Getting Started
Students can enhance their academic experience at Nebraska by participating in study, internship, research, or service learning abroad. With many unique programs in over 70 countries, students have the opportunity to find the perfect fit for their individual academic, personal, and professional goals, as well as their budget. Congratulations on taking the first step to participate in a global experience!
Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin the planning process:
- Start early! It is recommended to start planning 8 months to a year in advance.
- Attend a Huskers Abroad 101 session to start learning about the process of going abroad.
- Do your research. Check out the Search & Apply page to explore your options.
- Read about ways to Fund Your Experience Abroad.
- Touch base with your academic advisor.
- Read through the other helpful resources available to you on our website such as: Health & Safety, Travel Logistics, and Identities Abroad.
We look forward to working with you as you plan for what will be one of the most thrilling, educational, and challenging opportunities of your life.
Why Earn Credit
In general, UNL students pursuing opportunities abroad are encouraged to earn academic credit for the experience. There are many benefits to earning credit, including but not limited to the following:
- Eligibility for scholarships: for most awards, students must earn at least one credit, but some awards have higher credit minimums;
- Eligibility for federal financial aid: credit minimums vary by term (semester vs. summer) and level (undergraduate vs. graduate);
- Ability to maintain student status at UNL: students enroll in UNL course(s) and/or in a Special Waiver (SPCW) placeholder course;
- Opportunity to receive ACE 9 outcome completion waiver;
- Proof of the academic legitimacy of the experience, and academic oversight and guidance from a qualified instructor;
- The international experience will appear on the UNL transcript.
Graduate School Abroad
Many foreign universities offer graduate programs that are open to students not native to that country. You can earn advanced degrees in almost any field from art to science to business while living abroad. If this is something you think you might want to explore, ask your professors and departmental advisers for help finding a program that meets your academic goals. In addition, the online resources below can assist you in your search.
- Across the Pond: A resource to help students interested in earning a graduate degree in the UK.
- MastersPortal: A comprehensive search of Master's programs in countries all over the world.
- Via-TRM: Check out UNL's current list of bilateral exchange partnerships on to see if these schools offer graduate degrees in your field(s) of study!
Graduate Student Resources
Graduate students considering a program abroad will need to work closely with their program chair or advisor, the Office of Graduate Studies, as well as the Global Experiences Office. All offices will help the student determine how work completed abroad will fit into and be applied to their degree program.
Opportunities Abroad with UNL
Several UNL Faculty-Led programs are open to graduate/professional students and some are designed exclusively for graduate/professional students. Check out the complete listing of available opportunities in Via-TRM.
International Travel Registry for Students (ITRS):
All graduate students traveling internationally in association with UNL, both non-credit and for-credit opportunities, are REQUIRED to register their international travel no later than two weeks prior to their expected departure date.
Some common types of international travel undertaken by graduate/professional students includes international travel:
- supported wholly or in part with UNL funding in the form of a grant, scholarship, or assistantship, or while on UNL payroll;
- by a student accompanying a UNL employee with a purpose that is relevant to the University’s mission;
- for independent or joint research;
- for an internship, teaching opportunity, or other professional development;
- to meetings of academic and professional associations, including conferences.
Funding Your Experience Abroad:
Graduate students are encouraged to apply for the Christian Lieding Scholarship using the MAPS Scholarship Application.
Additional funding opportunities may be available through each student's individual department or college, so we would encourage you to check. Information regarding national opportunities and additional funding resources can be found on the "Funding Your Experience Abroad" page.
Non-UNL Students
Students from within the Nebraska system (UNO, UNK, UNMC), Non-Degree & Visiting Students, and Other Faculty/Staff Travelers may be eligible for some Faculty-Led programs.
Unlisted Programs
There are many program options listed in VIA TRM. In general, students are encouraged to pursue programs that are listed in VIA and administered by UNL and/or its partner institutions and organizations.