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UT Study Abroad Office - Safety Updates

Maymester FAQs


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Answers

After Application

How does acceptance work?

During the spring registration period, an SAO advisor will register all applicants in a Maymester Placeholder (SAB 300/400, as appropriate). Registration in a Maymester Placeholder does not guarantee acceptance into the Maymester Program, but holds a space in the class contingent on your acceptance into the program.

You will receive an email in mid to late November letting you know the status of your application. If you are a transfer student or first semester freshman without a UT GPA, you will have a “special condition” on your acceptance pending a successful first semester at UT (minimum 2.5 GPA).

If you are not accepted in the Maymester of your choice, you will be responsible for dropping the Maymester course unique number and its UGS 119 seminar course unique number (if applicable) from your spring registration schedule during the January add/drop period.

How do I withdraw from a Maymester Abroad program?

To withdraw from the program, please go to: https://utdirect.utexas.edu/io/bus/bill/student_withdrawal.WBX to self-withdraw, or notify your study abroad program coordinator in writing. Students are also responsible for dropping their Maymester course(s) in accordance with the University’s registration procedures.

Do I owe money if I withdraw from a Maymester Abroad?

The amount owed depends on the date of withdrawal. When students apply to the Maymester Abroad Program, they electronically sign the SAO Maymester Abroad Financial Responsibility Policy. In signing this document, students acknowledge that they have read and accept responsibility for the policy and understand that they will be liable, barred and responsible for the amount owed according to the Maymester Abroad withdrawal schedule.

Students who withdraw from the Maymester Program after acceptance forfeit their $300 non-refundable deposit. Furthermore, students must withdraw from the Maymester Program on or prior to the 12th class day to avoid additional financial penalty.

Will dropping a Maymester course affect my spring financial aid package?

Yes. Students’ spring financial aid packages have been calculated to include costs associated with the Maymester course. Financial aid awards are recalculated to reflect the dropped Maymester course. Therefore, students are responsible for repaying financial aid funds received for a Maymester course if they drop the Maymester course. Dropping a Maymester course may also affect flat-rate tuition if a student’s enrollment falls below 12 hours.

I have been accepted to a Maymester, what do I do next?

  • Apply for a passport (and visa, if applicable)
  • Make a doctor’s appointment to have your Health Clearance Form Completed
  • Make a plan to pay for your program and its associated expenses
  • Begin to work through the online orientation modules on MY SAO
  • Check your Maymester program’s Blackboard site to find out more information about the program
  • Research your Maymester course location

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Cost

How much will my Maymester cost?

Students pay spring tuition & fees (for undergraduate students, flat rate tuition applies), airfare, and a Maymester Abroad program fee. The program fee includes accommodation, some meals, field trips and international health insurance. Please check individual Maymester Abroad program brochures or on the Maymester website in the "Programs" section for specific program costs.

Is there an application fee?

There is a $50 application fee for all Maymester applicants. This fee will appear on your “What I Owe” page.

What is the Maymester deposit?

A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to secure your place on the Maymester Abroad program. You may not use financial aid to pay for this deposit; however, you might be able to take out an emergency loan through the Student Accounts Receivable Office. This $300 deposit will post to “What I Owe” after acceptance and is due on December 10.

Can I use financial aid to cover costs of a Maymester Abroad?

Yes, you can use financial aid to pay for the program fee. All federal, state and UT institutional aid can be used on SAO-approved programs, including Maymester Abroad programs. Spring financial aid packages can be recalculated based on the additional costs of the Maymester Abroad program. The SAO will submit a Maymester budget to The Office of Student Financial Services on your behalf once you are accepted. Visit http://www.utexas.edu/student/abroad/funding/index.html.

Do Maymester Abroad courses count for my hours needed for financial aid?

Yes, Maymester courses are considered spring courses, so they are included as a part of a students’ spring course schedule and the hours are included in student flat rate tuition.

Do I owe money if I withdraw from a Maymester Abroad?

The amount owed depends on the date of withdrawal. When students apply to the Maymester Abroad Program, they electronically sign the SAO Maymester Abroad Financial Responsibility Policy. In signing this document, students acknowledge that they have read and accept responsibility for the policy and understand that they will be liable, barred and responsible for the amount owed according to the Maymester Abroad withdrawal schedule.

