This section of our website contains helpful information to further prepare you for this life-changing journey, and better understand your next steps. Please be sure to read over all materials carefully and share them with your parent(s), guardian(s), or anyone with whom you wish to share additional information.
Accepting Your Nomination
Students will have one week to commit to their program in the SCU Study Abroad Portal after receiving a nomination so that our staff can move them into Phase 2 of the application process. For this reason, it's important to discuss their preferred global programs with their Faculty Advisor and their family well before hearing back about their nomination status so that they are ready to commit if nominated.
Your Phase 2 Program Application
Students nominated to study or intern abroad are required to submit a program-specific application to the program they were nominated for. Students must submit a Phase 2 application by their program's application deadline in order to participate the program. Deadlines will vary.
Processing Times: Nominated students will be provided additional information regarding their Phase 2 application, including how to get started, after being nominated and committing to their program in February. When your next steps are available you will receive email communications to let you know. Most application pieces are updated manually by a real human; there are many people working behind-the-scenes to support your global goals! Please keep in mind that processing documents is not automatic, and processing times will vary.
Direct Enroll Programs: For students studying abroad on Direct Enroll programs, your Phase 2 application may not be immediately available, unlike some of your friends. This is normal, and you'll receive further instructions at a later date. In the meantime, consider applying for scholarships, submitting course equivalency requests as needed, and researching your destination's culture.
Phase 2 Application Assistance: Remember, every program is different! This means your Phase 2 application, as well as the resources you will use to prepare for departure and arrival to your program, will not look the same as your friends on other programs. If you have any questions as you navigate your Phase 2 application or prepare for departure, please be sure to reach out directly to your program via the contact listed in your program's digital brochure.
Your Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation
You will be required to attend a Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation with our staff.
- Summer & Fall students will attend their pre-departure orientation in May
- Winter & Spring students will attend their pre-departure orientation in November
Our staff will communicate dates when available via our Newsletter. Attendance is mandatory, and absences are excused for class conflicts only. Participation in a global program is contingent upon completing the mandatory pre-departure orientation.
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We'll connect you with other SCU students participating in your program via email in March. We highly recommend contacting your fellow Broncos at this time to determine how you would like to communicate moving forward (example: setting up a Whats App or Group Text). You will also have the opportunity to meet your SCU cohort in-person through upcoming events, including Region Meet N Greets.
Passports & Visas: Please be sure to apply for your passport and secure a visa (if applicable). If you do need a visa, you will not be able to submit a visa application until you have a passport, so it is crucial to get started on this process early.
Course Planning & Earning Credit: Have you requested a course evaluation request for any courses not already approved in the course equivalency database? Do not skip this step! You are the pilot of your course planning. If you want to earn major, minor, or core credit for your courses abroad, they need to be approved and appear in the course equivalency database before your transcripts arrive to SCU.
Create Your Budget: Planning your study abroad experience can come with some legitimate concerns about the cost. While you may not be able to travel for free, there are plenty of ways to save money and maximize your budget through clever planning and smart decisions.
Research Your Program Location & What to Pack: Living in a new culture can be exhilarating, rewarding, and stimulating. It can also be disorienting, frustrating, and depressing. Such distress or “Cultural Transitions” is due to the twofold challenge of being in a new environment with unfamiliar customs, language, food, housing, etc., and being away from your familiar home environment with all of the ease and support it provides. Even with preparation, it is likely that you will experience some form of cultural transition.
Review Health, Safety, & Wellness Resources: The best way to achieve a healthy and safe study abroad experience is to inform yourself about basic health and safety issues before leaving the U.S. and to make informed and responsible decisions once abroad.