Studying abroad is a great way to see other countries, learn about other cultures, gain international experience and earn academic credit in the process. To facilitate this process URI has become affiliated with more than 200 different programs in over 40 countries. However, at times URI students may wish to participate on a program not affiliated with URI to obtain an overseas experience. They may opt to do this for many reasons - so they can study in a country where URI does not have a program, participate in a very unique program URI does not offer, enroll in a program recommended by peers, etc.

URI students are not prohibited from participating in non-affiliated programs but, before doing so they should meet with a Study Abroad Advisor in the Office of International Education (OIE) to make sure:

1. They are making a decision that is best for them.
2. They are familiar with URI study abroad policies.
3. They are aware of their responsibilities related to overseas study.
4. URI will accept the credit from the non-affiliated program.

Below is an overview of important information that participants of non-affiliated programs should be aware of:

Before Applying to a Non-Affiliated Study Abroad Program

• Meet with a Study Abroad Advisor to discuss the program you have considered applying to.
• URI may actually have an affiliation with the same institution.
• Make sure that the program you are applying to provides quality academic work that will be accepted by URI for transfer credit (done in conjunction with the academic departments).
• There may be comparable (or better) programs that you may not be aware of.
• Discuss your responsibilities and the policies related to the use of financial aid and study abroad.
• Meet with your Academic Advisor to make sure the program you have selected complements your academic plan of study.
• Educate yourself about the program.
• What courses are offered and how will they complement your academic goals?
• What type of program is it and for what level of student?
• What type of housing and meal plan options are available?
• What is the cost of the program and what does the program fee include?
• Will the program provide you with the contact information of previous participants?
  

Applying for a Non-Affiliated Study Abroad Program

• Students applying for a non-affiliated study abroad program will have to meet the eligibility requirements established by the program or program sponsor.
• BEFORE sending an application into the program or program sponsor, the applicant should make and appointment with a URI Study Abroad Advisor in order to complete the URI "Intent to Study Abroad with a Non-Affiliated Program" packet.
• Applicants for non-affiliated study abroad programs should apply directly to the program or program sponsor.
• If the program application requires the signature of a Study Abroad Advisor at URI, contact the Office of International Education to set-up an appointment.

After You Are Accepted to a Non-Affiliated Study Abroad Program

1.) Students MUST bring in a copy of their study abroad program acceptance letter to the OIE

2.) Complete URI's study abroad paperwork that can be found on the following website:

http://www.uri.edu/international/study_abroad/paperwork.htm



This mandatory URI paperwork includes a Study Abroad Prior Approval Form and a Pre-Departure Student Information form. If you do not have access to the online forms, paper copies can be obtained at our office upon request.

3.) Students MUST complete ALL of the forms from the website and return them to the Office of International Education before going overseas on any study abroad program. This includes an Off-campus registration fee (OCS). The OCS registration fee is currently $336 per semester. All fees are subject to change.

4.) Students MUST attend the Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation program that is held for all students that are studying abroad (held in December for spring study abroad participants, May for fall study abroad participants). Up to date information about the orientation program can be obtained by calling the OIE or visiting the OIE WWW calendar at: http://www.uri.edu/international/calendar/

5.) Students who plan to use financial aid for their study abroad program MUST visit Enrollment Services - Financial Aid in Green Hall and request the Financial Aid for Study Abroad packet. For questions regarding financial aid and study abroad, contact the Enrollment Services Office at (401) 874-9500.

Please be advised that URI institutional grants or scholarships (i.e. Centennial Scholarships, Hardge Grants) that you receive will apply only to a URI-affiliated program.

6.) In addition to the OCS fee, all URI students participating on affiliated or non-affiliated programs will be billed a $350 OIE program fee by the URI during the regular university billing cycle for each semester they are studying abroad - all fees subject to change.

Having your Study Abroad Credit Transferred Back to URI

7.) Students that have completed a semester abroad in a non-affiliated program MUST make sure an official transcript/grade report of their overseas coursework is sent to the OIE at URI. Pre-approved credit will only transfer back to URI if you earn a grade equivalent to a "C" or above.

For Additional Information Contact:

The Office of International Education
University of Rhode Island
Room 107, Taft Hall
Kingston, RI 02881
Tel: (401) 874-5546
Fax: (401) 874-4573
E-mail: oie@etal.uri.edu
http://www.uri.edu/international