April 2024

Pack Your Bags this April

Imagine spending next spring wandering the streets of Rome. Or, exploring Switzerland. Or maybe in a language immersion program in Shanghai. Your opportunities are endless as a Tartan, and we want to help you explore them all! Check out a story from a fellow Tartan abroad, find out what you need to get your passport before you go, and upcoming events and deadlines. Wherever your studies take you, we'll see you there!

Greetings from Milan

Eviana Barnes, a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management student, spent her last semester abroad through the MSPPM flagship program in Milan, Italy, at Bocconi University. We caught up with her about her experience abroad:

What was your favorite class abroad?
Legal argumentation and the economic analysis of law. The class focused on how to argue in a legal context, and the role of economic arguments. But it also discussed the the role of testimony and distinguishing reliable testimony from unreliable opinons.

What was your favorite thing you did outside of the classroom?
I got into running while I was abroad, and it was a great way to get my bearings around the city. Plus, I made some runner friends, and we ended up running a half marathon together! Try new things, even if it scares you. Time abroad is the best time to do it!

Any travel tips or advice for Tartans thinking of studying abroad?
Start your visa paperwork early! And take an introductory language course before your semester if possible.

Know Before You Go

Before heading out on your next study abroad adventure, it’s important to ensure you have a valid passport before heading to the airport. Each country has its own rules about applying for a passport, so it’s important to understand your home country's requirements before any international travel plans. If you’re applying for a U.S. passport, your best source of up-to-date information is the U.S. State Department’s website.

Applying for your first passport? First-time U.S. passport applications must be done in person at a designated site, such as a courthouse or post office, and usually take six weeks to process.

If you’re trying to renew a passport, you may be able to mail in an application if you meet the requirements. Renewing a passport generally takes four to six weeks but can take up to 12 weeks, so be sure to plan ahead! Typically, passports must be valid at least six months after your expected return date. You’ll want to review the rules for the countries you plan to travel through and study in to be sure your passport will meet their requirements.

What about international students in F-1 or J-1 status? In addition to a valid passport from your home country, students in F-1 or J-1 status will need to carry other documents, including a valid travel signature on their I-20 or DS-2019. You can get an updated travel signature through the MyOIE Portal.
You can also learn more about preparing for your study abroad experience on our website!

Reminders & Events

Summer, Fall 2024 and Academic Year 24-25 Study Abroad Students:

All CMU Study Abroad forms, including a signed Study Abroad Transfer Credit (SATC) form are due by April 10 in the Study Abroad Portal. These forms must be completed to ensure that you are registered and billed appropriately while studying abroad.

Current Study Abroad Students:

If you’re finishing up your semester abroad, we hope it's going well and you’re making the most of your last weeks or months of the program! If you changed courses from what was originally approved on your SATC, you will need to complete and submit a Follow-Up SATC form in the Study Abroad Portal. Please also make sure you’ve requested your study abroad transcripts to be sent to the University Registrar's Office!

Get Connected

We're always here to help and advise you on study abroad options! Check out our Instagram for our staff profiles, or schedule an appointment online or in person to learn more about study abroad at CMU and to ask questions throughout the process. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Carnegie Mellon University
Study Abroad
5000 Forbes Ave, Cyert Hall, First Floor Atrium
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
www.cmu.edu/studyabroad