national identity versus your racial identity. Sometimes students of color are surprised that their identity as an American eclipses their racial identity. Others sometimes have a difficult time convincing host country nationals they are, in fact, American even though they don’t fit their stereotypical American profile.
  • Build a support network among other study abroad participants, if possible. Identify allies.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. They can provide insight into local cultural norms, connect you with resources in your host community and assist you if you experience challenges. 
  • Use your resources to be as prepared as possible but don’t go abroad or away expecting racism and discrimination. 

Resources:

As a student athlete, commitments to your coaches and teammates during the athletic season and, depending on your sport, the off-season can make studying abroad seem challenging. But study abroad and away is for student athletes too! Here are some tips to help you plan your experience.

Talk to your Coach
Discuss your interest in study abroad or away in advance with your coaches and, if applicable, your teammates. It may also be helpful to speak with other athletes that have studied abroad/away to consider the pros and cons of your decision. Ask the Study Abroad & Away Office to connect you with other student athletes who made it happen.

Timing
Study abroad and away opportunities are available in the fall, spring, Spring Break, summer, and Minimester ranging from one week to a full academic year. Think about when your athletic season takes place. Do you have obligations in the pre-season and/or additional tournaments in the post-season? Are there team commitments and training scheduled in the off-season? Short-term options are a good fit if you can’t commit to a full semester away and funding is available to support athletes studying abroad or away in the summer.

Know the Rules
As student athletes, there are rules you must adhere to regarding monetary compensation, accepting “gifts,” coaching, competing in events not sanctioned by the NCAA etc. These regulations can get complicated if you're overseas. Check with the TU Athletics Department to make sure you understand the rules.

Staying in Shape
It’s your responsibility to stay in good physical condition while you’re away. Speak with your Study Abroad & Away Advisor and host institution or provider about training and athletic facilities you’ll have access to in the local community. It’s also a good idea to create a workout routine with your strength and conditioning coach before you leave. Keep your coaches and teammates updated about your routine and progress.

Nutrition
Depending on your host destination, your eating pattern may not be the same as at home. We recommend creating a nutrition plan prior to your departure with a dietician if you expect your food selections to change while away. When you get back, follow up with them again to discuss responsible and healthy steps that will ensure optimal health and nutrition for your sport.

 

chat loading...