Students who withdraw from the Maymester Program after acceptance forfeit their $300 non-refundable deposit. Furthermore, students must withdraw from the Maymester Program on or prior to the 12th class day to avoid additional financial penalty.

Are scholarships available?

Various scholarships are specifically designated for international study, including the International Education Fee Scholarship and several others. Visit: http://www.utexas.edu/student/abroad/funding/index.html to learn more and apply online.

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Credit

If I already have credit for a course being offered as a Maymester, may I retake the course?

Some UT courses can be retaken for credit when the topic varies. Other courses cannot be retaken if a student has already earned a grade for that specific course. Students should contact Mike Acuña, Academic Advisor in the Office of the Provost, or an academic advisor in their college/department for clarification on whether a specific Maymester course can be retaken for credit.

May I take a Maymester course on a Pass/Fail or Credit/No Credit basis?

No. Maymester courses are offered for a letter grade only.

May I take the Maymester UGS 119 seminar on a Pass/Fail or Credit/No Credit basis?

No. Maymester courses are offered for a letter grade only.

How are Maymester Abroad courses recorded on student transcripts?

Maymester courses are considered part of the spring semester and are recorded on student transcripts with all other courses registered for the spring semester.

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Details

Does the Maymesters Abroad Program include health insurance?

Yes, all Maymester Abroad courses includes international health insurance in their program cost. All UT students and faculty participating in a Maymester Abroad program are covered for the duration of the program. Students and faculty should purchase additional international health insurance coverage if traveling beyond the program dates.

What is International SOS?

The UT System has contracted with International SOS to provide all Maymester Abroad students and faculty with medical assistance, medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, security services, and outsourced customer care. More information on International SOS, along with a wallet-size card, will be issued to all students and faculty at their program orientation. Additionally, students and faculty are highly encouraged to enter their flight and passport information on the International SOS website for health and safety reasons. Information on how to do this will be communicated as part of orientation.

What can I expect from my Maymester course?

The course content will be condensed to fit a shorter format. You might have classes or class visits on weekends or during the evenings. The faculty member will provide a syllabus prior to your departure in the spring. You will get to know the other students and your faculty member very well.

Where will I live while participating in my Maymester?

Your accommodation is included as part of the program fee. Depending upon the location and the course, you might be housed in a homestay, dorm, or apartment. Your Study Abroad Program Coordinator will provide you with more information about the details of your housing during the spring semester.

I have been accepted to a Maymester course, when should I buy my flight?

Please wait to buy your flight until you are notified to do so by your Study Abroad Program Coordinator. Usually students purchase their flights mid-Spring. Your Study Abroad Program Coordinator will finalize housing and arrival details with our partners abroad before instructing you to buy a ticket. You will purchase your own flight and are encouraged to fly with other students in your course.

When will we know the exact program dates for the Maymesters?

Maymester dates are usually finalized later in the fall semester and will be immediately shared with the students through a Blackboard site associated with the Maymester course. Most Maymesters depart in late May and return in late June.

Can I arrive at the international location of my Maymester course after the start date of the course?

No. Due to the condensed format of the course, students must attend each class day of their Maymester course to receive credit. Students must attend each class from the beginning to the ending date and all meeting times of the class.

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General

What is a Maymester Abroad Course?

Maymester Abroad courses are four-week study abroad programs that take place immediately following the spring semester at an international location. Maymester Abroad courses are intensive three- or four-credit hour courses taught by UT faculty members for in-residence credit. Maymester Abroad courses are factored into the student’s GPA and are part of spring registration, although they begin after the spring exam period and conclude prior to the start of the second summer session.

Who can participate in a Maymester Abroad course?

Maymester Abroad courses are open to all UT students who meet course pre-requisites. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be in good academic standing to participate.

How do I get started?

Start by attending a Maymester Abroad information session for the course(s) or program location(s) that interest you. The schedule of Maymester Abroad Information Sessions can be found in the "Info Sessions" tab on this site.  Read through the “Getting Started” section of the Maymester website for more details.

Where can I get more information?

The most up-to-date information will be found on the Maymester Abroad website: http://www.utexas.edu/student/abroad/mm.html

How do I apply for a Maymester Abroad course?

Students should attend a Maymester information session to obtain authorization for online application access. If you already know to which program you wish to apply, you may call the SAO Front Desk or email the Program Coordinator of the Maymester Abroad course with your EID to obtain authorization. The application is online and consists of two short essays and an electronic recommendation form that should be completed by one of your UT instructors or professors. There is a $50 application fee for all Maymester applicants.

