Learning Abroad

1. Learn the Basics & Check Your Eligibility

9-12 Months Out

• Attend a Learning Abroad 101 information session before you start the Learning Abroad advising process. Our  Learning Abroad 101 page  is where you can find dates and times of our upcoming sessions. 
• Check your  eligibility and our travel policies on our Policies and Guidelines page.

2. Explore Programs & Scholarships

8-10 Months Out

• Consider your degree plan, courses needed to graduate, budget, and timing to identify 1-3 programs that would be a good fit for you. Search our CoogsAbroad Program Portal to start exploring!
• Explore ways to fund your experience abroad, including scholarships and using your current financial aid .

3. Advising with Learning Abroad

6-8 Months Out

• Schedule an advising meeting with a Learning Abroad advisor on Navigate . You will find us under "Support Services." Select your major to be assigned to the appropriate advisor.
• Fill out the Advising Form on our CoogsAbroad Program portal.  
• Talk with a Global Guide for support or visit us at one of our  Learning Abroad events .

4. Get Your Passport & Check Visa Requirements

4-6 Months Out

• Apply now to get or renew your passport. Waiting times may be long, so get started early.
• Visit the Passport for Coogs page to review application requirements and call to schedule an in-person application appointment.
• Check visa requirements & processing times for your program abroad, especially if you are studying longer than 90 days abroad or if you are traveling on a non-US passport. 

5. Submit Course Equivalency Forms for Credit Abroad

4-6 Months out

• At this point, you should have identified 1 program you wish to apply for. Determine which courses you plan to take abroad. 
• Follow the  Course Equivalency Form process to earn UH in-residence credit. All approved forms should be submitted in our CoogsAbroad portal.
• Review academic credit information on our Policies & Guidelines page.

6. Apply with UH & Your Program

4-6 Months Out

• You can now start your program application!
• Depending on type of program, students will need to submit their application in the following way: 
  • For Faculty-Led programs: Contact & apply directly with the faculty leader 
  • For REEP & Affiliated Programs: Apply directly with the program provider/university abroad.
• In addition, all UH students must apply for their program in UH's CoogsAbroad Portal.  
  • Deadlines for Academic Year 2025-2026*:
    • Summer: April 1, 2025
    • Fall: April 15, 2025
    • Academic Year: April 15th, 2025
    • Winter: October 15, 2025
    • Spring: October 15, 2025
      *Deadlines vary by program type.

7. Prepare to Go Abroad

2-4 Months out

• Complete required forms on the program portal once your applicaiton has been accepted. 
• Attend mandatory pre-departure orientation.
• Review additional student resources to support your personal identity, country information, and program abroad.

8. Re-entry

• Review our Career & Resume Handout to see how you can use your experience abroad for your future job search or graduate studies.
• Share your photos using the #CoogsAbroad on social media.
• Apply to be a Global Guide or volunteer with our office to inspire others to go abroad!