Study Abroad for International Undergraduate Students

Students at the University of Nebraska at Kearney can participate in an international experience in almost any country. Programs range in length from several weeks to a full year. Regardless of the field you choose to study, a program is available for you, and class credit will transfer to the UNK curriculum if you plan carefully with your academic advisor prior to departure. The Study Abroad Office is ready to help you choose a program that is right for you!

Authorization from a DSO/ARO is required for any F-1 or J-1 student planning to study outside of the U.S. for SEVIS reporting purposes. Approved requests for Study Abroad, along with the maintenance of full-time enrollment, will ensure that your SEVIS record remains active while you’re abroad, meaning there will be no breaks in your immigration status, even though you are not physically within the US.

IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS IN ORDER TO REMAIN IN STATUS WHILE STUDYING ABROAD:

  • You are required to register full-time (12 credits) in order to maintain your immigration status while abroad.
  • Any changes in enrollment while studying abroad could affect your ability to return to the U.S. You will be registered in the U.S. immigration database (SEVIS) as an active UNK student each semester, but only if participating full-time in an approved Study Abroad program.
  • Make sure you have valid passport, travel signature (no more than 1-year old) and an unexpired F-1/J-1 visa prior to returning to the U.S.
  • While abroad, students must complete the Check-In Form for Returning Students within 30 days of the start of each semester they plan to spend abroad to report their address, contact information, and study abroad/travel plans.


RECEIVING AUTHORIZATION FROM A DSO TO STUDY ABROAD:

Once accepted into a Study Abroad program, you must make an appointment with a DSO/ARO to discuss your program and complete a Departure/Exit Form. Please make this appointment as soon as you are accepted into a Study Abroad program. This will ensure timely filing of paperwork and no interruption in your immigration status.

KNOW THE IMMIGRATION IMPLICATION OF STUDYING ABROAD:

Employment Implications: Because immigration status is not interrupted by UNK authorized study abroad, you are eligible for OPT or CPT upon returning to the U.S. if you were enrolled full-time for one academic year. Please note: for students wishing to request post-completion OPT, you must be physically within the US to apply for OPT authorization from USCIS. Similarly, students on J-1 visa are eligible for academic training upon return provided that they maintained full-time enrollment while overseas.

Full-Time Enrollment: It is mandatory to maintain full-time enrollment at all times during study abroad. If students fall below full time enrollment because it is their last semester, the student must request reduced course load authorization by completing the Reduced Course Load form available in Welch Hall. Any unauthorized changes in enrollment while studying abroad could affect your ability to return to the U.S. You will be registered in the U.S. immigration database (SEVIS) as an active UNK student each semester, but only if participating full-time in an approved Study Abroad program.

Immigration Implications: If authorized by a DSO/ARO for study abroad, your SEVIS status will remain active. J-1 students will receive remarks indicating their authorization to participate in a study abroad program.

SEVIS Registration: You must complete the Check – In Form Returning Student within 30 days of the start of each semester you plan to spend abroad as a method of reporting your address, contact information, and study abroad/travel plans.

Renewal of F-1/J-1 Visa: If your student visa expires while studying overseas, you will need to apply for a new visa before making travel plans to return to the US. If the visa application is denied, you must obtain a new visa in your home country to return to the U.S.