Study Abroad Timeline

Submitting an Application

Even before submitting a study abroad application, students engage with a number of PC staff to get a better understanding of the overall process and to determine if their program works academically to keep them on track for graduation.

The first step is to attend a Study Abroad 101 informational session. This is required of all students who are interested in studying abroad, regardless of program and major. This brief, half-hour presentation is hosted by Center for Global Education Staff and Global Ambassadors and covers a wide range of general information. Study Abroad 101 lays the foundation for the study abroad process.

Once students complete the Study Abroad 101 requirement, they should meet with both their academic advisor and assigned study abroad advisor. Their academic advisor is important as they can support each student in factoring study abroad into their plan and can identify which courses can be taken abroad. The study abroad advisor assists with looking at abroad program options and aligning academic needs with personal interests.

Students then complete and submit an application through our Horizons database in order to be considered for fall, spring, and summer abroad programs. Please note that the Center for Global Education has one application deadline in early December for both fall and spring semesters in addition to one deadline in March for the summer session.

Next Steps

When your student has been approved by the Center for Global Education to study abroad, they will need to apply directly to their selected program and provider. Please note that each program has its own set of deadlines, and it is each student’s responsibility to ensure that they are submitting their application to their provider in a timely manner. The exception to this secondary application is for any students studying abroad on programs sponsored by either CEA CAPA or DIS.  The Center for Global Education will send these organizations a roster to nominate students. The program staff will connect with students and generate a “portal” for students to submit materials and documents required by these programs. 

Even though the PC application is due a year in advance, most programs have application deadlines that are the semester before students intend to be abroad. By the time the Center for Global Education releases study abroad application decisions, fall semester program applications will have deadlines that are fast approaching. Spring semester study abroad students can wait on starting their program applications for spring semester as these applications will be due in September or October. 

All students should complete their program applications and submit all required materials and documents by the deadlines set by their programs so that arrangements can be made for students’ visa process, class selection and enrollment, housing assignment, internship placement (if applicable), etc. 

There will also be a pre-departure orientation facilitated by the Center for Global Education that students are required to attend in preparation for their semester, academic year, or summer abroad. Along with receiving a wealth of important information and hearing from various PC staff, students will have the opportunity to engage with others going on their same program or to their same country. Pre-departure orientation will take place during the semester before their program starts, and our office will let students know directly about the date and location of this event.