Coggin Semester Abroad Workbook

 
p. 1

 

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

ACADEMICS

TIPS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS ABROAD.……………………………………….. 3
DETERMINING YOUR COURSE SCHEDULE ABROAD…………………………….4
CCB SEMESTER EXCHANGE LEARNING AGREEMENT…………………………...5
COURSE REGISTRATION ……………………………………………………………..6

ACADEMICS NOTES PAGE………………………………………………….……… 7

FINANCES

COST INFORMATION ……………….……….8

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION ……………9

SCHOLARSHIPS ……………………………..10

CULTURE FINANCES NOTES PAGE…………………...11

S H O C K ……………………………………………………….……......12

OTHER

P R E P A R A T I O N S …………….13

ADDITIONAL INFO………………………..….14

C H E C K - L I S T ………..15

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ACADEMICS

TIPS FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS ABROAD

Pay attention during the in-country orientation
Understand and follow your institution’s mode of communication
Attend classes regularly as you would at UNF (there may not be an
attendance policy, but it is still extremely important to attend class)
Notice cultural differences in schedules and study habits

 Keep up with reading and other coursework, even if you do not have assignments

Get to know your professors’ policies and teaching styles
Understand what you will be graded on and what your host university’s
grading system looks like in comparison to UNF’s grading system

 Grade and credit charts are available on the host university’s page on our
website

Find out if and when final exams and “re-sits” (final exam re-takes) are
offered at your institution and when the deadline is to register for finals
and re-sits

 Note: if you need to take re-sits, this may mean that you will need to delay your
flight back to the U.S.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your professor, other students in your
classes, or your host university’s International Office
Student services abroad are more hands-off, which may cause you to
be more patient and independent
Get involved on campus!

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ACADEMICS

DETERMINING YOUR COURSE SCHEDULE ABROAD

PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
1. Meet with an academic advisor to determine what degree requirements you need to

complete.

Refer to the Major Advising Pages (www.unf.edu/coggin/abroad/semester/Major_Advising_Pages.aspx) to see
what degree requirements are best to fulfill during your semester abroad.

2. Navigate the host university’s course offerings to determine what courses you would like
to take based on the degree requirements left to fulfill.

Links to course lists are available on the university’s page on our website. Contact your study abroad advisor if
you need help finding courses.

3. Come up with a list of 4-5 courses you would like to take. Ideally, find 1-2 additional
back-up courses.

4. Schedule a meeting with study abroad advisor to discuss your course schedule and
how the courses will count towards your degree.

5. Study abroad advisor will gather syllabi from the host university and then contact UNF
department chairs to approve courses to count towards the student’s degree.

6. Study abroad advisor and student will complete page one of the UNF
learning agreement.

Refer to next page for more information about the learning agreement process .

WHILE ABROAD
7. Register for courses (sometimes this happens prior to departure).
8. Contact study abroad advisor immediately if you need to make

changes to your schedule so that the advisor can determine how the new course(s) will
count towards your degree.
9. Student, host university and study abroad advisor will complete page two of the learning

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some universities do not release their course list or syllabi until right before the semester
starts, or sometimes even when the semester starts. Students will need to work with their study abroad advisor
to the best of their abilities to come up with their schedule, but it may not be determined until they get to the
host university. This is often the case for language courses taken abroad since the placement test is given to
students when they arrive.

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ACADEMICS

CCB SEMESTER EXCHANGE LEARNING AGREEMENT

PAGE 1

1. Student and advisor determine course schedule
2. Study abroad advisor fills out page one of the

learning agreement
3. Student and study abroad advisor sign page one
4. Study abroad advisor submits form to Financial Aid

PAGE 2

1. Study abroad advisor sends student the learning
agreement via email around the second week of the
start of the host university’s semester

2. Student fills out page two of the learning agreement
with exact course schedule and credit hours and
signs the bottom

3. Student takes learning agreement to International
Office at the host university to verify courses and sign
the bottom of page two

4. Student sends page two of learning agreement to
study abroad advisor

5. Study abroad advisor signs page two and submits
form to Financial Aid

6. Financial Aid is disbursed

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ACADEMICS

XCH PLACEHOLDER REGISTRATION (PRE-DEPARTURE)

The XCH4000/6000 placeholder course is a 12 or 15 credit course that you will register for at
UNF for your term abroad. This course enables you to pay UNF tuition for the semester
exchange program.

 Register for your term abroad in the same manner as you normally would register for
courses at UNF

 Your study abroad advisor will send you information about the specific course title shortly
before the registration period

 Students going to UH (England), AUT (New Zealand), Abertay (Scotland), Bad
Mergentheim (Germany) will register for the 12 credit XCH course and all other students
will register for the 15 credit course

My XCH Placeholder course I will register for: _____________________________________________

UNF COURSE REGISTRATION FOR NEXT TERM (WHILE ABROAD)

 Make sure you do not have any holds on your account

 Contact your academic advisor to discuss your course schedule

 Make sure to verify your current course schedule abroad with your advisor in case
any of the courses you are taking abroad are prerequisites

 Register for your courses back at UNF in the same manner as you normally would . Regis-
tration time tickets will post to your MyWings account and you register for your classes on
the day stated on your time ticket

My registration day: _____________________________________________
Classes I plan on taking the term after my semester exchange:

1. 5.
2. 6.
3.
4.

