Getting Started
Step 1: Meet with Your Academic Advisor
Discuss your desire to study abroad with your Academic Advisor. Identify courses that could be taken abroad and decide when study abroad will fit best into your academic program. The earlier you plan for study abroad, the easier it will be to accomplish within a four-year graduation timeline.
Step 2: Attend an Information Meeting
in Laurel Hall
Information meetings are held four times a week in Room 008 Laurel Hall during the academic year and cover program options, financial aid, research strategies, application procedures, credit transfer and other university policies.
- Mondays 3:15 pm
- Tuesdays 2:00 pm
- Wednesdays 2:15 pm
- Thursdays 3:00 pm
Step 3: Identify Your Goals for Study Abroad
Take time to think about what you hope to accomplish academically and conduct a self-assessment of your language skills, financial means, and personal interests. The clearer you can articulate what you hope to gain from the study abroad experience, the easier it will be to narrow your program options. Keep yourself open to new possibilities, too. Consider using the tools below to help you define what programs may be a good fit for your goals:
- Transfer Credit Form
Complete the Transfer Credit Form and mark the checkbox "Preliminary Evaluation." Submit form to the Study Abroad Office and we'll forward it to Registrar's Office for them to respond to you directly.
- Budget Planning Worksheet
This worksheet is designed to help you compare costs across programs and create a realistic budget. As you do your research, you will notice that programs vary considerably in cost and features included in the program fee.
- Financial Aid / Study Abroad Certification Statement
For students interested in finding out what aid may be available to use toward study abroad, download and complete this 'Preliminary Estimate' form before deciding on a program. Student Financial Services will respond to you directly with estimates. The official version of the Financial Aid / Study Abroad Certification Statement is available to students who have applied to a study abroad program through CSU's on-line system and is completed electronically.
Step 4: Meet with a Study Abroad Advisor
Advisors are available on a walk-in basis Monday through Thursday between
the hours of 9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. and 1:00p.m. - 4:00p.m. in Laurel Hall (on the Oval) during the
academic year. Walk-in advising sessions generally last ten to fifteen minutes
and are on a first-come first-served basis. If you’d like a little more time with
an advisor, you may set up an appointment. Meetings with advisors are by
appointment only during the summer.
Advising Hours
Step 5: Research Programs and Scholarships
Utilize the resources of the OIP to research study abroad programs and potential scholarship opportunities. Read program information carefully and ask questions of the program sponsor. It is always a good idea to talk with students who have studied abroad on a particular program before making your final decision. Program evaluations and study abroad alumni contact information are available in the Office of International Programs. Study Abroad advisors and Peer Advisors are also available to provide guidance in your search for a program.
Step 6: Find a Program
Finding a study abroad program that will meet your academic interests and personal goals is an important first step in the international learning experience. Before deciding on a program, consider your academic goals, skills, and personal interests.
Step 7: Apply to Study Abroad
Refer to your selected program criteria (eligibility, application requirements and fees, and deadlines).
