Completing the Proposal:

Macalester has a NEW format for the Study Abroad Proposal. In order to complete the Proposal, you must:

• DOWNLOAD the proposal HERE

• READ all of the proposal instructions

• TYPE all of the necessary information into pages 1-4 (5 if needed) of the proposal

• PRINT the proposal

• DISCUSS your proposed courses with your Department Chair - have him or her sign the Coursework Approval Form (page 4)

• TALK to your advisor - make sure he or she signs the Proposal on page 6 of the downloaded proposal

• SIGN the Student Agreement and Transcript Release on page 7 of the downloaded proposal

• WRITE all the essays you need (see instructions on pages 8-12 of the downloaded proposal) Need help writing the Essay? Look at sample essays here

• SUBMIT your proposal and essays, plus four copies to the Study Abroad Office no later than the deadeline (September 26,2008)

Also don't forget to apply directly to your program! Check their deadlines as many of them may be earlier than the Macalester deadline.

Make sure you have a valid passport!

Lastly - do not forget to read the HANDBOOK FOR OFF-CAMPUS STUDY for important policies and procedures.

Elements of a good proposal:

You don't have to have all the elements described below to have your proposal approved. But, if you want to put together an oustanding proposal, try to include them. Not only will the Study Away Review Committee likely smile on you, you will have improved your own preparation for the experience.

• Your credits for on-time completion of a major are in good-shape. (If Study Abroad imperils your major, look out!)

• If your proposal involves field work or a foreign language, and if your coursework, completed or in progress, prepares you adequately for the experience.

• Two courses of the academic work you plan aborad will count towards a major(s) or minor(s).

• Your proposal has some element of cultural immersion.

• Your proposal includes some element of global citizenship, that is, action in addition to scholarship, whether during the experience or later, making use of the experience. We recommend reading Professor Andrew Latham's Project Pericles paper for a fuller explanation.

• A plan for making use of your study abroad experience after you return, whether in your studies at Mac or later (in your career goals, graduate school etc).

• A solid sense of why the program you have chosen is the best one for you ACADEMICALLY. if you have chosen a program that is not on the recommended list, show that you have investigated that program's academics, including, if possible, the credentials of its faculty.

We recognize that it is often enthusiasm for a particular place that drives the choice of a study abroad program. But the Study Away Review Committee is interested in location only insofar as it has to do with academics and your preparation as a global citizen.

**Take a look at the sample essays!