MU students
have the opportunity to study abroad anytime after their
first
semester college
experience.
Given
the demands of the application process, students should
begin researching a program at least one full semester
(or more) prior to the program’s application deadline.
Transfer students are eligible to study abroad after completing
one semester at MU.
MU coordinates three different types of study
abroad programs. Each varies in the degree to which MU
exercises
oversight, the cost, and the extent to which your MU
financial aid will apply toward each.
There are three categories
of study aboard programs:
MU Programs
Partner Programs
Non-MU Programs
Regardless of the type of program,
the financial aid process begins by completing a Financial
Planning Worksheet for
the SFA office for the applicable period of enrollment
and returning it to the SFA office. Students with last
names beginning with A-M should direct their inquiries
to Susie Facklam. Students with last names beginning
with N-Z should contact Roberta
Knipp while planning
and participating in a study abroad experience.
The budget information
section and documentation of the costs should be submitted
with the form after deciding on your program to secure the best financial aid package and meet
the additional expenses of studying abroad. Most federal,
state and institutional aid is determined by the results
of the Free Application for Federal Study Aid (FAFSA).
The current academic year’s FAFSA is used to determine
summer program financial aid eligibility.
Students are required to have financial aid refunds deposited directly into a designated checking or savings account. Go to the "Student Center" in your myZou Self-Service pages, scroll down to the "Finance" section, and click on the "Manage Direct Deposit" link.
Strongly encouraged is the designation of a Power-of-Attorney
(pdf) while
abroad. A designated POA is a good financial safety net
while out of the country. The Power-of-Attorney
form (pdf) must be notarized. The SFA office has a notary
available for
this purpose.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: I have never filed a FAFSA. Do I need to?
Q: Are their scholarship opportunities for students studying
abroad?
Q: How can I use financial aid to pay my rent, the partner
program, food or travel?
Q: What if my payments are due before leaving the country?
Q: Do I need a Power-of-Attorney?
Q: Will my scholarships and grants apply?
Q: How will studying abroad effect my scholarships?
Q: I have never filed a FAFSA. Do I need to?
A: Filing a FAFSA is a choice decided
by the family. Our office will be able to process scholarships,
federal
PLUS loans and private alternative loans without a FAFSA
on file. The FAFSA determines federal, state and institution
grant and loan eligibility that may be needed financially
during the study abroad enrollment session.
Q: Are their scholarship opportunities for students
studying abroad?
A: All students are
encouraged to complete the study abroad scholarship application
available from
the International
Center as part of their enrollment package. Students
participating in MU and Partner programs may
apply their MU general and departmental scholarships.
Students should complete the online scholarship application by
February 1.
Students receiving Pell grant are eligible to apply
for the Gilman
International Scholarship specifically
for students demonstrating high financial need. These
scholarships are generally $5000 and are extended for
one session or full year programs.
Q: How can I use financial aid to pay my rent,
the partner program, food or travel?
A: Upon receipt of your financial
aid award letter, you need to accept or decline the
financial aid extended.
If you are securing an alternative or PLUS loan, the
application must be submitted electronically, approved
and certified by our loan office. Don’t wait too
late to apply for these loans.
Under federal regulations, funds are not disbursed more than ten days prior
to your enrollment period, then Cashiers must determine if you have a refund.
Your refund may not be available until after leaving Columbia. By establishing
direct deposit, your funds will be available to you at the earliest possible
date.
Q: What
if my payments are due before leaving the country?
A: MU partner programs
will accept a letter stating the anticipated disbursement
of your financial aid refund. The Authorization
for Financial Aid Statement (pdf) should be signed and given to the
Study Abroad Financial Aid Advisor. This will allow you
additional
time to pay the school or institution.
When
necessary, a short-term loan arrangement can be made
through the SFA office to advance part of your anticipated
financial aid refund.
Q: Do I need a Power-of-Attorney?
A: Designating one
of your parents to be your POA is a safety net that will
help in
times of financial
delays or shortfalls. The POA will allow the designated
person to sign all documents concerning financial aid
while you are abroad.
Q: Will my scholarships and grants apply?
A: MU scholarships and grant may be used to help finance participation in MU and partner programs. Tuition and nonresident scholarships may be cancelled or reduced if nonresident tuition is waived or paid by another source.
Q: How will
studying abroad effect my scholarships when I return?
A: The Financial Aid
Office cannot pay renewable scholarships until the renewal
criterion is part
of your official
transcript. Upon your return, the International Center
will receive your international transcript and forward
it to the International Admissions Office to be recorded
on your MU transcript. Most scholarships require 24 completed
credit hours per academic year for renewal.
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