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Steps to Studying Abroad
The following steps will help students stay on track and focused for a smooth process and a fantastic international education experience:
1) Attend "Study Abroad 1.0"
Study Abroad 1.0 general information sessions are held every Tuesday at 1 p.m. in 3109 Boylan Hall. Find out about opportunities to study abroad, costs, academic considerations, financial aid and scholarships, and how to choose a program that is best for you. This is the perfect opportunity to have all of your questions answered.
2) Think About the Experience You Want to Have
Create the experience you hope to have by considering the following: What would you like to study? Would you like to learn or practice a foreign language, or study in English? What countries appeal to you? Do you want to go abroad for a few weeks, a semester, or an academic year? Would you like to interact more with local people or with other American students? Are you interested in a program that offers a lot of support or would you like to be independent while abroad? Remember that you can go more than once and build on your previous experience(s).
3) Get a Passport!
If you already have a passport, check to see if it will be valid for your trip. If you received your passport before you were 16, or if it will expire less than six months after you return from abroad, then you must obtain a new passport or renew your passport. Learn more about U.S. passports and the application process at the U.S. Department of State website.
4) Research Program Options
Talk with your friends and professors who have study abroad knowledge. Also, check out programs on the Internet. Some excellent websites are:
- CUNY Study Abroad Programs
- GoAbroad.com
- IIE Passport
- Studyabroad.com
- Browse the Internet. Search "study abroad" and the topic and/or region you're interested in exploring.
- If you're interested in direct enrollment in a foreign institution, visit the institution's website and look information for "visiting students."
5) Discuss Your Plan With an Academic Adviser
Once you have narrowed down your choices to two or three programs, meet with your academic adviser and your major adviser to identify the courses to identify the courses you wish to take abroad that will fit with your personal and academic goals. Along with your adviser, map out your course work to stay on track to graduate.
6) Apply for Scholarships and Plan Your Financial Aid
Once you know the program(s) of interest, compare the program costs including housing, meals, transportation, etc. You can use the IPSA Program Budget Comparison Worksheet to help you. Program costs can vary by location and duration, but financial aid and scholarships can offset a substantial part of these costs. Research scholarships and financial aid information on the IPSA Scholarship Opportunities page. Visit a financial aid adviser to know how your current aid applies and how to obtain additional aid. Identify scholarships and apply early. Make sure to complete your FAFSA by the April deadline to qualify for assistance.
7) Choose a Program and Apply
Once you find a program that is a good fit for your interests, you will need to complete two applications: (1) the IPSA Online Study Abroad Application, which allows IPSA to help you manage your abroad experience and ensures that you will remain in good standing at Brooklyn College while you are away; and (2) the application for the study abroad program in which you have chosen to participate. Remember, popular programs fill up quickly, so make sure to apply early!
8) Complete the IPSA Post-Acceptance Program Packet
As soon as you have been accepted by your study abroad program, notify IPSA. Promptly complete the post-acceptance study abroad packet you will be sent, and the Course Equivalency Form (pdf) (if applicable). This paperwork is required in order to transfer credits, release financial aid and scholarship funds, and ensure you are registered correctly before you leave for your program.
If you are a Brooklyn College student participating in a study abroad program offered by another CUNY college, you will need to file an ePermit (pdf). You will be given clear instructions on how and when to file your ePermit by the other CUNY institution. Brooklyn College students attending Brooklyn College study abroad programs or non-CUNY programs do not need to file an ePermit.
9) Apply for a Visa
Check the website for the embassy or consulate of your host country, or with your program coordinator, to see if you need a visa to enter your host country. Some countries have a lengthy visa application process prior to departure, so apply for your visa as soon as possible. Some countries may allow you to obtain the visa upon entry if you have the appropriate documentation.
10) Pay Program Fees and Tuition
If you are participating in a CUNY study abroad program, you will pay tuition through your home college bursar. You will pay your program fee to the CUNY institution hosting your program. For non-CUNY study abroad, be sure to follow the payment instructions and deadlines for your specific program.
11) Follow Up With Your Financial Aid
Make a follow-up visit with your financial aid adviser (see Step 6) to confirm your financial aid and when it will become available to you.
12) Pack, Prepare, and Enjoy!
Your time abroad will be the experience of a lifetime. To maximize your experience, attend the required pre-departure orientation and do online research on your host country. A good guidebook is helpful to know about local behaviors, weather, costs, currencies, and other useful information. Remember to keep a journal and take a lot of photos to share with family, friends, classmates, and (hopefully) IPSA!
Countdown to Studying Abroad
- 6 months: Attend a study abroad information session.
- 5 months: Research program options and talk with an academic adviser. Apply for or renew your passport.
- 4 months: Choose a program and apply. Apply for scholarships and financial aid.
- 3 months: Complete and submit the post-acceptance packet. Apply for a visa, if applicable.
- 2 months: Pay program tuition and fees. Check in with the Financial Aid Office.
- 1 month: Pack, prepare, and enjoy!
Please note that all information listed above is subject to change at any time.
Page last modified on October 9, 2018.
