International Students

Ask Yourself:

  • What are my priorities for studying abroad?
  • What education abroad programs are available outside of my home country? 
  • What is my U.S. visa/non-immigrant status and what requirements do I need to fulfill at UNL prior to departure?

Ask your Global Experiences Coordinator and other program staff:

  • Are there scholarships available for international students?
  • What do I need to do before I leave and what travel documents do I need to carry with me?
  • Are there additional English proficiency requirements for the education abroad program?

Prepare and Research:

  • Communicate with the International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO) as soon as you have chosen a program, and be sure to let them know when and where you will be studying abroad. They can discuss how studying abroad will affect your F-1/J-1 visa status and the proper documents and signatures necessary to re-enter the U.S. 
  • It is the responsibility of the student to research and apply for any visa needed to enter the host country. The Embassy and/or Consulate of the host country in the U.S. can be very helpful when determining if a visa is needed to enter the host country and if so, the necessary documentation.
  • Consider cultural attitudes of the host country; how might these differ compared to attitudes in the U.S.?
  • Before traveling, make photocopies of ALL documents: passport, I-20/DS-2019, visa stamp, I-94 record, etc. Save digital copies, leave a set of copies at home or with a peer and carry a copy with you separate from your originals. Lost or stolen documents are much easier to replace if you have digital copies.
  • Consider finances and look into whether it is better for you to use a U.S. bank account or a bank account from your home country while you are in the host country. 

On-Campus Resources:

  • Speak with a specialist in the International Student and Scholar Office (ISSO). 
  • Keep up to date with immigration policies. You can follow immigration updates from ISSO here.
  • Speak with an academic advisor about the credits you anticipate earning at the completion of your education abroad experience.

Additional Resources:

If I have more questions, who should I contact?

  • Allison Hinesley, Assistant Director, aphinesley@unl.edu