Ready to Take Your Education Global?

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Last Updated: Sep 18, 2025, 02:44 PM

Studying abroad isn’t just about travel — it’s about finding your place in the world. Start here to explore your options, figure out what fits you best, and learn how to apply, plan, and fund your experience.

Deadlines Coming Up — Mark Your Calendar!

Planning to study abroad? Get those apps in on time:

  • Oct 1, 2024 → Winter & Spring 2025

  • Mar 1, 2025 → Summer & Fall 2025

Study abroad students in japan

Types of Programs

  • Faculty-Led Global Seminars

    Go with your favorite professor and classmates.

    • 1 to 2 weeks, usually in summer
    • Super affordable
    • SIU faculty-led, credits transfer easily

  • Exchange Programs

    Trade places, pay SIU tuition.

    • Semester, year, or sometimes summer
    • Very cost-effective
    • Competitive — apply early

    Direct exchanges or through networks like ISEP or Utrecht

  • Direct & Provider Programs

    More freedom, more locations.

    • Study, intern, research, or do fieldwork
    • One-way programs (more spots available)
    • Pay provider directly, not SIU tuition

How to Choose the Right Program

This is your journey — make it yours.

  • Academics

    Will these courses count toward your degree?

    Student in a white lab coat and blue gloves uses a pipette to transfer liquid into vials during a laboratory experiment at Southern Illinois University.

  • Budget

    What’s included? Does your aid apply? Any scholarships?

    Two students review financial documents together at a desk, using calculators and tax forms during a budgeting or accounting exercise.

  • Goals

    Career boost? Culture dive? Language skills? Adventure?

    Instructor and student practice scuba diving techniques underwater in a swimming pool, both wearing full scuba gear.

  • Timing

    Does this fit your graduation plan or summer job?

    Graduates in maroon caps and gowns smile while seated in rows during the commencement ceremony at Southern Illinois University.

  • Location

    Big city or nature escape? Familiar or totally new?

    Two students wearing helmets and harnesses laugh together while suspended on a rope swing during an outdoor adventure activity.

  • Housing

    Dorm, apartment, or host family?

    Students and a guide tour a campus residence hall room at Southern Illinois University, with a made bed, desk, and large window providing natural light.

  • Group or Solo?

    SIU crew or go it alone and meet new people?

    Four students study together at an outdoor table near a lake on the Southern Illinois University campus, with laptops and textbooks open on a sunny day.

Funding Your Experience

Money shouldn’t stop you from going global.

Most financial aid can be used for study abroad, and there are even scholarships designed specifically for it — including our own Salukis Abroad Scholarship. Once you apply, you’ll receive a custom budget letter to submit to Financial Aid. Just be sure you’ve filed your FAFSA for the correct term, registered for your course or program, and, if you’re heading abroad in the summer, requested a preliminary aid estimate.

Sunny exterior view of the Student Services Building at Southern Illinois University, with its signature curved columns and large glass windows.

How to Get Started

If you're applying to a **Faculty-Led Program**, it's simple — just click **Apply Now** on the individual program page to get started.

For all other programs, you'll begin by creating an **Advising Application**. Once that’s set up, schedule a meeting with the Study Abroad team. You’ll fill out a quick profile and questionnaire, and from there, we’ll walk you through the rest of the process step by step.

Student working independently on a laptop in a modern study room, with a backpack, drinks, and whiteboard nearby.

Still Deciding? Talk to Us.

No pressure — we'll help you figure out what works for you.