Returned Study Abroad and Exchange Students
Welcome back!
We hope you've had a wonderful and life-changing experience abroad!
We have a number of resources for you to adjust back to life in the U.S. and for any remaining follow-ups you may need to do with our office.
Upon your return from study abroad you will be contacted by the Office of Study Abroad about important materials that need to be completed and for feedback regarding your experiences while abroad.
- Transcripts and Grades
The Office of Study Abroad usually receives study abroad transcripts two - three months AFTER your study abroad program ends. Keep this in mind if you will be graduating shortly after your return from study abroad. If you have not heard anything from our office within two - three months, check in with us as well as the program provider/host institution.
Once the Office of Study Abroad has your transcript, we will match it up against the courses you had signed off on your course pre-approval form prior to departure. If the transcript matches with those courses, our office will send your courses/grades to the appropriate department heads for final approval. Once final approval is given, your transcript(s) will be sent to the Registrar for posting.
If your study abroad transcript does not match up with the course pre-approval form, our office will contact you and let you know that you need to get the courses approved by the appropriate department head(s). Your study abroad transcript will NOT be sent to the Registrar until this has been completed and the department has given final course/grade approval.
- Reverse Culture Shock
Just as you may have experience culture shock during your time abroad, it's entirely possible that you may experience reverse culture shock upon your return to the United States. Below you will find some resources on reverse culture shock.
- Ways to Get Involved with the Center for Global Education
Inquire with the Office of Study Abroad about opportunities to keep your experiences alive and volunteer, assist with presentations, provide blogs, videos, photos from your program, etc.
There are also several opportunities for you to get involved with international students on campus! Learn more about becoming an International Orientation Leader and about our International Buddy Program.
- Requesting Official Study Abroad Transcripts
If you studied abroad through any study abroad program, other than a UTC faculty-led program, then you will need to request your study abroad transcript either directly from the program provider you studied abroad with or directly from your host university (if you did direct enroll or exchange).
The Center of Global Education receives one official copy of your study abroad transcript which is sent to the UTC Registrar. The Registrar must maintain this official transcript in your file.
Please contact the host university or study abroad program provider to find out how you can receive an official copy of your study abroad transcript(s).
If you studied abroad through a UTC faculty-led program, you can request your UTC transcript from the Registrar. Information on UTC transcript ordering can be found by clicking here.
- National Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities
So, you've returned from your study abroad adventure and, like most other study abroad alum, want to know what else you can do?
We encourage you to look at future opportunities through the Office of National Scholarships and Fellowships.
Think about applying for a Fulbright? Or a Boren Fellowship? Or a Critical Language Scholarship?