Maymester Abroad Programs STUDY ABROAD ONLINE PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION MODULE

Welcome to the Maymester Online Orientation!  This module covers all of the topics listed on the tabs above to help prepare you for your program abroad.  This module takes approximately minutes.  The orientation modules remain available to you on MySAO after completion. They can be a good resource throughout your preparation and even while abroad.  In addition to this online module, you will have mandatory in-person pre- departure meetings on campus during the spring semester to prepare you for the personal, cultural and academic experience abroad.

What is a Maymester Abroad Course?  Maymester Abroad courses are four-week study abroad programs that take place immediately following the spring semester.  Maymester programs are taught by UT faculty at an international location.  Maymester courses offer three or four hours of in-residence credit.  Maymester courses are part of spring registration, although they begin after the spring exam period ends.  Some Maymester courses also include a one-credit International Learning Seminar (xxx 119) that takes place on campus during the spring semester.

Program Fees  You are responsible for paying for UT tuition, airfare, meals, international insurance coverage, personal expenses and a Maymester program fee. Program fees are different for each Maymester. The program fee generally includes accommodation, some meals, field trips, and excursions.  You will pay a $500 non-refundable deposit in December to confirm your spot on the program. This deposit is applied to your program fee. The deposit posts to What I Owe shortly after acceptance  The remainder of the program fee is due in February and will be posted to What I Owe shortly after the 12 th class day.  The program fee does not include tuition. For undergraduates, the tuition for a Maymester course is part of spring semester flat rate tuition. Graduate students must pay tuition for the Maymester course.  If you are a graduate student enrolled in a Maymester program that has an associated xxx 119 seminar, you may audit the xxx 119 course.

 Most federal, state and UT institutional aid can be used on Maymester programs. To be eligible for financial aid, you must fill out a FAFSA.FAFSA  The UT Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS) will consider the additional costs of studying abroad when calculating your student aid package. The estimated costs are based on a program budget submitted by your study abroad program coordinator. (View a sample budget on the Program Page). This estimated budget includes tuition, program fees, room and board, airfare, books, and international health insurance.UT Office of Student Financial Services Program Page  OSFS will revise your financial aid package based on this budget and your individual financial circumstances. The award increase is in the form of additional loans. Some loans require co-signers with good credit.  OSFS will send you an Electronic Financial Aid Notification (E-FAN) with your new financial aid package. Be sure to respond promptly to every correspondence you receive from OSFS. You may receive more than one E-FAN as your aid is recalculated.

 Your spring financial aid package will be recalculated to include the costs of your Maymester program. Spring financial aid, which includes funds for your semester on campus and funds for your program, will be released in two disbursements: one at the beginning of the spring semester and one by the end of February (Check CASH for outstanding requirements if your aid does not release as expected). Financial aid cannot be released early.  Be sure to make your financial plan accordingly. You will have expenses before departure, such as your plane ticket and program deposit, and on-the-ground costs when you arrive to your host country.  When your aid is released, the funds are first used to pay off anything owed to the university. Any remaining funds will be released to you.  In order for your aid to release, the following must be complete:  Online Financial Aid Counseling module on MySAO  UT registration  Tuition bill (must be paid or deferred to financial aid)

Emergency Tuition Loans  In the event that you have not received your E-FAN by the tuition payment deadline, you can obtain an Emergency Tuition Loan to complete tuition payment. Remember, all financial bars must be cleared before processing an Emergency Tuition Loan.Emergency Tuition Loan

Registration for Maymester Courses  Maymester courses are part of spring registration, although they begin after the spring exam period. Students should register for the appropriate course(s) during the spring registration period.  Students are responsible for making sure they meet all prerequisites for their Maymester course(s).  Your UT tuition bills and program fee must be paid or deferred to financial aid on time (according to the UT calendar) for your registration to be complete and your participation confirmed.

Grades and Credit  The Maymester course counts as in-residence credit and is factored into your UT GPA.  Maymester courses cannot be audited or taken on a credit/no credit basis.  Although the course is considered part of spring registration, Maymester grades are posted in July, after the program has ended.  All students are required to maintain good academic standing to be eligible for the program. Failure to maintain good academic standing before departure will cause you to be withdrawn from the program without a refund.

Graduation Restrictions  Graduating seniors may participate in a Maymester; however, it may result in later degree conferral or prevent you from participating in the graduation ceremony. Please consult with both your academic advisor and Study Abroad program coordinator.

Program Withdrawals and Refunds  If you withdraw from a Maymester program, you must notify your program coordinator in writing as soon as possible. You are responsible for dropping the Maymester course (and associated xxx 119 course, if applicable) from your spring registration.  You are responsible for understanding your program’s withdrawal and refund policies. Failure to abide by the program's policy may have severe academic and financial costs.  The $50 application fee and $500 deposit are non-refundable.  If you withdraw from the Maymester program after acceptance, you forfeit the $500 non-refundable deposit. Furthermore, you must drop/withdraw from the Maymester course itself on or before the 12th class day of the spring semester for possible tuition refund and/or to avoid possible academic penalty.

Program Withdrawals and Refunds  Additional financial penalties depend on the date of withdrawal. When you applied to the Maymester, you electronically signed the Study Abroad Maymester Abroad Financial Responsibility Policy. You can review this policy on MySAO.  In signing, you acknowledged that you have read and accept responsibility for the policy and understand that you will be liable, barred and responsible for the amount owed according to the Maymester withdrawal schedule.  If you use financial aid, withdrawing from the Maymester may affect your spring financial aid package, which has been calculated to include costs associated with the Maymester. If you withdraw from the program, your financial aid award will be recalculated to reflect your withdrawal. Therefore, you will be responsible for repaying any financial aid funds received for the Maymester.  Dropping a Maymester course may affect flat rate tuition if your enrollment falls below 12 hours.

To complete this module, proceed to the acknowledgement page. (cut and paste url into your web browser) You may access this module on MySAO at any time. Maymester Abroad Programs Updated: November 10, 2014