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!
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.