Advising Roadmap
Working With Global Education Oregon (GEO)
Study abroad opportunities offer students valuable benefits including global awareness, enhanced academic learning, leadership development, expanded career networks, improved language skills, and personal growth. This resource provides strategies to help advisors and faculty guide students toward education abroad opportunities that align with their academic goals. Use this information alongside the GEO website and the student study abroad roadmap.
GEO Programs | Academics & Finances | Advisor Connection Points | Addressing Barriers
Types of GEO Programs
GEO Centers
GEO center programs have dedicated on-site staff and facilities in locations like the UK, Italy, and Spain. These centers provide a "home base" with local expertise, resources, and dedicated spaces for classes, advising, and studying.
GlobalWorks Internships
GlobalWorks offers full-time international internships to UO students across diverse career fields, partnering with providers worldwide for tailored placements. Students earn UO credits while gaining practical work experience in different cultural settings.
Faculty-led
Faculty-led programs are guided by UO or partner university professors and focus on a single topic or discipline for deeper specialization. These programs typically fulfill specific major and minor requirements related to the faculty leader's department.
University Exchanges
Exchange programs allow students to enroll directly at foreign universities for a semester or full year, accessing most courses across various disciplines. These programs sometimes cost less than other similar-length study abroad options.
Language & Culture
In addition to language courses, students take a variety of courses related to the country in which they are studying. Students often engage in cultural activities and excursions to better understand the target culture and language.
Intensive Language
These programs focus on the acquisition of language skills and are often very immersive! Some language learning programs allow a student to bring back a significant number of language credits – even up to the equivalent of one year of language coursework.
Field Studies/Research
Some programs sponsored by GEO involve a research component in addition to classwork. This includes both Field Research and Lab Research options. If students are looking to build their research portfolio, possibly for future graduate school applications, or for a senior thesis, this may be a great way to get practical experience in research.
Third-party Programs
UO students may also consider participating in programs that are sponsored by GEO and approved for UO credit. These programs are operated by organizations such as CIEE, IE3 Global, SIT, DIS, and Wildlands, and add to the wide range of programs available to UO students.
Academics, Finances & Study Abroad
Credits
Students abroad on a GEO sponsored program earn UO credit. Application of the credits earned abroad is determined by the relevant UO department. Courses abroad can satisfy major, minor, or Core Education requirements. Students should meet with a study abroad advisor for more information about specific program courses.
Registration
GEO registers students for their courses abroad. Students are registered for placeholder credits prior to departure. The credits are adjusted upon the conclusion of program and once grades are submitted. Students should review program dates with departmental advisors and plan for their classes upon return. Depending on the program timeline, a student may need to register for the following term while abroad.
Financial Aid
Most forms of financial aid apply to study abroad. Students should meet with a financial aid advisor to discuss specific package details. Students should also consult with GEO scholarship advisor to learn the parameters around applying the scholarship for their time abroad. The availability of some scholarships can vary depending on the term of participation. Visit the UO Financial Aid page to learn how to apply financial aid to study abroad.
Academic Advisors Connection Points
Pre-Program
- Identify the best term for your advisee to spend abroad.
- Contact a Global Engagement Program Coordinator (GEPC) to learn which programs are particularly well-suited for students in your degree program.
- Review course selection and equivalencies for major/minor requirements and help students to seek out course approvals from the relevant department. Refer to the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database found at the bottom of every GEO program brochure page.
- Encourage students to attend information sessions, speak with GEO advisors, and explore scholarship opportunities.
During Program
- Your advisee may need assistance in registering for the upcoming quarter.
- Discuss any course changes abroad or adjustments upon return.
Post-program
- Review grades, revisit academic plan, and discuss next steps to satisfy major requirements.
- Encourage advisee to visit the UO Career Center for tips on updating a resume to reflect the education abroad experience.
Addressing Barriers to Study Abroad
Studying abroad can be a big step for many students. Some potential barriers include financial limitations and graduation timeline.
Academic Timeline
Students are often concerned that studying abroad will delay their graduation. GEO Institutional Research tracked UO student cohorts from 2007-2012 and found UO students who participate in study abroad have a 11.4% higher 4-year graduation rate than their counterparts who don’t. The planning that accompanies studying abroad often supports creating a comprehensive academic timeline.
Financial Limitations
GEO offers a wide range of scholarships for UO students planning to study abroad including first-year planning scholarships, passport grants, and scholarships for students with disabilities and first-generation college students. There are many other scholarships based on financial need, academic merit, student background, and program region. GEO scholarship advisors are also available to help students with applications, including competitive national scholarships.