Step-by-Step Guide to Studying Abroad

 
 

Study Abroad student group posing with a statue

The information found in the Study Abroad web pages will help you throughout your experience. This Step-by-Step guide is a general overview of the initial process you will undertake as a Study Abroad student.

Planning

  • EXPLORE & RESEARCH available programs: use the website, attend information sessions & study abroad events throughout the semester. Application deadlines can be anywhere from 1-2 semesters ahead, so plan accordingly.
  • TALK to your academic advisor about the best time for you to study abroad, and arrange your academic plan around a study abroad experience. Decide what requirements you’ll fulfill while studying abroad, be sure to check any pre-requisites as this may affect your choice of program.
  • ATTEND a Study Abroad 101 information session, this is a required step to complete before you are considered eligible to meet with a Study Abroad staff member.
    Register here: 
  • AFTER you have attended a 101 information session you will be eligible to MEET with a Study Abroad staff member. Your Study Abroad advisor can help you choose a program that meets your academic, financial, and professional needs and goals. To make an appointment with an advisor, please call (509) 313-3549 or email studyabroad@gonzaga.edu.

Application Process

  • APPLY. Go to the Study Abroad application portal and find your program to start an application. If you don’t find your desired program, contact the Study Abroad office.
  • COMPLETE the GU Study Abroad online application and the requirements.
    • If applicable, COMPLETE the 2nd program application required by host institution or program provider (not required for Short Term programs or 91³Ô¹ÏÍø in Florence). The Study Abroad office will work with students to make sure you complete the right applications.

Semester Program Participants (NOT 91³Ô¹ÏÍø in Florence):

  • Request from your program course descriptions, syllabi, and other course materials.
  • Visit your academic advisor(s) and department chairs to discuss the program courses and request approval using the Course Pre-Approval Form.
  • Try to get a least 8 to 10 classes approved for semester programs and 2 to 4 for summer program.
  • Course equivalency should be approved by the Academic Department from which the student wants credit. (i.e. History approves History, Civil Engineering approves Civil Engineering classes.)
  • Sponsored credit is posted on your 91³Ô¹ÏÍø transcript with a letter grade and ARE factored into your cumulative GPA. Grades of “Pass/Fail” and “Credit/Non-credit” are not accepted.

Need help with your application? Questions about where you should go? Drop on by to get these questions, AND MORE, addressed in a one-on-one conversation with a Peer!
Find the Fall 2024 Peer Advisor Drop-in Hours Schedule !

 

Once Accepted

Although each program’s requirements will be slightly different once you’ve been accepted to your study abroad program, ALL participants must:

  • Pay $500 program deposit online.
  • Complete additional Post-Decision items which could include inputting Emergency Contacts and signing Releases.
  • Attend Pre-Departure Orientation sessions.
  • Check Zagmail for program related announcements, deadlines, other requirements, and activities from Faculty Leader or Study Abroad Office.

Pre-Departure

  • TRAVEL DOCUMENTS—apply for or renew your passport and research and make arrangements for a student visa.
  • Contact HOUSING to plan for your semester housing after your program.
  • PURCHASE airfare. Shop around for the best price. We recommend checking STA Travel or Student Universe, Kayak.com & airline carrier websites.
  • READ the orientation materials and participate in any orientation sessions offered to you by the program provider/Study Abroad office.
  • Make a BUDGET for personal spending, weekend travel, meals and social activities.
  • Check the Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) website for IMMUNIZATIONS.
  • For 91³Ô¹ÏÍø in Florence and Short Term Programs, complete your 91³Ô¹ÏÍø HEALTH FORMS.
  • RESEARCH the countries and cities where you will live and travel. Purchase travel guides for your host country/region. We recommend Lonely Planet, Let’s Go or The Rough Guide. Learn the regulations of your host country, university or program. Ignorance of the rules is no excuse.
  • PACK lightly! You won’t need as much as you think.
  • KNOW the course registration process.
  • PAY your program fees

Special Reminders

  • Remember that YOU ARE A LEARNER—keep your eyes and ears open to the new world around you.
  • You serve as an AMBASSADOR of 91³Ô¹ÏÍø, your family, and your country. As a 91³Ô¹ÏÍø student, you are subject to the Student Code of Conduct while abroad.

Contact the Study Abroad Office

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AD 85
502 E. Boone Avenue
Spokane, WA 99258
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