Currently Abroad

Using Your Handbook

While you're abroad, refer to the information and exercises in the Pre-departure Handbook. Several of the passages, such as those dealing with cultural transitions and adapting to your new environment, will be more meaningful and helpful now that you're abroad.

Obtaining Course Approvals While Abroad

If necessary, you may obtain course approvals via e-mail while abroad. E-mail the appropriate faculty member with the exact title, course number and complete description of the course in which you wish to enroll. In granting approval via e-mail, the faculty member should include the specific Butler equivalent for which you will receive credit. Once you have received this approval, forward a copy of the correspondence to the Center for Global Education for your records. You may also consult the "Planning to Study Abroad" for more details on study abroad academic credit.

Registering While Abroad

While you are abroad, you may need to register for the semester you will return to campus.

Before your departure, you should:

Select preliminary courses you wish to take during the semester of your return in consultation with your academic advisor.
Ensure all encumbrances (any holds) are cleared at Butler or you will be unable to register.

While you are abroad, you should:

View the upcoming semester's course schedule on Butler's Web site.
Register for classes on-line.

Securing On Campus Housing For Return

Students who want to live on campus upon return need to contact the Office of Residence Life to get updated information on the housing process. Details on the housing lottery and updated housing policies can be found at www.butler.edu/residence-life/.

Preparing For Your Return

Several weeks before your return home, you may wish to start preparing for reentry, or the return to the U.S. culture. You may also have friends or parents send you local or school newspapers, or clippings about local happenings. Catching up on local issues will speed up your adjustment to life at home.

Take time to properly say goodbye to your friends. Spend time with your friends and enjoy your final weeks/days abroad.

Don't wait until the last morning to take pictures - especially of your neighborhood and your friends.

Aside from preparing yourself mentally, you should also begin to consider re-packing and how you intend to bring home all of your belongings that you have accumulated. Excess baggage fees are often expensive, sometimes $150 U.S. per extra piece of luggage (up to 70 lbs.). You may wish to ship items home.

Request: a final official transcript to be sent to the Center for Global Education and a copy for your own use in the future or to keep as a record.

Keep all coursework, syllabi and related documents to complete any outstanding course approvals when you return to campus.

Consult your handbook for more suggestions.