From the US, Studying Abroad
The first step in studying abroad is to research the UTK Programs Abroad Office’s website. Students should spend some time browsing the links, reading through all of the information, and learning about the many programs available for a semester, year, summer, or mini-term abroad.
Secondly, consider priorities. Choosing the study abroad experience that’s right for you is always exciting and sometimes challenging. You should consider your priorities and consider programs that fit your personal, academic, and financial goals. To help you determine your priorities, review the following questions:
Personal Goals
- Why do I want to go abroad?
- Which aspects of study abroad are most important to me? (language immersion, program duration, specific location, etc.)
Timing
- What year do I want to study abroad?
- How long would I like my program to last (semester, year, summer, and mini-term)?
Finances
- How will I pay for my study abroad experience?
- Do I need financial assistance?
- Will I apply for study abroad scholarships?
Location
- What country or region of the world appeals most to me?
- Would I rather live in an urban or rural location?
- Do I prefer big cities or smaller cities?
- Would I prefer to live with a host family or in a dorm or student apartment?
Academics
- What subject areas do I want to study?
- Do I need to fulfill any academic requirements abroad?
- Do I want to participate in an internship program?
- Do I want to take classes in English or the host country’s language?
- What is my foreign language ability? Do I speak another language, and do I want to use that language abroad?
Four Exchange Program Opportunities
Direct Exchange Program
This type of program is an agreement between the College of Social Work at UTK and another institution (national or international). It allows students to pay tuition at UTK but take courses at a host institution.
Students will have additional expenses in the host country for housing, books, and food as they would in the US. Depending on the destination country, this could be more or less expensive than in the US. The host institution provides Student Support, including orientation and ongoing support in Direct Exchange programs.
Third-Party Program
These programs offer the opportunity to study in another country through a company such as:
- IEP: International Education Program
- ISEP: International Student Exchange Program
- SAS: Semester At Sea
- ISA: Institute for Study Abroad
- CEA: Center for Education Abroad
- CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange
These programs may or may not link a student to a host institution and most likely include additional expenses related to services provided while abroad. Support provided by Third-Party Programs includes pre-departure and onsite orientation, excursions, advisors, and local support while abroad.
Faculty-Led Program
This is an exposure trip guided by a faculty member and is embedded in a course relating to the specific destination of the trip. These courses are typically offered during the mini-term or summer sessions, though there are some courses offered during the fall or spring with trips scheduled during academic breaks (fall/spring break). The faculty member teaches the course and leads the students throughout their time in the host country.
These trips typically have a cultural immersion component as well as a service-learning component.
There is an additional tuition charge for the course with the Faculty-Led Program to cover the expenses of the actual trip.
Independent Field Program
These involve students enrolling for a field course at UTK while completing a placement in another location. IFPs are typically linked with Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) or other international agencies and require significant planning before departure.
The IFP requires the student to assist in locating an organization with which to complete the placement. The student is also highly involved in housing, field instruction, and other logistics.
Students from Across the World
The College of Social Work welcomes the diversity that is achieved when students from across the globe come to study at this institution.
To begin your exchange experience, go to the Center for International Education website to review deadlines and application information.
Staying on Campus
Students may spend a semester or full academic year as exchange students at UTK. Exchange students reside in University Housing and are enrolled in student health insurance, meal plan, and other campus resources.
Coursework and Field Experience
While studying social work at UTK, you will have the opportunity to engage in academic coursework and field experiences. International exchange students may enroll in any of the social work courses that match their academic level.
Support and Documentation
Once you have been accepted, Becky Jackson, Director of Field and International Education, will assist in reviewing your transcript and developing an academic plan that meets your individual learning needs.
If you plan to complete a field placement/internship while in the U.S., the Director will assist in coordinating your placement and ensuring you follow J1 or F1 visa requirements. International exchange students are paired with a U.S. social work student who assists them with getting acquainted with the U.S., the state of Tennessee, the University, and the College of Social Work.