Study Abroad

Ready to explore the world? Whether you’re planning your first study abroad experience, gearing up for departure or just getting back from your global adventure — UNC Pembroke Study Abroad is here to support you every step of the way. Studying abroad isn’t just a trip — it’s a transformative journey. From travel tips to pre-departure prep and re-entry resources, our team is here to help you make the most of it. Find everything you need at UNCP to plan, prepare and thrive on your global path. Let the journey begin!

Application

A $50 non-refundable study abroad application fee will be required for each application submitted. Applications will not be considered complete until the application fee has been paid.

Students are responsible for the completion of their study abroad application. They must provide all of the required supporting documents, pay their application fee and cover the specified program costs. (Please submit a photocopy of your passport to the Office of Global Engagement at least two months prior to travel.)

Please answer the following questions; then, upload your answers at the end of the application.

1) Why have you chosen to study abroad, and what do you hope to gain from the experience? Why have you chosen this specific program and location? Please include how your study abroad experience will fit into your career plans, intellectual/personal growth and educational goals.

2) Please introduce yourself. Tell us about your family or about your interests, hobbies and activities in which you are involved on and off campus.

Your answers must be included in the same file.

Requirements

Students planning to study abroad must:

Be in good academic standing
Have a minimum GPA of 2.70
Be enrolled at least part time
Complete at least 30 hours before going on a semester or year-long program
Have 12 or more credit hours left in program or not be in last term of program

Semester/year-long programs must meet with the education abroad (EA) coordinator to have an evaluation completed to determine if course options are available based on student's academic program. Minors and concentration options will be considered as well. In order to qualify for financial aid, any/all credits must be needed for graduation at UNCP.

Interest Meeting

Questions to Think About

How long would you like to study abroad? Do you plan to go on a faculty-led trip or study on your own through an exchange program?
Is there a country or region of the world where you would like to study?
When do you want to study abroad?
Do you want your classes to be in English or in a foreign language? If you want to learn in a foreign language, how well do you speak the language?
Do you need to take courses for your major while you are abroad, or will you be taking electives?

Schedule an Interest Meeting with a Abroad Coordinator

Ready to Apply?

If you're ready to turn your study abroad dreams into reality, you're in the right place. Start your application today and take the first step toward an unforgettable global experience. Need help? Our Study Abroad coordinator is here to guide you through the process from start to finish! Schedule a meeting or email studyabroad@uncp.edu. Application links are below.

Faculty-Led Application

Semester Long/Summer Application

El Palacio Real Dr. Love and students UNCP

Payment Information

1) Print the Study Abroad/Away Payment Slip

2) Fill it out with the trip information.

3) Take the form and your payment to the Cashier's Office at Brave Central in Lumbee Hall.

Payments will not be accepted without a form.

Madrid Ms. Lopez and students UNCP Study Abroad

Scholarships

Worried about the cost of studying abroad? Don’t be! UNC Pembroke offers a variety of scholarships that can help make your international experience more affordable. From general study abroad funding to scholarships tailored for specific destinations or majors, there are opportunities to fit many student needs. Explore available options and apply through UNCP's scholarship portal to take the next step toward your global adventure.

Passport/Visa

Get your passport or Visa from UNCP Mail Services. Just call or stop by to make an appointment.

Applications for a first-time passport may take only four to six weeks, but during busy times you should allow up to 10.

Visa regulations vary widely, and processing may take from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the country.
Check with the embassy of your host country as soon as possible to confirm their visa requirements.

Please note the following:

Applications are accepted, by appointment only, at UNCP Mail Services office Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Please call 910.522.5759 for an appointment or email passports@uncp.edu.
There is a processing fee of $35 associated with the application.
There is a fee of $14 for photos.

All of UNCP's exchange partners offer classes in English. However, sometimes course selection is limited; so it is important to learn about the course offerings at the school you are considering.

The UNC Language Exchange is a collaboration among universities in the UNC System that expands the number and diversity of online language courses available to UNC System students. It provides students with course offerings and course delivery modes that might not be available at their home institution and streamlines the inter-institutional registration process.

