Frequently Asked Questions

1. Globalization is changing the way the world works. Employers increasingly seek workers who have both cross-cultural skills and cutting-edge technical skills.
2. Competency in languages other than English is increasingly important. Today's graduates are just as likely to work with people from Beijing and Bangalore as those from Boston or Boise, making the ability to work across cultures essential to success in all arenas.
3. Study abroad opens your eyes to new ways of thinking, instilling a more informed approach to problem-solving in cross cultural contexts.
4. Many of the world's most influential innovations are originating from the collaboration of cross-cultural teams, often located continents away.
5. Study abroad has been proven to improve grades, boost confidence, and help with college graduation and retention rates.

 

Study Abroad: Safety and Security

Student safety is a priority at the University of Central Missouri. Whether a student is walking across campus or traveling around the world, a multitude of offices work together to respond to everything from routine incidents to major crises.

In order to prepare a student for a successful study abroad experience, safety and security should be a part of the student's planning process. The resources below are provided to guide a student to make good decisions regarding their study abroad experience.

Safety Planning

Most students that travel abroad enjoy a safe and rewarding experience. However, when traveling to a new environment with communication and cultural barriers, even a minor crisis may be more difficult to handle. The UCM International Center recommends the following safety preparations for all faculty, staff and students before departing the U.S.:

1. Review the U.S. Department of State Students Abroadpage for information on traveling abroad as a student.
2. Register with the U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
3. Frequently check with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs for updated information related to Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts

In Case of Emergency

In the event of severe illness or injury to a UCM student(s), or if a UCM student is the victim of a crime, on-site staff (host institution coordinator) should be contacted immediately. Carry on-site staff contact information with you at all times.

After the immediate needs of the student have been met, telephone UCM Study Abroad at +660.543.4195 during weekday business hours (central time zone) to report the problem or incident.

If it is felt that a UCM official should be contacted outside of weekday business hours, telephone the UCM Public Safety at +660.543.4123, and a message will be transmitted to the appropriate UCM official immediately.

For more detailed information about travel planning, please refer to the Study Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation handbook.

International Insurance Coverage

Your health and safety are the utmost concern to the University of Central Missouri. Thus, all study abroad students participating in a UCM study abroad programs are provided basic accident and sickness coverage while abroad on a UCM approved study abroad program through Mercer Campus Travel Assistance Services. This coverage is automatic for all study abroad participants.

Specific information about the Mercer Campus Travel Assistance Services and coverages will be provided by the study abroad advisor and will be covered in detail during the Study Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation.

Please not that U.S. Consulates can help you:

• replace a passport
• contact family or friends back home in case of emergency
• arrange for a money transfer, food, or clothing from your family at home
• provide a list of legal representatives
• provide information on what to do if you are arrested or robbed

However, U.S. Consulates cannot:

• provide legal representation
• get you out of jail
• supply you with money
• give you food while in jail

You can find additional information for students who plan to study abroad at the State Department website for students abroad.

Studying abroad is surprisingly affordable. Many UCM programs are based on exchange agreements with universities abroad, so you can study at an international university for essentially the same cost as remaining in Warrensburg. Some programs in countries with a low cost of living can be less expensive than a comparable period of study at UCM.

Furthermore, financial aid, loans, scholarships and grants can be applied to study abroad. In an effort to offset the additional costs associated with studying abroad: airfare, passport and visa fees, international insurance, etc., the Study Abroad office provides some grant funding to every first-time student participating in an approved program.

Applying to UCM's Study Abroad program is free.

Yes. With careful planning, you can remain on track to graduate in four years even while studying abroad for up to a year. Meet with a study abroad advisor and start planning early. Work closely with your academic advisor(s) to design the best course of study based on your program.

No. Many programs all over the world are taught entirely in English. Some offer beginner level courses in the various languages. Other programs are entirely taught in a modern language. You may even be able to receive credit in a modern language not offered at UCM.

Yes. All students that leave the U.S. need a passport. However, not all programs require a visa. In most countries, students staying for less than 90 days do not require a visa.

Attend a Study Abroad 101 session.  Apply to up to three study abroad programs online. The study abroad coordinator will help you make the final decision.