# Get Started

**Source**: https://global.utexas.edu/abroad/get-started
**Parent**: https://global.utexas.edu/abroad

Take your education beyond the Forty Acres to gain an international perspective that will contribute to your UT education and set you apart in your career. Explore the more than 500 programs in nearly 100 countries available to UT students. No matter your major, your budget, your fears, your dreams—you can make it happen and we are here to guide you.

> " This experience has played a pivotal role in our own journey of self-discovery and growth. I am thankful for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fulfill dreams of travel, exploration, and adventure, but I am even more thankful for this unique time to pause, rest, and grow.
> "
>  David Zulli, studied abroad in Granada, Spain

## Steps to Get Started

1. ### Think About Your Goals

   Do you want to study or intern? Do you need to take a specific class abroad? Would research be of interest? Do you want to be with a group or more independent? Do you want to live with a family? Download the [Get Started flyer](https://utexas.app.box.com/s/aab6x9oxxfnsbsq1jzdwrvl1b6kjptyp) and use the provided Explore worksheet to think about your goals. Bring your worksheet to an “Explore” event.

   [Explore Worksheet](https://utexas.app.box.com/v/ExploreChecklist)

   [Get Started Flyer](https://utexas.app.box.com/s/aab6x9oxxfnsbsq1jzdwrvl1b6kjptyp)
2. ### Attend Virtual Advising

   Start by watching one of our virtual information sessions and then join us for a Live Connect Q&A event. Pick a session or two that match your interests.

   [Education Abroad Advising](https://global.utexas.edu/abroad/apply/advising)
3. ### Browse the “Find a Program” and “My Credit Abroad” Databases

   The [Find a Program database](http://utdirect.utexas.edu/io/abroad/pgm_list/) lists the 400+ officially sponsored UT Education Abroad programs for all students. Search by location or major. The [My Credit Abroad](https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/abroad/credit/list/nlogon/) database is a historical record of classes other UT students have taken abroad. This is a great place to start researching program options to keep you on track for graduation.

   Questions about credit? Review the [Study Abroad Credit page](https://global.utexas.edu/abroad/apply/credit) for more information about receiving academic credit while abroad.
4. ### Speak with Your Academic Advisor

   Your academic advisor can help you determine the ideal semester for an international experience. They will discuss course options for meeting your degree requirements and options for internships or research.
5. ### Make a Financial Plan

   Selecting the right opportunity is a combination of program selection and a sound financial plan. Consider your budget, discover scholarship opportunities and research financial aid.

   [Apply for your scholarships](https://global.utexas.edu/abroad/funding/scholarships) at the same time as you apply for your program. Very few scholarship deadlines are after program admissions.

   [Explore Funding Resources](https://global.utexas.edu/abroad/funding)

   Use the [budget worksheet](https://utexas.box.com/s/0x5qen50j9r65mnnhg641wfldbqcnodr "\"Real Cost\" Budget Worksheet") to determine the "real cost" of studying abroad and to compare costs between different programs.
6. ### Get Your Passport

   Apply now to get or renew your passport. Waiting times may be long, so get started early.

   [Get Your Passport](https://global.utexas.edu/passport)
7. ### Submit Course Evaluation Requests

   After reviewing the [Study Abroad Credit 101 page](https://global.utexas.edu/abroad/apply/credit), Credit Checklist, and meeting with your academic advisor, review courses listed in [My Credit Abroad](https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/abroad/credit/list/nlogon/) for their UT credit equivalent. If your desired course is not listed in My Credit Abroad, or is listed as "Expired Approved", use the [Course Evaluation Requests Survey](https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_23jbImvPhsYG2Sp) to submit foreign course syllabi to be evaluated for UT credit. Requests can be submitted at any time.
8. ### Apply

   Review the application requirements for the different options. Gather your materials and submit them by the deadline. Don’t forget to apply for your [passport](https://global.utexas.edu/passport) as soon as possible.

   [Apply and Go](https://global.utexas.edu/abroad/apply)

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## Explore More

[Explore Education Abroad on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVZy4qh4HSIJXSFlFYifijGQihyI4FtId)