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Advising Hours & First Step Sessions

    Availability

    In an effort to help keep everyone healthy and safe, the Learning Abroad Center will be operating remotely during Fall 2020. 

    Phone & Email

    Our main office line (612.626.9000) will be answered Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

    Email us (UMAbroad@umn.edu) or leave a voicemail anytime, and we will respond during regular business hours. 

    Virtual Front Desk

    Talk to a Learning Abroad Center staff member via Zoom by visiting z.umn.edu/LACfrontdesk. Available Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

    First Step Sessions

    First Step Sessions give basic information about how to research program options, get started with academic planning, and look into finances for study abroad, including financial aid and scholarships.

    First Step Session Schedule

    Choose one of the following First Step formats:

    Online (Complete Anytime) 

    The First Step Session can be completed online at any time and takes about 20 minutes.

    –or– Zoom Meeting (Offered Weekly) 

    Attend a First Step session virtually and get questions answered by an adviser in real time.

    Every Wednesday
    2–2:30 p.m. 
    Register here (Zoom meeting)
    *Register anytime before Wednesday at 2 p.m. After you register, you will receive an email from Zoom with a link to join the webinar. You only need to attend one session to proceed to the next step of advising.

    Advising 

    Program Selection Advising

    Program Selection Advisers meet one-on-one with you to help you find a program that matches your academic, career, and personal goals and interests. Program selection advisers can:

    • Clarify concepts introduced at the First Step or on the web
    • Compare and contrast program options
    • Walk you through the study abroad process, including academic and financial planning, and the application timeline
    • Identify appropriate program contacts and next steps

    What you need to know

    • You must complete a First Step Session before meeting with a Program Selection Adviser
    • To schedule an advising appointment visit z.umn.edu/LACAdvising or call 612.626.9000
    • Your appointment will be more productive if you spend some time researching program options prior to meeting with an adviser
    • Program Selection Advising will be conducted over Zoom until further notice 

    Program Specific Advising

    If you have already decided on a study abroad program, contact the LAC staff member who works with your program to schedule an appointment. Your program contact can help you with matters specific to your study abroad program, such as: 

    • Housing
    • Course selection
    • Information about program location
    • Cultural adjustment 
    • Language 
    • Visas