CHECKLIST FOR STUDYING ABROAD
ON AN ISEP EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Before You Go:
1) Discuss program options with an Study Abroad Coordinator.

2) Complete ISEP Application form and submit required initial placement charge.

3) Complete the following paperwork and give to the Study Abroad Coordinator.

• Read the SDSU Exchange Guidelines packet as well as the ISEP How to Apply: U.S. Applicants and Application Guide
• Complete an Academic Approval Form
• Submit completed Academic Reference Forms (2) and if necessary, Foreign Language Assessment (Forms must be from a
  professor)
• Complete the Host Site Request List
• Complete Study Site Requests for each institution you might attend listing classes that are available abroad
• Submit a 1 page essay (translated into foreign language if you plan to attend a non-English speaking site)
• Complete Transcript Request Forms for each college/university attended and have grades sent to the SDSU Education Abroad Office
• Get a copy of your Student Advising Report (SAR) from your academic advisor and take this with you to your location abroad. This will help you determine which classes to take should circumstances change
• Complete a Study Abroad Leave of Absence Form (for those going abroad for 1 academic year or 2 terms)

4) Investigate Scholarships for study abroad. Remember that financial aid will not be disbursed until you arrive at your host institution or 2 weeks prior to the start of SDSU’s semester (whichever is later).

5) Pay special attention to deadlines for the program you have chosen.

6) Attend General Pre-Departure Orientation.

7) Research host country issues of Safety and Security.

8) Get a Passport and Visa (if required) to enter the country.

9) Upon acceptance, read and complete the Study Abroad Handbook Liability Waiver, Medical Self Assessment and Host Family
Disclosure forms. In addition, you must purchase ISEP mandatory Health Insurance and check on health issues in host country before departing overseas.

While Abroad:
1) Contact studyabroad@sdsu.edu at the International Student Center and send us your overseas mailing address.

2) Save documentation from your classes abroad (notes, syllabi, papers, tests).

3) If you have academic questions while abroad, contact the appropriate faculty member or department directly.

4) All official transcripts are sent to ISEP Washington. For more information go to Transcripts.

5) Remember that you will be using Regline to register for classes back at SDSU while abroad. You may access the schedule of
classes over the internet at http://www.sdsu.edu/schedule.html.

6) If you plan to receive Financial Aid upon return to SDSU, complete and submit a FAFSA form by the appropriate deadlines.

After you return:
1) Stop by the Education Abroad Office and give us your updated mailing and email address. Complete a program evaluation form to
help other students understand and learn from your experience.

2) Check with Advising and Evaluations to see that your transcript has been received.

3) Petition for fulfilling GE or Department requirements if coursework taken abroad does not match those noted on your Academic
Approval Form.

4) Help others by Getting Involved in our outreach activities.