2022-23

We interviewed Sara Branley, the Director of Study Abroad, about the SCU Study Abroad Program.  We asked Sara to share with us some insights into applying to the Study Abroad Program. Read her answers below.

• What are some of the important points for students to be aware of?
• What are the tips to navigate the course database? 
• If the course has not been approved for the Study Abroad program, how do you petition to get the course approved?

Advising for Fall Quarter

Applications for Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Winter 2024, and Spring 2024 study abroad programs are officially open in the SCU Program Database!

There are multiple ways students can reach out for support based on their schedules: 

Email & Live Chat: 

• Students with quick questions can email our advisors studyabroad@scu.edu or utilize the blue LiveChat button at www.scu.edu/studyabroad

Express Advising: 

• Students are welcome to drop by our in-person Express Advising every Tuesday this Fall from 10:30 AM- 12:00 AM held in the Global Engagement Lounge in the Aloysius Varsi Hall (Campus Map). No appointment is necessary to attend.

1-on-1 Advising: 

• Students can book a 1 on 1 advising appointment on the Contact Us and Advising section of the Study Abroad Website. Don't forget, it is mandatory to attend or watch all webinars in the Get Started Advising Series prior to booking an advising appointment with our advisors.

Competitive Nature of Study Abroad at SCU

The number of applicant nominations varies from year to year and is dictated mainly by our allotted program budget. The Study Abroad program budget is allocated in the same manner as other academic program budgets. While demand for the program and overall university enrollments have increased, the budget has not. Other factors that are considered in the nominations each year are the review committee recommendations, cost of programs, and program capacity limits.

In addition to the program as a whole being competitive, individual programs may have enrollment constraints and may be internally competitive. SCU has a cap of 30 students per study abroad program for all programs during the fall, winter, and spring terms.

Remember the deadlines! 

• Fall 2023, Winter 2024, & Spring 2024: December 16, 2022 11:59 pm (PST)
• Summer 2023: February 1, 2023 11:59 pm (PST)

We are recommending that students submit their applications by noon of the deadline day to ensure that all materials are received and completed on time. Study Abroad staff will not be in the office or checking email after 5 pm, so if there are any technical glitches or if students have questions, we will not be able to help. 

How do students decide what is the “right” program for them?

When it comes to selecting the program preferences for you, there are a few things students should consider, including: 

• What courses do I still need to take to graduate on time?
• What do I hope to gain from studying abroad?
• What do I plan to accomplish while studying abroad? 
• What are my personal, academic, and professional goals?

When it comes to course planning, follow our step-by-step guide on the Course Abroad section of our website, and for more helpful tips visit Questions to Consider.

What do you look for in the essays?

Students will be required to complete three essay questions during their study abroad application that must be no more than 300 words per essay. Students’ essays should be tailored to your #1 program preference. When students submit their study abroad application, their essay questions will be reviewed by the Application Review Committee using the Essay Grading Rubric. 

What should you know:

• Drafting essay statements may take several weeks, plan ahead!
• When developing your statements, you should first review the Essay Grading Rubric to further understand what reviewers will be looking for.
• We encourage you to have the HUB Writing Center and a friend, peer, or family member review your statements in conjunction with the Essay Grading Rubric to provide candid feedback.
• Remember, the Application Review Committee is made up of SCU Study Abroad staff and trained SCU staff and faculty from across campus, be as clear and specific as possible in your essays.

What do business students need to know?

Students applying to study abroad should be prepared to address how their program fits with their overall academic goals and trajectory in their application. We look for the number of classes students can apply for their major or minor. If they have a minor, the courses could apply towards both or just their minor. 

Generally speaking, the program will require students to take 5 classes; most are semester programs. For non-English speaking programs, the language counts as one out of five courses. A strong academically aligned program would have 2-3 courses towards the major, minor, and/or business core and one towards general SCU core requirements. 

Are there programs that offer internships for business students?

There are over 25 programs that offer internships. Many are business, but a lot of the internships are in communications and political science. Few have a mandatory internship. The students can find information about internships under the courses listed for the program; they are all academic internships and will have a seminar included.  If the student is interested in the internship, the student should pick the internship course as one of the five classes.

What support is offered through the Global Engagement Office for the applicants?

In addition to the resources and various advising events listed on the Contact Us & Advising page, potential applicants may explore the Student Experiences section of our website at www.scu.edu/studyabroad to contact Returnees.

Students were also encouraged to attend the annual Global Opportunities Expo that was held on October 26, 2022 to further explore program options offered through Santa Clara University.