1. Semester (or Year) Abroad Office of International Affairs
Magellan Exchange
Semester (or Year) Abroad
Dr. Christy
Office of International Affairs
211 Powers Hall

2. Why Choose Magellan?
You can study 1 or 2 semesters at a partner university abroad for the price of UNA tuition
There will be no disruption of your student loan, scholarships, financial aid, etc.
You can take classes in either English or the host country language that transfer to UNA
You will possibly spend less than at UNA since you will have no car expenses, and will pay no UNA fees other than the technology fee
You will have access to student-discounted public transportation
You will have countless travel and cultural enrichment opportunities

3. Getting There
You can apply for a UNA Study Abroad Scholarship which provides $1600 you can use to cover expenses associated with your study abroad (for example, airfare, books, etc.). For the Fall Semester application deadline is November 1 and the Spring Semester deadline is February 15. Please Note: Effective in the academic year, a single application period will be used. The due date for completed applications will be February 1st. If you are currently receiving a Pell Grant, you can also apply for a Gilman International Scholarship: (awards are up to $5000 to apply toward study abroad).

4. Room and Board
Housing options vary, depending on the university. Expect to pay approximately the same amount you would pay for on-campus housing at UNA. Typical options include:
Dormitory
Living with a host family
Sharing a house or apartment
The cost of food is approximately the same as you would pay for a UNA Meal Plan.

5. Classes Abroad
Many classes are taught in English. A comprehensive list of classes taught in English at all our Magellan partner universities is available here: Language and culture classes, as well as academic classes taught in the language of the host university are also available.

6. Calendar Considerations
When planning your semester (or year) abroad, please consult (at the Calendar for each of the universities you’re considering since, in some cases, the fall semester continues into late January or early February. This is the case, for example, with our partner universities in Germany and Spain. If either of these is your destination, you should choose spring semester.

7. Registering for Classes
You will register, and pay your tuition, at UNA by signing up for 12 hours of Study Abroad as follows: (Note: You cannot self-register for SA courses; this will be handled by the Magellan Coordinator) SA 499 (05) = 5 credit hours of study abroad SA 499 (04) = 4 credit hours of study abroad SA 499 (03) = 3 credit hours of study abroad = 12 credit hours Some partners allow you to take more than 12 hours, but 12 is the definition of full time student, required for your visa. You will also be registered for the zero-credit SA 498, which is used to record on your official transcript that you spent a semester/year abroad. Employers today value *experiential learning* especially highly.

8. Credit for Classes Taken Abroad
Before departing you will meet with your advisor in the Major, and with me, to determine possible course equivalencies. This will be recorded on the Study Abroad Academic Pre- Approval form. Since foreign transcripts are typically not available in time to assign grades, you will receive the grade Incomplete for your classes abroad. These Incompletes will be changed to the appropriate letter grade (not Pass/Fail), for the equivalent UNA course, once your transcript has been evaluated.

9. Visa Requirements
For most countries, you will need to obtain a visa before departing. To obtain a visa for France you must appear at the French Consulate in Atlanta for your visa interview. For a visa to Spain you must have an FBI background check and go to the Spanish Consulate in Houston, Texas. No visa is required for Americans to study in Germany. Details of the protocol for obtaining a visa are handled on a case by case, country by country basis. The fee for a visa is typically $100 to $150. For visa requirements check In the course of applying for a visa you will need your letter of acceptance from the host institution as well as a statement (from parents/guardian/bank) guaranteeing your financial support.

10. Application to the Host University
Once you have been accepted and placed by the Magellan Exchange, you will be contacted by the host university to fill out their online application form. Upon approval you will receive a Letter of Acceptance that you will need to obtain your visa.

11. Details about Housing
Once your application to the host university has been accepted, you will be contacted by their office of international affairs regarding housing options and prices.

12. Pre-Departure Orientation Information
This information covers all aspects of the study abroad experience, especially practical matters such as withdrawing money abroad, plug adaptors, cell phones, how to call home, seeking medical assistance, using public transportation, etc. The Pre-Departure Information Powerpoint is posted at . You can contact me by or phone with any remaining questions.

13. Medical Release and iNext Insurance
Before departure you must have a physical exam, either at the Student Health Center or with your own doctor, and complete and have notarized a Medical Release Form which confirms your fitness to undertake travel abroad. Many Notaries are available on campus, including in the Office of International Affairs, where Ms. Marthaler (Powers Hall 209) will assist you. She will also issue your iNext Insurance policy, which costs around $55.

14. Tips for Completing the Online Magellan Application
Begin your application today. You can then complete it and pay the $150 application fee before the applicable deadline (October 15 for Spring, March 15 for Fall). If you are paying close to the deadline it’s best to use the credit card option. By starting your application now I am aware of who is interested, and can send out deadline reminders.
Use your UNA for your primary address. *Be sure to check your UNA regularly to avoid missing important announcements and deadlines.*
You need to select 3 possible host universities (most applicants get their first choice).
For transcript information, just log into UNA Portal, copy your transcript, and paste it into a Word document, which you can attach. No need to buy an official transcript.

15. Application tips, continued
Under the Student tab at click on Additional Resources, which will take you to a linked Word document listing all courses taught in English at partner universities By searching this document (Control F + keyword), you can quickly determine which partner institutions offer courses in your area of study.
In consultation with me and your advisor in the major, the following form will be completed prior to your departure. This facilitates the process of establishing course equivalencies upon your return, and provides you with an ‘insurance policy’ in that you know your credits will indeed transfer back to UNA.

16. Study Abroad Academic Pre-Approval Form
Name:________________________________ Student#: ________________________________
Home Institution:_______________________ College/School: ___________________________
Major(s): ______________________________ Minor: __________________________________
UNA Faculty-Led Program:
Faculty Leader:_______________ Destination: _______________: Program Dates:_____
Magellan Exchange:
(Check One): Semester _____; Year_____ Program Dates: _______________________________
Destination Country: ____________________ Partner University: __________________________

17. Pre-Approval Form, cont.
Course title on Study Abroad Program
Credit hours
Course counts
towards:
Major requirement ___
Minor requirement ___
General Ed ___
Elective ___

18. Pre-Approval Form, cont.
The above-named student is approved to study abroad according to the terms listed above.
Faculty Advisor:____________________________________________________Date: __________
Magellan Coordinator _______________________________________________Date: __________

19. Questions? Preguntas? Fragen? Wenti?
Many questions that come to mind regarding a partner university abroad can best be answered by consulting their webpage at Here you will find information about classes, scheduling, fees, and more.

20. Useful Addresses http://travel.state.gov/

21. FAQ’s When is the best time to study abroad?
We recommend studying abroad after completing your first year (2 semesters) at UNA.
How safe is it to study abroad?
The University will not allow travel to a country deemed unsafe by the Department of State. The United States has more violent crime than most Magellan partners.
What are the various steps involved in being accepted and placed at a host university?
Submit your application at by the October 15 (for spring) or March 15 (for fall) deadline. Within a week or so following the application deadline you will be notified by Magellan of your acceptance and placement. You will then be contacted by the host university with application, orientation, housing, and class schedule information. After submitting your application to the host university, you will receive a letter of acceptance, which will allow you to apply for a visa. Once you have your visa you can purchase your air ticket. Be sure to coordinate with the host university to reserve housing and inform them of your arrival date, which needs to be coordinated with their scheduled orientation for international students.
Can students in any major participate in the Magellan Exchange?
Yes, however Nursing and Education majors can transfer in only Gen Ed and elective courses, owing to State of Alabama licensing requirements.

22. Thank you! Merci! Gracias! Xie xie! Obrigado! Arigato! Danke!