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ACADEMICS

[NOTES]

Use this space to write down questions to ask your study abroad advisor and academic
advisor regarding courses abroad and UNF degree requirements.

Degree requirements I plan to fulfill for my semester abroad:

Classes offered at my host institution I plan to take:
1. Alternatives:
2. 1.
3. 2.
4.
5.

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FINANCES

COST OF A SEMESTER ABROAD

 The only expense that the student pays to UNF is 15 credit hours (12 credit
hours for some locations) of UNF tuition

 Students can see the estimated costs for their semester at the host institution
on our website http://www.unf.edu/coggin/abroad/semester/
All_Undergraduate.aspx (under “Other Information” on each host
institution’s website)
Example:

NOTE: These are just estimates based on information that the host university provides or students
who have previously studied abroad have provided. The cost varies per student based on their own
spending habits, the cost of living in different cities/countries, how much the student travels, etc.

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FINANCES

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

 Many need-based and merit-based scholarships & grants already received can be carried
over into students’ semester abroad. Examples:

Florida Bright Futures Alumni Association Journey Scholarship

Florida Prepaid Presidential Scholarship

Terry Scholarship Pathways: Adam W. Herbert, Hicks & Miyuki, Herbert Scheidel

*contact financial aid coordinator to see if yours apply

 Financial Aid disbursement :

-Financial aid will be disbursed after the Financial Aid office receives verification
of students’ enrollment at a university abroad (signed learning agreement). This
will occur within the first few weeks of the start of classes at the host institution.

-The Cashier’s Office will post a tuition deferment if the student’s semester starts
later than when the tuition is posted to the student’s account IF there is enough
financial aid to cover the balance. If you see a late fee, let your study abroad
advisor know.

-Financial aid is disbursed on Mondays and Wednesdays

 Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) 

  SAP is evaluated a er UNF grades are posted in order to determine whether students remain eligible to receive financial 
  aid.. Students must meet the following requirements:

 Earn passing grades for 67% of term and overall cumulative hours attempted
 Minimum term and overall 2.0 for undergraduates and 3.0 for graduates
 Complete degree program within 150% of the published length of program

Good standing Warning Suspension

 If you see an exit counseling requirement in myWings, you will need to

complete it in order to receive financial aid

Financial Aid contact for study abroad:

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FINANCES

STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS

SAILS (Student Affairs International Learning Scholarship)
(http://www.unf.edu/intlctr/SAILS.aspx )

 Amount: $2,500 for a full semester
 Eligibility: must be in good academic standing
 Application: 3 essays & 1 letter of recommendation submitted

through myWings account
 Deadlines: must be submitted the semester before traveling

abroad. Study abroad advisor will inform students of date.
SAILS scholarship deadline for my semester abroad ____________________
Coggin Semester Study Abroad Scholarships
(http://www.unf.edu/coggin/scholarships/All_Abroad.aspx)

 Amount: varies (typically $500-$2,500)
 Eligibility: check website for GPA and other requirements
 Application: form on website submitted to [email protected]
 Deadlines: must be submitted the semester before traveling

abroad. Study abroad advisor will inform students of date.
Coggin scholarship deadline for my semester abroad __________________

Additional scholarship opportunities

- Other UNF Scholarships (there are ones specifically available for Honors and T&L students)

- World Affairs Council of Jacksonville Marilyn McAfee Scholarship

- Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship - Search online for more scholarships

- Your study abroad advisor may periodically send information about scholarships (check your email!)

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FINANCES

[NOTES]

Use this space to write down important information regarding cost, scholarships, or
financial aid and/or write down any questions you may want to ask the study abroad
advisor or financial aid coordinator.

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CULTURE

SHOCK

CULTURE SHOCK:
Phrase given to the
feeling of disorientation
and confusion that often
occurs when a person
moves from a familiar
setting into an unfamiliar
one

TIPS TO EASE ADJUSTMENT:  Maintain perspective. Remember that thousands
of other students are studying abroad and experi-
 Plunge into your host culture encing the same things
 Discuss your frustrations with a friend

 Don’t isolate yourself  Travel in in a spirit of humility with a genuine desire
to meet and talk with locals.
 Connect with others whom are having similar ex-
periences  Keep an open mind

 Keep a journal or blog  Learn about your host country and it’s culture

 Talk to other students who have gone to your host  Discard stereotypes

country to learn what experiences you may en-  Experience and share your culture with others
counter

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

What are you most excited about in regards to your upcoming study abroad experience?

