Study Abroad Planning Timeline
The following is a typical planning timeline designed to help students plan ahead for their study abroad program. Students are always responsible for checking at the International Programs Office for any changes and actual dates.
Freshmen Year: Planning Ahead
Sophomore Year: Applying for a Program
SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER - Research
- Use Self-Assessment Guide to gauge your readiness to study abroad
- Review and follow the 4-Step application process found in How to Apply?
- Write your answers to the Study Abroad Goals essays
- Consider a minor in International Studies or International Business (and others such as African Studies, Asian Studies, Islamic studies, and modern languages)
Attend Study Abroad 101 at the Mayer Theater- (Required) Review the official online database of Approved Program Options for country and program locations, GPA and language requirements, housing and language of instruction options, program providers, etc.
- Participate in Study Abroad Week events to attend information sessions, pick up brochures, talk to program representatives at their tables in Benson.
- Get some advise from the Peer Advisors, advising appointment with Study Abroad Staff
- (Required) Declare a major using the University's procedure on Declaring an Undergraduate Major.
- (Required) Schedule an appointment with your Academic Adviser from your major to complete the Academic Planning Sheet.
Apply or renew your U.S. Passport by participating in the On-Campus Passport Application Day.
- Narrow your choices down to your Top 3 and discuss your top 3 choices with your parents during the Thanksgiving Break.
- (Required) Choose the ONE program location to which you will petition. You may wish to wait until Fall grades are posted on your ecampus as your cumulative GPA may influence your final decision on a program.
DECEMBER - Petition to Study Abroad
JANUARY - FEBRUARY - Apply to Program
- Fill out Program-specific Application Forms (online or paper forms)
- Request official transcripts via ecampus (pick up from Registrar’s Office)
- Request official transcripts from other universities (if transfer student)
- Ask a faculty to write or complete the Academic Recommendation form(s) (pick up when done to submit to Study Abroad Office)
- Gather other supporting documents (passport-size photos, essays, application fees, etc)
- Revisit Santa Clara’s application deadlines
- RSVP for Group Apply Sessions (if one is scheduled for your program)
- If no Group Apply Session is scheduled, call International Programs Office (554-6940) to set up a 15-minute appointment to submit application
MARCH - AUGUST - Prepare
- Submit completed program-specific application forms & supporting documents to International Programs Office (see instructions above)
- Participate in Study Abroad Workshops
- Anticipate announcement of tuition & fees (including study abroad fees) from Board of Trustees (announced every March for upcoming academic year)
- Review Santa Clara’s Program Cost & Aid for new study abroad tuition & fees
- Anticipate acceptance letters or emails from programs (March – July). Be patient!
- Review Student Visa application procedure in acceptance packet; follow instructions & timelines per instructions
- Submit confirmation of attendance as instructed; do NOT send deposit
- Attend Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation
- Review ecampus account for Holds; students with any holds will not be registered for study abroad status
- Study abroad students will be automatically registered into “UNIV 199 – Studies Abroad” placeholder course thereby preventing them from registering for on-campus classes during Registration Appointments
- Submit confirmation of attendance as instructed; do NOT send deposits
- Review Pre-Departure Checklist (Before Leaving Campus)
- Summer Abroad students billed via ecampus
- June 21st – summer abroad payments due
- Student Visa application process continues
- Student Visa application continues; be very very very patient
- Check ecampus for financial aid award package; confirmations required
- August 1st - Fall Abroad students billed via ecampus
- August 21st – Fall abroad payments due
- Safe Journey!
Junior Year: Study Abroad
- Fall Quarter: Studies Abroad
- August - Enjoy your time abroad!
- October - Share Thoughts & Photos
- November - Check ecampus for Winter registration appointment
- Review Returning Students website
- Apply for International Ambassadors Team
- Register for Winter courses
- Winter Quarter: Re-Entry
- January:
- Join Study Abroad Re-entry Overnight
- Complete Study Abroad Experience Online Evaluation Form
- February: Training for International Ambassadors / Peer Advisors
- Check ecampus for study abroad Fall grades
- Enter Study Abroad Photo Contest
- Spring Quarter: Reflections
- Volunteer to help at Pre-Departure Orientation
Senior Year: Reflection
- Volunteer as an International Ambassador
- Volunteer to help during Study Abroad Week
- Share your study abroad experience in class
- Share thoughts with peers
Post-Santa Clara Years: Being a Global Citizen!
- Teach / Volunteer Abroad
- Invest in Developing World Projects
- Work Abroad
- Study Abroad Again
- Graduate School Abroad
- Travel Abroad
- Join SCU Alumni Trips
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