How to Apply

The Study Abroad pre-application and pre-departure process can be time-consuming, which is why we recommend following this step-by-step guide to assist you along the way. We highly recommend speaking with your academic advisor about your study abroad plans during your Freshman year. Once you know the courses you need to take to complete your degree requirements, it will help determine the best time to study abroad and which courses to take while abroad. You should plan to apply at the beginning of the Fall semester of your Sophomore year.

If you follow these steps, you will feel confident and prepared to complete USF’s Pre-Application Process and prepare for an exciting experience abroad!

  1. Submit aStudy Abroad Interest Form, which is available in our office.
  2. Ask yourself some key questions before you start your program search. Visit our office for research advice, resources, and materials. Please return any unused brochures.
  3. Apply for, or renew U.S. passport. Allow up to three months for processing & delivery. Instructions & applications are available in our office. Passport photos can be taken at the One Card Office.
  4. Complete theDisciplinary Clearance Form. All undergraduate students who wish to study abroad or participate in an international program (e.g., faculty-led course, immersion, field trip, etc.) must have a satisfactory disciplinary (conduct) record with the Office of Student Conduct Rights and Responsibilities (OSCRR).The Center for Global Education (CGE) will contact OSCRR with the list of all students interested in or applying to study or travel abroad. OSCRR will grant CGE disciplinary clearance enabling students to advance in the application process. Students who are under academic probation are not eligible to participate in any type of USF-sponsored study abroad program or immersion program. Students who have been or are on Conduct Probation (Disciplinary Probation) as determined by OSCRR are not allowed to participate in any kind of USF-sponsored international program (e.g., study abroad, short term program, immersion, field study, etc.).
  5. Review eligibility requirements. Discuss any graduation concerns, college/school requirements & policies, waivers/approvals with your major/minor Academic Advisers & Dean.
  6. Drop-in or schedule an appointment to meet with a study abroad advisor. For financial aid concerns, consult a Financial Aid Officer in the One Stop. Download theBudget Planning Worksheetto help estimate the costs of your study abroad and to compare costs across programs you may be considering.
  7. Complete and submit program application(s) to us before December 1st. We will make a copy of your application materials & mail them to your respective program(s) for free!

KEEP IN MIND:

Applying to study abroad for a semester* is a two-step process. You should plan to apply at the beginning of the Fall semester of your Sophomore year.

1. Students must meet with a Study Abroad Advisor and complete a USF Study Abroad Pre-application for their program of choice and an alternate through the Center for Global Education's website. Pre-Applications completed by theDec 1stdeadlinewill be reviewed and students will be notified of their program nomination by the 3rd week of January.

2. Accepted students can then apply for their nominated program. Students are responsible for submitting the host program's application and required documentation by the program's deadline.Please note that nomination by USF does not guarantee acceptance by the host program.

*Students applying for summer programs are not required to complete a USF Study Abroad Pre-Application *

  1. Give us a copy of your acceptance letter. If you do not get accepted into your first choice, you may have time to apply for other programs depending on the program’s application deadline. See us if you fall into this situation. If you decide to cancel or postpone your study abroad, you must inform the CGE and host institution/program that you applied to via e-mail.
  2. Complete and return host program’s confirmation materials (i.e. agreement forms, course information, housing questionnaire, etc.) by their given deadline. We can send these materials for you.
  3. Obtain and submit the following pre-departure materials to the CGE before the last day of class of the semester prior to studying abroad.
  4. COPY OF ACCEPTANCE LETTER of e-mail acceptance
  5. COLOR COPY OF PASSPORT
  6. PROOF OF OVERSEAS HEALTH INSURANCE
  7. WAIVER LIABILITY
  8. PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET
  9. LEAVE OF ABSENCE (EXTERNAL program participants ONLY) (PDF)
  10. PETITION to ENROLL at ANOTHER INSITUTION (PEAI), which must be signed by the following people in this particular order & returned to the CGE:
  11. Study Abroad Advisor, LM 340
  12. Student (you)
  13. University Evaluator, LM 251 (One Stop)
  14. Faculty Advisor or Major Dept. Chair
  15. Center for Academic and Student Achievement (CASA), UC 3rd floor
  16. St. Ignatius Institute Advisor (if applicable)
  17. Attend MANDATORY Pre-Departure Meeting. If you cannot attend, you must sign-up for a make-up session or meet with a study abroad advisor. Review the Admitted Student section of the CGE’s website. Thoroughly read the Study Abroad Pre-Departure Handbook and share it with your family.
  18. Plan USF courses for return semester with your Academic Advisor or Dean. Pre-Arrange USF housing with Office of Residence Life, or complete a HousingRelease Form if you will not live on campus upon your return.
  19. Find out if you need to apply for and obtain a student visa. You are responsible for this. Attend a visa workshop or schedule an appointment with a study abroad advisor for visa guidance. The CGE is not responsible for any abrupt changes in the Consulate’s policies or regulations for visa applications. The application process can take up to 60 days so do your research as soon as you receive your acceptance letter. Some Consulates have VERY strict protocols. Prepare and plan ahead!
  20. Make airline reservations. See your primary physician for a check-up and obtain necessary immunizations. Familiarize yourself with the culture, language, and customs of your host country.
  21. If you are doing a Spring Study Abroad, be sure to designate someone in your family to re-apply for FAFSA, and take care of your USF Financial Aid renewals.