What is the difference between a tuition/fee/room/board swap and a tuition/fee swap? With a tuition/fee swap you only pay your tuition and fees at UNCG and take money for your room and board with you to the host university. The host university will let you know how to make payments for housing.        With the tuition/fee/room/board swap, you pay all four at UNCG and receive equivalent benefits at the university. You will have a place to stay and will receive a monthly meal stipend. There are no meal plans like those known in the U.S. We call these exchanges equivalent exchanges because depending on the strength of the dollar in the host country the dollar value may vary. If you pay a vacation stipend you will continue to receive benefits during vacation breaks. When do I make payments to UNCG? Your tuition and fees at UNCG are paid as they normally would be (whether you go abroad or not). Insurance payments and vacation stipends (where applicable) will be discussed at orientation, but are normally due before the end of the semester that you apply. Do I need to notify Financial Aid that I am going on an exchange? No, the International Programs Center will send the Financial Aid Office a list of exchange students. You should, however, contact them before you leave to make sure all your paperwork is in order. If I live on campus at the moment, should I cancel my housing before going abroad? Yes, be sure to cancel your housing and tell Housing and Residence Life that you will be abroad on exchange. Do I need to register for ISE 999? Pre-registration for the semester you are selected is discussed at the academic workshop. The International Programs Center will register you for ISE 999 for 12 hours. Should I wait until the travel grant comes to get my ticket? The travel grant is awarded in connection with financial aid checks, and therefore, it may be necessary to buy tickets before your travel grant is collected. The best ticket prices are generally 6 to 8 weeks before departure. Be sure to plan ahead. Will I need a visa to study abroad? The answer varies from country to country. Specific information is given out at orientation. Be sure you apply promptly upon receipt of your acceptance letter from the host university so that you will have the visa before you leave. What happens if I get to my host school and I have to change my course schedule? If this happens be sure to contact your major advisor and let them know your choices. Carbon any messages about coursework to Tom Martinek, Jr. so that he can put a copy in your file. What should I do if I want to extend my exchange once I am abroad? There is no guarantee that you will be extended, but you need to write a formal email to Tom Martinek, Jr. explaining your reasons for wanting to extend and your exact plans. You must send this email well before the next semester's application deadlines (February 15 or October 1). He will then send you instructions for extending. These will include getting approval from your departmental academic advisor with an appropriate selection of courses, extending your power of attorney, and making arrangements for payments. How will I know what to do for pre-registration? While you are abroad, Tom will send you your advising codes by email as soon as they are posted. You should mark pre-registration on your calendar. If you do not hear from Tom at the appropriate time, write a quick email, especially if you have changed your email since you applied. If you will not be near a computer please send your information to a friend or family member to register for you. If you experience technical difficulties be sure to provide Penelope with detailed schedule information and she will help get you registered through the registration center. If you will be gone for the full year, the International Programs Center will register you for ISE 999 in the second semester. Check UNC Genie to be sure that you have been registered. When do I apply for on-campus housing for when I return? The sooner, the better. You will need to do this on-line. If you have any problems contact Jood Schachtschneider in Housing and Residence Life. (You have her email on your contact sheet.) Do I need to do anything special before I return to UNCG? Be sure to go by the International Programs Center at your host institution. Thank them for the experience and fill out any paperwork that needs to be done. Check to see that you have cleared all bills and that you do not owe any money. Be sure to get Professors' signatures if requested (especially in France). If in Germany don't forget your Scheine. Don't forget to turn in keys and check on deposits. Remember to bring back all work with you to UNCG. Back to the top Back to Student FAQ Super Advanced Student FAQ (once you've returned from Study Abroad) Please forward any questions to: The International Programs Center UNCG, 127 McIver Street, PO Box 26170 Greensboro, NC 27402-6170 PHONE: 336-334-5404 ~ FAX: 336-334-5406 E-mail: studyabroad@uncg.edu This page is maintained by Penelope Pynes. Please direct questions and comments accordingly. This page was last updated on February 2, 2007