CHECKLIST FOR STUDYING ABROAD
ON AN SDSU EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Before You Go:
1) Discuss program options with a Study Abroad Advisor.

2) Complete Host University Application Form (available in the study abroad office).

3) Complete the following:

• Read the SDSU Exchange Guidelines packet
• Submit a 500 word essay on “How will an overseas experience contribute to your academic and career goals”
• Complete an Academic Approval Form
• Submit completed Faculty Recommendation Form (must be from a professor either from SDSU or other institution)
• Complete SDSU Transcript Request Form and have grades sent to the Education Abroad Office
• 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, financial aid will not be disbursed until you arrive on campus at your host institution or 2 weeks before the start of SDSU’s semester (whichever is later).

5) Attend General Pre-Departure Orientation.

6 ) 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.

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 Study Abroad Handbook, Liability Waiver, Medical Self Assessment and Host Family
Disclosure forms.

10) Obtain Health Insurance and check on health issues in the host country before departing overseas.

While Abroad:
1) Contact studyabroad@sdsu.edu at the International Student Center and send us 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) Request program Transcripts.

5) Remember that you will be using Regline to register for classes back at SDSU while abroad at: http://www.sdsu.edu/schedule.html

6) If you plan to receive Financial Aid when you return to SDSU, complete and submit a FAFSA forrm 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 the Academic
Approval Form.

4) Help others by getting involved in our outreach activities.