Absolutely! Just be sure to consult with your study abroad coordinator and the staff at your host university. Accessibility and accommodations may vary at different program sites.

Review the U.S. Department of State's website for international travel and the Pre-Departure Handbook found below.

Is language a requirement?

All of UNCP's exchange partners offer classes in English. However, sometimes course selection is limited; so it is important to learn about the course offerings at the school you are considering.

Can students who need physical or academic accommodations study abroad?

Absolutely! Just be sure to consult with your study abroad coordinator and the staff at your host university. Accessibility and accommodations may vary at different program sites.

Ready to Depart?

Review the U.S. Department of State's website for international travel and the Pre-Departure Handbook found below.

Cycle & Deadlines

Refer to the following timetable for EA application cycles. Note that the timeframe when approval decisions will be communicated is estimated and it could take longer than what is outlined due to high volume of applications.

Term	Program Type	Applications Open	Applications Due	EA Review Begins	Approval Decision Communicated to Student
Fall/Academic Year	Exchange ISEP/BW-NC Program Faculty-led	November November January	February 1 March 1 April 1	After deadline Rolling basis after Jan. 15 Rolling basis upon submission	3-4 weeks after deadline 2-3 weeks after review begins and after submission 2-3 weeks after submission
Spring/Calendar Year	Exchange ISEP Faculty-led	May May July	September 1 October 1 Mid-September	After deadline Rolling basis after Aug. 15 Rolling basis after Aug. 15	3-4 weeks after deadline 2-3 weeks after review begins and after submission 2-3 weeks after submission
Spring Break	Faculty-led	September	November 1	Rolling basis upon submission	2-3 weeks after submission
Summer	ISEP/BW NC Program Faculty-led	November September	March 1 February 1	Rolling basis after Jan. 15 Rolling basis upon submission	2-3 weeks after review begins and after submission 2-3 weeks after submission

Academic Credit Process

Phase	Description
Before Researching Programs	Meet with your Academic Advisor(s) to determine what UNC Pembroke courses you have yet to take to complete your degree requirements. Obtain the course descriptions or syllabi for each course. Note that your Academic Advisor(s) cannot confirm what UNC Pembroke equivalent credit you will receive for the courses you take abroad.
While Researching Programs	Look at the list of courses (not the "areas of study" section) the program offers and compare it to the courses you have yet to take to complete your degree requirements. Determine whether or not the program offers courses you're interested in taking or that you think would satisfy your degree requirements. Ensure you meet any prerequisites outlined and that the courses you want to take abroad are offered the term you intend to participate in the program. Compare the course descriptions or syllabi of the host university courses with the UNC Pembroke courses you think they are equivalent to in order to determine whether or not they cover the same topics. If you can select enough courses at the host university that allows you to be the equivalent of full time at UNC Pembroke as well as some alternative course options, and you have identified some potential course equivalencies here at UNC Pembroke, this is a good indicator that the program is likely a good academic fit for you.
Applying	Once you determine a program is a good academic, financial and personal fit for you using your best judgment, apply to UNC Pembroke Education Abroad (EA) in order to receive approval and placement.
Upon Approval & Placement	If and once you receive approval and placement from EA, you will then be given access to a document called a Course Equivalency Form. Here, you will list all the courses you plan to take, including some alternatives, at the host university. Print the course descriptions for the host courses. Submit the Course Equivalency Form and course descriptions to the relevant academic department(s) at UNC Pembroke. The department chair of the corresponding academic department will assign a UNC Pembroke equivalent course if there is one.
Upon Acceptance	Work with the host university to register for courses abroad (note that this may also take place upon arrival on-site).
While Abroad	EA will put you in a full-time placeholder course while abroad to keep you active and full time here at UNC Pembroke.

Where Will You Go?

I had the opportunity to study abroad in Valparaiso, Chile. It was an incredible adventure of living in a different culture while discovering more about myself. I got the opportunity to stay with a host family and learn a new language.

Nina Wiatrowski

Destination Possibilities

Chile
Spain
Argentina
Uruguay
Belize
Bermuda
China
Costa Rica
France
Germany
Ireland
Japan
Mexico & More!

Contact Global Engagement

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