Outgoing Exchange Program

Are you an FMU student interested in expanding your academic and personal horizons by studying abroad for a year, a semester or just a few weeks? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.
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How to Apply

Testimonials

Going to castles, monasteries, and other structures that have existed for over a thousand years is nearly unreal. Everyone I have met here is an absolute delight and exudes warm welcomes every time we meet.

man smiling

Joshua Woods

Fall 2022, Carlow, Ireland

Carlow is a very hospitable town and most people seem to know each other closely, and they spend lots of time together in the pubs or just on the street.

man smiling

Curtis McLaurin

Fall 2022, Carlow, Ireland

My favorite part has been the opportunity to meet people from so many different places!

woman smiling

Abigail Fosberry

Fall 2022, Cork, Ireland

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience because it is one of the few things that I have experienced that have genuinely changed my life. I never knew how everything would challenge me and the way I thought about life and myself. Seeing the world through travel is never a regrettable experience.
woman smiling

Emma Driggers

Spring 2019, Dijon, France

I truly enjoyed this experience as it was my first time living in a new town away from my family. I visited lots of beautiful beaches and places in the island with my friends from different countries. This experience is not only fun but will teach you how to grow while being independent.
woman smiling

Nidhi Patel

Fall 2018, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Yes, it was very amazing to get to meet others from around the world and learn about new cultures. it also made me learn a lot about myself and grow as a person.
woman smiling

Reagan Gray

Spring 2020, Cork, Ireland

My experience was great. I was completely immersed into a new culture that helped me broaden my understanding of other people and their social norms. I met so many great and interesting people and formed bonds with them that will last a lifetime.
woman smiling

Dalisay Aldrete

Spring 2020, Cork, Ireland

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How to Apply

STEP 1: CHOOSE A PROGRAM

Below, you’ll find a list of FMU’s exchange partners, linking to a short description of each institution, the semesters and courses available for study and contact information for your FMU liaison – the person who will steer you through the application and registration process and help you find housing at your host school. Feel free to contact the liaison or the International Program director if you have any questions. Also, be sure to consider the language of instruction for each program; although most of our partners offer courses in English, some offer instruction in native languages as well. Here is a chart with a quick overview of all the programs offered.

STEP 2: APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM

Students wishing to participate in FMU’s exchange program must submit an application to the International Studies Committee by the deadlines indicated below. The application form can be submitted below or you can contact the program liaison for a copy.Typically, the committee will consider only those students who have completed 30 semester hours at FMU with at least a 2.7 GPA. Complete and return your application and all supporting materials to either of the coordinators before the indicated deadline. Because exchange openings are limited and competitive, applying to the program does not guarantee acceptance by FMU’s International Studies Committee or by the host institution.

A complete application will consist of:

  • A completed application form
  • A personal essay (300-500 words) addressing:
    • Why you are interested in pursuing a study abroad program and how it will benefit your further education and/or desired career.
    • If you have previous experience traveling on your own.
    • How you have been exposed to another culture, other than your own.
    • Previous life experiences that demonstrate a suitable level of independent initiative and ability to take care of yourself, while abroad.
    • Specify which of the following ways you plan to use to support yourself while studying abroad:
      • Employment
      • Loans
      • Other
    • Any additional financial concerns that you may have not addressed in your statement. Please be thorough in your response as this may be used to assess your eligibility for travel funding.
  • Two letters of recommendation from FMU faculty members, particularly modern language faculty, if applicable—but not program liaisons or other members of the International Studies Committee.
  • A copy of your passport (or confirmation that you are acquiring one)

Application deadlines:
        For Spring Semester: October 4, 2024
        For Fall Semesters: March 3, 2025

Submit Outgoing Student Application Form

STEP 3: GET A PASSPORT

All students accepted for the exchange program must have a valid passport to study abroad. Passports can take up to 90 days to process, so you should apply for yours (at most US Post Offices) immediately after your acceptance to the exchange program if not before. Also, some host institutions require that you apply for a visa—typically a stamp or document that fits inside your passport.

STEP 4: APPLY TO THE HOST INSTITUTION

After being accepted to FMU’s exchange program, you will receive an information packet with forms you’ll need to complete. These may include some or all of the following:

  • An Assumption of Risk and Liability form
  • A Statement of Health form
  • Medical Insurance and Emergency Contact forms
  • An FMU Course Transfer document

When filling out any of these forms, be sure to list a permanent address, as some materials may be mailed to you during our winter or summer breaks.

STEP 5: MEET WITH YOUR LIAISON

Your liaison is the person who will help you navigate the application process at your host institution. He or she will have knowledge about the region, campus, curriculum and application process at the school you’ve chosen. Ultimately the responsibility for completing all of your application materials in a timely manner rests with you, but your liaison will be happy to help.

STEP 6: COVERS YOUR BASES

There are various offices at FMU that will need to know your plans. If you live in Student Housing, you will need to contact the Housing Office, (843-661-1330), and let them know you won’t be needing a room—but will when you return. If you receive financial aid, you’ll want to meet with the Director of Financial Assistance, Ms. Kim Ellisor (843-661-1190). You will also need to alert the Registrar, Mrs. Ann Williams (843-661-1175), that you will be taking courses abroad and not attending FMU. Your International Program Coordinators will assist you with all of this.

REMINDERS

The courses you take through an international exchange usually count toward your FMU degree requirements, and because FMU typically offers Ready to Experience Applied Learning (REAL) funding to help defray the cost of air travel, studying abroad need not be more expensive than studying here!Also, you may now participate in exchanges and travel courses sponsored by Coastal Carolina University. To learn more, explore this site or contact one of FMU’s International Program coordinators.

Note that passport, visa, and other regulations can change from year to year and that the responsibility for procuring a visa and other documentation ultimately rests with each student. FMU cannot be held liable for loss of personal items (from theft, fire, etc.), nor for missed connecting flights, hospital stays, etc., during an exchange.

I encourage you to avail yourself of these exciting opportunities and will gladly meet with you and your family to discuss them!

Dr. J. Mark Blackwell
Director of International Programs
HC 107 | 843-661-1657 | jblackwell@fmarion.edu