Steps to Study Abroad

With careful planning, almost any student can spend a semester, summer or year abroad!  The information below is general information about how to get started.

Meet with the study abroad advisor at your campus

Almost all COF institutions have a study abroad advisor who will be your best resource while planning your time abroad (for students at Wentworth, feel free to reach out the COF GEO Center for guidance). They can answer questions about school specific requirements, financial aid, approved program options, and more! They can also help you narrow down your decision about location and providers. They will help you start an online application to study abroad. Make sure that you meet with your study abroad advisor at least one month before the deadline, which is October 15 for Spring Semester, and March 15 for Summer, Fall, or Academic Year programs. Be aware that the deadline with your program provider may be different than your school deadline. Click here to get the contact information for your study abroad advisor.

Research program options

There are many resources available to you as you plan your semester or year abroad. In addition to speaking with your study abroad advisor, you can attend information sessions on your home campus about study abroad in general, and about Travel Courses offered by your home institution and throughout the COF. Students who have already studied abroad are a great resource. They can offer you advice and travel tips. Speak with your study abroad advisor or program provider about connecting with alumni. You can also attend a Study Abroad Fair, where you can speak with representatives from different study abroad fair providers. See the GEO Center Events Calendar for details about international events across the COF.

Budget and Financial Aid

Research the costs involved in a semester abroad, and make a budget which includes travel, tuition, fees, accommodations, insurance, food and personal spending. If you plan to use financial aid, complete your FAFSA and meet with your Financial Aid counselor on your home campus to discuss your individual situation.

Meet with your academic advisor

Inform your academic or faculty advisor of your plans to study abroad. Review your degree requirements to choose courses you can potentially take abroad. If you have trouble finding courses abroad that fulfill your major requirements, consider studying abroad over the summer! Remember that all coursework intended to meet major course requirements will be subject to review upon return to your home campus.

Apply for a passport

Apply for a passport early. Forms are available at: http://travel.state.gov/passport. Read the information carefully on this site. Some passport agencies accept passport applications by appointment only. It takes between 10-12 weeks to receive a passport. Apply now!

Take a foreign language course

Enroll in language courses if you want to study in a non-English speaking country. If your desired language is not offered at your home institution, you can cross-register at another COF school! Some programs have language pre-requisites, so be sure to keep this in mind when researching programs. While courses may be taught in English, knowing the local language will enhance your experience and travel easier within your host country!

Arrange for your return to Boston

If you live on campus, be sure to notify the Office of Residence Life of your intent to spend a semester or year abroad. Ask for advice regarding your housing arrangements for your return semester. You should be aware that there is no guarantee for on-campus housing when you return.

Apply 

Go to cof.studioabroad.com  to begin your application!