Planning Your Study Abroad Experience

Studying abroad is an important decision and requires some advanced planning; however the rewards will last a lifetime. If you are unsure where to start, begin by reading through the programs offered. When planning your study abroad experience, consider the following:

1. Region – where would you like to live (urban v. rural, climate, native English speaking)

2. Type of program - some programs offer more opportunities for cultural immersion than others. Additionally, some programs may require foreign language skills.

3. Length of stay – decide if you want to study abroad for a year, semester, or summer.

4. Cost – determine if financial aid applies to the particular program of interest (check with the International Student Center.) Consider the cost of living abroad. Studying abroad in some countries can actually be less cost than spending a semester at SDSU!

5. Course Offerings – clarify if the courses of interest will be offered when you plan to study abroad. For courses that are not pre-approved, understand the prerequisites. Prior approval of study plan will be required.

6. Personal or Professional goals – Think about what you hope to gain from this experience. Would you like to learn a new language, take courses that are not offered at SDSU, learn from a renowned professor at the institution abroad, experience a specific culture, or travel in a particular region?

If you would like some additional help in planning your study abroad experience, please do not hesitate to contact the College of Engineering (COE) International Programs Coordinator.

Once you have decided on a program, you must file a copy of your study abroad program with the COE International Programs Coordinator.