Pacific Rim/Asia Study Travel ProgramPacific Rim/Asia Study Travel Program

Study Abroad Timeline

Not sure how to start planning your study abroad experience? Don’t panic! The office of International Programs has created this page especially for you. Read on for a planning schedule that will enable you to make the most of the resources available to you and increase the likelihood of a productive study abroad experience.

Whether or not you are an entering freshman or a transfer student, the following is a guideline for inquiring and researching study abroad options, as well as applying for a program and beyond.

Exploring your options:

  • Talk with the International Programs Staff at the Academic Fair during fall orientation.
  • Come to the Study Abroad Fair in September to meet representatives and study abroad alumni from various study abroad programs.
  • Attend one of the general interest meetings. These sessions will be held throughout fall semester. Check the International Programs Web site or bulletin broad for dates and times.
  • Visit International Programs to discuss study abroad programs with a study abroad advisor and use the resources in the study abroad library. Plan to spend at least 45 minutes on your first visit.
  • Discuss your plans to study abroad with your academic advisor.
  • Visit International Programs Web site for a list of study abroad programs and important events, meetings and dates.
  • Speak with returned study abroad students about their experiences. Contact International Programs for a list of students who have returned from programs you are interested in.
  • Contemplate your goals for your study abroad experience, as well as your academic and personal reasons why you want to study abroad.

Ready to apply:

  • Choose a program to apply to at least two semesters prior to departure.
  • Discuss your plans to study abroad with your academic advisor.
  • Meet with an advisor in International Programs to review the Approval to Study Abroad form required for all students applying for affiliated and approved programs. Review your specific program application form and receive instructions on completing the form and making note of the application deadline.
  • Attend fellowship and scholarship meetings and keep up to date with Graduate Fellowship and Scholarship opportunities and application deadlines.

Applications complete, preparing for your study abroad experience:

  • Attend the Study Abroad Pre-departure Session the semester before you go abroad.
  • If applicable, meet with pre-med or pre-law advisors to plan application timelines and procedures while you are studying abroad.

While abroad:

  • Contact the University Evaluator in the Office of the Registrar immediately if you need to change your overseas courses to ensure that credit transfers back.
  • Stay in contact with your advisor and faculty recommenders to ensure you meet application deadlines for fellowships, graduate school, etc.
  • Research schedules for LSAT, MCAT, GRE, GMAT, and any other tests that need to be taken as part of the graduate school application process.
  • Talk with your advisor and other faculty members about writing references for graduate school, etc., for you.
  • Stay in touch with International Programs and send us a postcard from your study abroad site!

After returning:

  • Complete a Study Abroad Questionnaire Form when you return to campus.
  • Attend the Welcome Back Celebration the semester you return and chat with other returned study abroad students.
  • Contact International Programs if you're interested in speaking with prospective study abroad students at the Study Abroad Fair or Pre-departure Session, or if you'd like to be a resource for prospective students on a more informal basis.

Helpful Hints

  • Start early!!! It's never too soon to begin planning for study abroad.
  • Talk with students who have returned from study abroad. They are the experts, and will be able to give you valuable insight.
  • If your application requires faculty recommendations, make sure you give your faculty plenty of time to write your recommendation (two weeks is the minimum suggested!).
  • Write a prompt thank-you note to any faculty, staff, or peers who write a recommendation letter for you. Consider sending a postcard from your study abroad site as well.
  • Make sure you understand and meet all program application deadlines.