What will I learn at a Maymester information session?

The Maymester information sessions will feature presentations by the Maymester Abroad course faculty and SAO Staff. These information sessions will provide a general overview of the Maymester course offerings, locations, application process, scholarships, and financial aid, as well as answer any questions you might have.

I need to send my professor the online recommendation form but lost the link. Where can I find it?

References can be completed at https://utdirect.utexas.edu/student/abroad/prof_rec.WBX

May my TA complete the recommendation form?

A recommendation from a UT professor is preferred.

May I apply to more than one Maymester?

No, you should apply only to the Maymester you would most like to attend.

When will I find out if I am accepted?

We will notify you in mid to late November of your application status. If you are not accepted in the Maymester course of your choice, you will be responsible for dropping all registration related to your Maymester from your spring registration during the January add/drop period.

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Graduation

If I am a planning to graduate in May, can I participate in a Maymester Abroad?

In general, it is possible for graduating seniors to participate in a Maymester Abroad Program; however, it may result in later degree conferral or prevent students from participating in the graduation ceremony. Please consult with both your academic advisor and SAO program coordinator for more details.

If I am a graduating senior, what are my options?

Students should discuss their options with an academic advisor in the department in which they are applying to graduate. In many cases, it is recommended that students apply to graduate at the end of the summer session (August). This would allow a student’s Maymester grade to be posted in late-June and courses to be certified for the degree to be conferred. Please discuss this with the academic advisor in your department.

If I participate in a Maymester Abroad course and plan to graduate at the end of the summer session, can I walk in the May graduation ceremony?

Students should discuss the possibility of participating in the May graduation ceremony with their academic advisor in their college/department. While most Maymester courses begin abroad after the graduation ceremony, it is possible that students could be abroad on their Maymester course during the time of their college’s May graduation ceremony.

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Registration

How do I register for a Maymester?

Maymester courses are part of spring registration, although they begin after the spring exam period and conclude prior to the second summer session. The SAO registers all Maymester applicants in the appropriate course(s) during the Spring registration period.

Students wishing to take more than 17 hours in the spring semester (including the Maymester) are required to obtain permission from their Dean’s Office.

When will I find out if I am accepted?

We will notify you in mid to late November of your application status. If you are not accepted in the Maymester course of your choice, you will be responsible for dropping your Maymester course and UGS 119 (as applicable) during the January add/drop period.

If I am student teaching during the spring semester, can I still register for a Maymester Abroad course?

Students should discuss their schedule for the spring semester with Mike Acuña, Academic Advisor in the Office of the Provost, and also discuss their plans for including a Maymester Abroad course with their college advisor to be sure there are not any conflicts with a required UGS 119 course.

I am a graduate student. Can I register for an undergraduate Maymester course?

Graduate students should discuss any course selection with their graduate advisor to see if a Maymester course can be used as part of their graduate program. Some Maymester programs have graduate course listings, and others do not.

Will I be allowed to apply for a Maymester course in the fall semester if I have not completed the course pre-requisites at the time of registration?

Maymester course pre-requisites must be satisfied by the end of the spring semester. Since Maymester courses occur after the spring semester, completing a pre-requisite course during the spring semester may be possible. Failure to complete a prerequisite will result in the student being withdrawn from the program, without refund.

What if I am not accepted to the Maymester?

You will be responsible for dropping the Maymester Abroad course and, if applicable, the UGS 119 seminar from your spring schedule during the January add/drop period. For this reason, we recommend that you consider registering for a back up course so that in case you are not accepted into the Maymester of your choice, you still have a spring schedule available to you.

How do I withdraw from a Maymester Abroad program?

To withdraw from the program, please go to  https://utdirect.utexas.edu/io/bus/bill/student_withdrawal.WBX to self-withdraw, or notify your study abroad program coordinator in writing.  Students are also responsible for dropping their Maymester course(s) in accordance with the University’s registration procedures.

What if I can’t register for a Maymester because of a bar or because its registration puts me over hours?

It is the individual student’s responsibility to clear all financial bars or to obtain authorization register in excess of seventeen hours prior to your registration access time. Tuition & fee bills must be paid or deferred to financial aid in order for registration to be complete and program participation to be guaranteed.

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