The University of Memphis has a number of study abroad programs offered during the academic year, some through the International Student Exchange program and other programs as listed on the STUDY ABROAD web site. If our university is sponsoring the study abroad program, students may apply for financial aid to cover expenses. Student Aid budgets also are adjusted to offset the added travel expenses. If you (student) are interested in a study abroad program, you should contact the International Programs Office directly at 901-678-2814. If you find out about a study abroad program through your academic department, you should first contact the International Programs Office to make sure that they are aware of the program and that it is an approved program offered by The University of Memphis.

If you encounter a study abroad program that is not sponsored by our university, but is sponsored by another accredited American university, then you may still be able to receive financial aid to cover the costs. See other guidelines in the next section pertaining to consortium agreements. A WORD OF CAUTION: You should have your academic advisor approve your courses for the study abroad program (if the program is not offered by our university). You do not want to encounter any problems later.

There are also a number of approved study abroad programs offered during the summer months. If you receive aid during the academic year (i.e. fall and spring), our office would have to consider what aid eligibility (ex. remaining Pell Grant or Direct Loan) you may have remaining for the summer. If you are interested in a study abroad program for the summer, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if you have not already applied for the academic year OR complete a Summer Update Form (assuming you are already receiving aid). You should indicate the particular study abroad program at the top of the Summer Update Form. NOTE: For summer 2010, you must complete the 2009-2010 FAFSA.

If you must cover costs for a particular study abroad program before the standard fee payment period, you may be issued a Study Abroad Loan (no interest charged) until such time that your aid can be disbursed. When any aid can be disbursed, it will then be applied to the Study Abroad Loan.

To receive financial aid for any STUDY ABROAD program (either during the academic year or summer), you must:

• be enrolled at least half-time (i.e. 6 credit hours (undergrad), 5 credit hours (grad) and 6 credit hours (law)
  NOTE: Law students are considered half-time during the summer ONLY with 3 law credit hours.
• be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• be making satisfactory academic progress (according to our policy)
• not be in default on any student loan or owe a repayment on any grant
• have remaining aid eligibility (especially as it applies to summer)

You may review the INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE web site for information on study abroad scholarships. This site also has detailed information regarding study abroad opportunities.

CONSORTIUM AGREEMENTS

Once the necessary approval is given, a consortium agreement can be set up between the home institution (i.e. The University of Memphis) and the host institution (i.e. the other American university) who is sponsoring the program. The consortium agreement covers basic federal guidelines and specifies what aid you will be receiving to cover the costs for the program. The host institution also provides cost and budget information to the home institution. The agreement is signed by both institutions. Once our office receives the agreement, it is forwarded to the Bursar's Office. Depending on the particular program, the Bursar's Office may forward a check to the host institution or directly to you. If your aid is not available when your fees are due, you may be issued a study abroad loan. IMPORTANT NOTE: A consortium agreement CANNOT be set up with a foreign university.

Occasionally students express a desire to study at another accredited American university (NOT under a study abroad program). Again if you are interested in studying at another American university (even though you will be receiving your degree here), then your academic advisor must give written approval (via a Transfer Credit Request form) for you to take these classes. If you are a LAW student, the Dean of the Law School must give written approval for you to study at another American university.

FINAL WORD OF CAUTION: It is your responsibility to ensure that all paperwork necessary to secure the financial aid you are eligible to receive has been properly completed and submitted in a timely manner.