What may be the most difficult or challenging thing to understand about your host country?

What do you think will be your biggest adjustment?

What are some coping skills you posses that will help you deal with culture shock?

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OTHER

PREPARATIONS

CONTACT LAUREN HODGE ([email protected]) regarding:

VISA

Every student typically needs a student visa if they plan on studying abroad for longer
than 90 days. Students will need to meet with Lauren in order to determine what steps/
documents are required to apply for a visa. Note: Students will need an official letter of
acceptance from the host university in order to apply for their visa.

INTERNATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE

UNF policy requires that students on UNF-affiliated international travel have sufficient
health insurance while abroad. Students must meet with Lauren prior to departure to
discuss coverage options.

CONTACT FINANCIAL AID:

 Meet with a financial aid coordinator to discuss how your financial aid will work
towards your semester abroad

CONTACT HOST UNIVERSTIY REGARDING:

 Housing
 In country orientation dates and information
 Other country/university specific information

DO YOUR RESEARCH!

 Health and Safety (http://www.unf.edu/intlctr/Health_and_Safety.aspx)
 Search the many resources available online (country/culture information, language

learning resources, packing information, travel tips/recourses, etc.)

CONTACT STUDY ABROAD ADVISOR IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET IN
CONTACT WITH STUDY ABROAD ALUMNI

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ADDITIONAL

INFORMATION

PAPERWORK—must be completed prior to departure

 Study Abroad Agreement: must be completed and submitted prior to departure for you to receive
financial aid during your semester abroad. Please remember that your financial aid will not be disbursed
until 2-6 weeks after your classes abroad begin.

 SAP Form: study abroad advisor submits this form to Financial Aid after receiving and posting your
transcript from the host university. Financial Aid to reevaluate your Satisfactory Academic Progress and
update your status once you return from studying abroad.

 UNF Academic Exchange Information Pack: must be completed and submitted to the International
Center prior to departure. Allows the International Center to know when and where you are abroad and
who your emergency contact is in case of emergency. You do not need to complete the insurance
information page (p. 11) until you meet with the International Center to determine the international health
insurance you will use for your time abroad.

 Photo Release Form: by signing the photo release form, you are giving the International Business Flagship
Program permission to use photos or videos containing your image for marketing/promotional purposes. If
we choose an item that includes you for something more than flyers or posters, we will generally contact
you to make sure it's ok.  

 Coggin Semester Study Abroad Statements: Policies outlined by the IB Flagship office that students are
required to sign for their semester study abroad program. Please read each statement carefully and
initial.

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS:

Resources and information for parents, including frequently asked questions, can be found
on our website at http://www.unf.edu/coggin/abroad/Parents.aspx

RECOMMENDED TRAVEL APPS: DuoLingo—language practicing app

WhatsApp—messaging app Google Translate—language translation app

Ulmon City Maps to Go—downloadable city maps XE Currency—currency calculator
HostelWorld—search for hostels & their prices
Packpoint—packing helper that creates
AirBnB—low price accommodation option a packing list for the specific time at the
where guests stay in a persons home/ location
apartment
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CHECK LIST

Complete your exchange application (if application is online)
Apply for scholarships
Register for XCH placeholder course
Meet with/email study abroad advisor list of courses from host institution
to start approval process
Meet with a Financial Aid Coordinator
Contact Lauren Hodge about health insurance and visa process
Apply for visa
Complete IC Information Packet and watch safety video by: ___________
Apply for/find housing
Purchase flights
Complete and sign UNF Learning Agreement prior to departure
GO ABROAD
Attend your in-country orientation
Register for courses at your host university
Complete and sign 2nd page of Learning Agreement for enrollment
verification (around 2nd week of classes)
Stay connected with UNF and inspire others to go abroad by posting
pictures to Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook using #CogginAbroad
Contact your academic advisor about registering for UNF courses for the
next semester

Register for courses back at UNF
Fill out re-entry feedback form
Attend your mandatory Re-entry Workshop. Date: _____________________

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CONNECT

SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCES WHILE YOU’RE ABROAD:

 Send your study abroad advisor pictures to be featured on Coggin Study Abroad’s
webpage, social media, and other marketing materials
(Marketing really likes to see you wearing UNF gear in your pictures)

 Create a video when you return to help tell your story
 Keep a blog (share with your study abroad advisor so that it can be put on our website)
 Join the Coggin Semester Study Abroad Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/

groups/cogginsemesterabroad/ to connect with alumni and future study abroad
students
 Post your pictures on social media, using the hashtag #cogginabroad
 Send a postcard to your favorite study abroad advisor to add to her collection :)

Alyssa Kyff
IB Flagship Office (10/2125)
University of North Florida
1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL, USA 32224

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CONNECT

WITH US!

Facebook.com/cogginabroad

@CogginAbroad @cogginabroad

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