Advising for Study Abroad
This page provides information about study abroad advising and drop-in hours. Please review this information carefully before trying to schedule an appointment.
Study Abroad 101
Study Abroad 101 is the first step in the application process for all students. It is recommended you complete this before researching programs as it will cover all the differences between all the program types offered through UNC Charlotte. If you have not completed Study Abroad 101, you are NOT eligible to schedule an advising appointment or attend drop-in hours until you do so.
Study Abroad 101 is a free, non-credit Canvas course that outlines program options, financial aid and scholarships, academic credit processes, and more for all UNC Charlotte students. Once a student has completed Study Abroad 101, they should then begin researching options, are then eligible to meet with an EA advisor, and can move forward with the application process.
Advising Appointments
After you have completed Study Abroad 101, you are eligible to request an advising appointment.
UNC Charlotte Education Abroad staff are happy to meet with students to assist them through the study abroad process. Students can speak with an EA advisor in one of two ways: during a scheduled appointment or during drop-in advising hours. Due to limited staff, the EA is unable to accept walk-ins outside of drop-in hours or an advising appointment.
Please note that EA front desk staff cannot answer specific questions about study abroad or the application process.
How Advising Appointments Work
Advising appointments are a chance for students to get study abroad questions answered and to receive advice from EA advisors. Advising is not required for all programs, however, any student may request an advising appointment. Refer to our website for the list of programs that will require an advising appointment before you are eligible to access to a study abroad application.
Students should be prepared with the following information prior to scheduling an appointment:
- Semester they intend to study abroad
- City and country of interest
- For non-Faculty-Led Programs advising, at least one or two different programs they are interested in
- A list of specific questions they would like to discuss with the advisor regarding their program or about study abroad
Please note that EA Advisors cannot advise on academic requirements or recommend programs based on specific academic requirements, as we are not trained academic advisors. EA recommends that students speak with their academic advisor about their degree plan requirements before searching for program, as this will assist with selecting a program that fits their specific needs. The student will then work with the EA Advisor on application requirements or to address any questions study abroad or about their program of interest. EA advisors may be able to offer recommendations if the student is unable to find a program that fits their needs. However, it is still recommended that a student understand their own degree requirements before meeting with an EA advisor.
Request an Appointment
Appointments are offered both virtually through Google Meet or in-person in CHHS 256. Students must request an appointment through the button below. Please note that EA staff monitor this form during standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
Drop-in Hours
No appointment is necessary for Education Abroad Drop In Hours and students will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Only the following students are eligible to attend Drop In Hours:
Semester or year long programs: Students must have already met with an advisor to attend Drop In. If you have not completed an initial appointment with a study abroad advisor and sign in to drop-in hours, you will be directed to schedule an appointment (see paragraph above).
Short Term Spring Break & Summer programs: Students do not need an initial advising appointment before attending drop-in hours, however, they should have completed Study Abroad 101.
Schedule
| Days | Times |
|---|---|
| Mondays (virtual) | 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM (Noon) |
| Thursdays | 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
Drop-in hours are offered both virtually and in person in CHHS 256.
To connect virtually, please follow these instructions to meet with an advisor during Drop In Hours:
1. Students must first complete this form.
2. Once submitted, students who indicated they are attending virtually will receive an email with the Zoom link information to connect virtually to the zoom call with a study abroad advisor.
3. Students attending in person should wait in the EA Lobby until an advisor calls your name. Students attending virtually will join the advisor’s zoom waiting room. The advisor will admit you into the call once they are available to meet with you.
NOTE: Drop-in meetings are first come, first served. If there are several students ahead of you, either in-person or virtually, you may have to wait in the Zoom call waiting room or the EA Resource Room for in-person meetings.
For students connecting virtually, if you are not immediately admitted into the call, please wait for the advisor to finish advising the student ahead of you. Do not leave the virtual waiting room, or you will be placed at the end of the line.