Program Description

The Office of Global Affairs leads the University of New England’s global engagement efforts, supporting international partnerships, global learning opportunities for UNE students, and the recruitment, enrollment, and success of international students. The office advances institutional partnerships worldwide, oversees study abroad and other global education initiatives, and provides leadership for international student recruitment and support across the University. Global Affairs staff work collaboratively across UNE’s Portland and Biddeford campuses in Maine as well as the UNE Tangier Campus in Morocco.

Within the Office of Global Affairs, the Global Education Program team advises undergraduate students pursuing study abroad and international internship opportunities. The office also provides dedicated support for international students, guiding them through the admissions and matriculation process and supporting their successful transition to academic and campus life at UNE.

Study Abroad

Semesters and summers abroad

UNE students have opportunities to study abroad for a fall or spring semester at the University’s campus in Tangier, Morocco, as well as at partner institutions in Seville, Spain; Aix-en-Provence, France; and other locations worldwide. Students may also participate in exchange programs at institutions in Akureyri and Reykjavik, Iceland, and Tromsø, Norway, including through the North2North mobility program network. In addition, students may choose to study abroad through a range of approved third-party program providers offering programs in destinations around the world.

UNE also offers a six-week summer program at the Tangier Campus during Summer Session A. This program is open to undergraduate students from UNE and from other universities.

Global Education staff support students throughout the study abroad process, including guidance on visa applications when required, registration for courses at partner institutions, and advising on the transfer of academic credit back to UNE.

Short-term faculty-led travel courses

Undergraduate students may also apply to participate in short-term faculty-led travel courses that combine semester-long coursework on campus with an international travel experience. These courses provide students with an opportunity to engage in focused academic study while gaining firsthand exposure to global contexts and cultures. Program fees associated with these courses typically cover major travel-related expenses such as international airfare, local transportation, accommodations, program activities, and select meals.

Travel for faculty-led courses generally occurs during the winter break between semesters, over spring break, or following commencement in May. Graduating seniors who participate in May travel courses may take part in commencement ceremonies; however, their degree will be formally conferred in August.

Application Management

For acceptance into UNE semester abroad programs and short-term travel courses, students apply online through UNE’s Go Global portal. The Go Global portal is also used to capture and store risk management materials for any UNE-affiliated international trips, including sports and club travel. For all UNE group travel, Global staff provides UNE leadership a roster of student information, including passport details, emergency contacts, and allergy/medical alert information. Students provide these details on the Go Global portal.

Scholarships

Global Education Scholarships may be available to students participating in UNE-sponsored semesters abroad. Students studying with third-party program providers and on short-term programs may also apply for a Global Education Scholarship, which is applied to student bills. Additional scholarships may be available based on market conditions. For up-to-date information about scholarships and deadlines, details can be found here. 

Insurance

All UNE-affiliated faculty, staff, and students are covered by AIG Travel Insurance for UNE-related international travel. The Global Education staff facilitate the issuance of insurance cards, monitor worldwide travel and safety alerts, and assist in filing claims in conjunction with the Office of Contracts and Risk Management.

AlertTraveler and STEP

AlertTraveler is a worldwide security notification system that students are encouraged to download on their phones before studying abroad. Every person who registers in the Go Global portal has access to instructions and details about the AlertTraveler application. AlertTraveler sends notifications for any level of safety warning that affects locations where UNE students are traveling.

In addition, Global Education staff encourage all students studying abroad to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service that allows U.S. citizens to enroll their trip abroad with the Government so the U.S. Department of State can contact them in an emergency.

International Students

The University of New England warmly welcomes international students and is certified by the United States Department of Homeland Security to issue F-1 student visas through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Staff in Global Education serve as Primary Designated School Officials (PDSOs) and Designated School Officials (DSOs), supporting international students throughout their studies by advising on F-1 visa regulations and maintaining required records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

Program Description

The Office of Global Affairs leads the University of New England’s global engagement efforts, supporting international partnerships, global learning opportunities for UNE students, and the recruitment, enrollment, and success of international students. The office advances institutional partnerships worldwide, oversees study abroad and other global education initiatives, and provides leadership for international student recruitment and support across the University. Global Affairs staff work collaboratively across UNE’s Portland and Biddeford campuses in Maine as well as the UNE Tangier Campus in Morocco.

Within the Office of Global Affairs, the Global Education Program team advises graduate students pursuing study abroad and international internship opportunities. The office also provides dedicated support for international students, guiding them through the admissions and matriculation process and supporting their successful transition to academic and campus life at UNE.

International Study and Travel

Graduate students travel internationally for coursework, hands-on training, and volunteer work. Global staff use the online Go Global portal to capture and store risk management materials for any UNE-affiliated international trips, including club travel and international rotations or practica.

Graduate students may also use the portal to apply for short-term faculty-led travel courses, which incorporate short-term international travel experiences with on-campus semester-long coursework.

Scholarships

Graduate students traveling internationally for UNE purposes may apply for the Global Education Scholarship. All scholarship applications are received through the Go Global portal. Please see the portal for up-to-date deadlines and application information.

Insurance

All UNE-affiliated faculty, staff, and students are covered by AIG Travel Insurance for UNE-related international travel. The Global Education staff facilitate the issuance of insurance cards, monitor worldwide travel and safety alerts, and assist in filing claims in conjunction with the Office of Contracts and Risk Management.

AlertTraveler and STEP

AlertTraveler is a worldwide security notification system that students are encouraged to download on their phones before studying abroad. Every person who registers in the Go Global portal has access to instructions and details about the AlertTraveler application. AlertTraveler sends notifications for any level of safety warning that affects locations where UNE students are traveling.

In addition, Global Education staff encourage all students studying abroad to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service that allows U.S. citizens to enroll their trip abroad with the Government so the U.S. Department of State can contact them in an emergency.

International Students

The University of New England warmly welcomes international students and is certified by the United States Department of Homeland Security to issue F-1 student visas through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Staff in Global Education serve as Primary Designated School Officials (PDSOs) and Designated School Officials (DSOs), supporting international students throughout their studies by advising on F-1 visa regulations and maintaining required records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).