Studying abroad offers great opportunities. Not only do you get to see a new culture and learn about other countries, you get to meet hot foreigners with accents. If you wish you could re-live freshman year where everyone is meeting everyone and hanging out and doing all sorts of random events studying abroad is a great way to do it.
The First Step[]
Technically, the first step is to set up an options appointment with Tom Martinek (tjmarti2@uncg.edu) or Heidi Fischer (h_fische@uncg.edu) if you are a Bryan School major. It's best to call the International Programs Center (336.334.5404) and ask to schedule an options appoinment. They can get you a meeting with the right advisor. You show up and they tell you what your options for studying abroad are.
It is recommended that you look at some of the pamphlets they have available at their offices before the appointment. The more research you've done, the more you will get out of this initial meeting. But, not knowing where you want to go is totally ok. You can find out what places are available at studyabroad.uncg.edu.
The Second Step[]
When to study abroad[]
It is possible to study abroad at any point during your college career. It is easier to study abroad and graduate on time if you do it while you still have some General Education Requirements left to take. That would normally be between your sophomore and your junior year. It also means that if you go to an English speaking country you should have no problem getting your credits done on time and if you go to a non-english speaking country you should do it earlier in your college career (unless you are majoring in that language or an "international" major).
How much is it to study abroad[]
To study abroad you pay the same tuition and fees you normally pay to UNCG (in-state or out-of-state) but instead you take the classes at a university in a different country. Dorms may or may not be included in the deal and food may or may not be included in the deal. It very much varies by country and university, which is why doing some research can help you make the right choice for you. More non-traditional countries in Asia or Latin America have more financial aid opportunities because the US wants to increase ties with them so they might be even more affordable.