Carnegie Mellon University

October 2023

Fall for Study Abroad

Fall is finally here and we already have so many great study abroad highlights! Thank you to everyone who attended the Study Abroad Fair; over 400 students attended and engaged with more than 30 programs. We hope you all had a fantastic time and found your next study abroad experience to pursue! In this issue of Postcards from Scotty, get started with some important “know before you go” information, check out study abroad stories from your fellow Tartans, and stay up to date with upcoming opportunities and deadlines. Wherever your studies take you, we’ll see you there!


Get Ready to Study Abroad

Images of two student leaders at the Global Medical Brigades table at the Study Abroad Fair

Preparing to study abroad is an exciting time! It can also be a little overwhelming to make sure you're prepared for your international experience. We've pulled together a short checklist to make sure you are starting off on the right path. Remember, you can always check out the Study Abroad website for all the resources you'll need!

  • All international studies and travel require a valid passport! Fall break is a great time to apply for or renew your passport to be ready to study or travel abroad in the Spring or Summer of 2024. Remember, your passport must be valid for at least six months after you plan to return from your time abroad! U.S. citizen? Find out more about applying for or renewing your passport.
  • Know your options! We know there are many programs to choose from, so why not start by checking out CMU's University Wide Exchange Programs and Departmental Exchange Programs? Students in exchange programs pay through CMU and can utilize all federal, state and CMU financial aid!

Study Abroad Stories

It's October, which means the leaves are changing, there's a chill in the air, and it's the perfect time to cozy up and read about your fellow Tartan's study abroad experiences! Last year, Cheryl Zhang studied abroad in France and returned with some personal insight into studying abroad. No matter where your studies and travels might take you, check out Zhang's post Study Abroad in France: A Guide to Having the Time of Your Life.


Important Reminders and Upcoming Events

Returning Study Abroad Students:

Transcript Reminder: If you were abroad during the spring 2023 semester or over the summer, remember to send your transcripts to the CMU Registrar's Office for transfer credit.

Stay involved with Study Abroad: If you'd like to share your study abroad experience with interested students or are interested in being a volunteer study abroad peer advisor, complete the interest form.

Prospective Study Abroad Students:

Study Abroad Information Sessions: Info sessions for interested students will be held Oct. 6 and 26. For more information, visit the Study Abroad Calendar.

Pre-Departure Sessions: If you will be studying abroad in spring 2024, remember to register for a required Pre-Departure session. Check out the Study Abroad Calendar for dates and details.


Important Dates + Deadlines

Early October Applications for all spring 2024 study abroad programs begin closing in October. Applications for summer 2024 International Research Opportunities began to open on Oct. 1. Learn more about Summer Research Programs.
Oct. 6 Join Study Abroad for an Information Session, and learn about opportunities, timelines, and deadlines for semester, academic year, summer, and short-term study abroad!
Oct. 12 CMU's Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholar Development (OURSD) hosts a virtual information session for the Truman Scholarship and Udall Scholarships. These awards focus on language acquisition and study abroad for less commonly taught languages for undergraduate and graduate students.
Oct. 24 Information Session with the Middlebury School in Jordan. Interested in improving your Arabic language skills? Learn about an incredible study abroad opportunity in Amman, Jordan. Learn more about this session.
Oct. 24 Join the Study Abroad Office and OURSD, come learn about research opportunities for summer 2024! Learn more about this session.
Oct. 26 Join Study Abroad for an Information Session and learn about opportunities, timelines, and deadlines for semester, academic year, summer, and short-term study abroad!
Nov. 6 and 8 Pre-Departure Orientation is required for anyone studying abroad spring 2024 or over winter break. You must register on TartanConnect for either the Nov. 6 or 8 Pre-Departure session.

Get Connected

Images of Chris Menand, Cortney Seltman, and Emily Moran

Associate Director Chris Menand (left), Assistant Director Cortney Seltman (center), and Study Abroad Advisor Emily Moran (right) are ready to help you plan a rewarding study abroad experience.


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!

Images of a water buffalo in the jungle and the text you won't see this at Schenley Park


CMU's Office of International Education distributed this email. You are receiving this email because of your status as a student who is currently studying abroad or interested in studying abroad. Unsubscribe.

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