Step-by-Step Guide to Study Abroad

So, you have decided to study abroad, but don't know what to do. Here is the step-by-step guide to applying for a study abroad program. Every student's experience is slightly different, but these guidelines should help everyone.

1. Read the "Getting Started" pages of this website. Look through the Program Brochures (click here) for any programs which interest you. If you want to take courses in your major, search programs by field of study. Create a list of questions while reading this information.

2. Submit FAFSA. If you think you might apply for a Study Abroad program, and plan to apply for financial aid for the time you are abroad, the FAFSA must be submitted by the end of February of the year before the program will start (see www.fafsa.ed.gov). Click on Financial Aid for more information.

Example: Complete a 2010-2011 FAFSA by the end of February 2010 if you plan to attend a program in August 2010, January of 2011 or Summer 2011.

3. SEMESTER PROGRAMS ONLY: Sign up for a General Advising Session. You can make an appointment by calling or visiting the office. General Advising Sessions are held three times per week during the semester, and times change every week. General Advising Sessions are not held during University vacations. (A general advising session is not required for Summer and Non-NCSU programs, although students attending a Non-NCSU program for a semester are encouraged to attend).  To see a list of upcoming General Advising Sessions, click here. 

4. Choose the Best Program for You. Review Choosing a Program for information on the following topics:

• Questions to Ask Yourself
• Types of Study Abroad Programs
• Non-NC State Programs

Additional online reference sources:

• Studyabroad.com
• IIE Passport
• Go Abroad

5. SEMESTER NC STATE PROGRAMS ONLY: Make an appointment for an Individual Advising Session. You can make an appointment by calling or visiting the office. During this meeting you will have the opportunity to discuss your goals for studying abroad and will be provided with your program-specific application materials. Please click on the appropriate name below to be taken to a page where you can schedule an appointment online.

6. Meet with your academic adviser. Your academic adviser can help you determine how the study abroad program which interests you will fulfill curriculum requirements. Once you have narrowed your program choices to no more than two or three different options, you may wish to take the detailed course descriptions for those programs to your academic adviser to see if he or she feels that one program is better for you academically than another.

7. Submit Financial Aid Forms.

• Make an appointment with Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
• Submit FAFSA (should have already been done)
• Submit NCSU Financial Aid Application

8. Complete the online program application by the deadline day. Click on "Apply Now" from the program page. Follow the links for NC State Programs or Non-NC State Programs.

• NC State students will login with your Unity ID.
• After log in you will be taken to your home page. The program will be listed in the top left hand corner. Please click on this link to see the application requirements.
• Be sure to read the Announcements and Application Instructions sections, starting with the "Read this First" signature document.
• Complete the Questionnaire(s) at the bottom of the page, read and sign (digitally) all Signature Documents, and gather all Material Submissions.
• All Material Submissions, including the application charge/deposit should be submitted to the Study Abroad Office at one time, after the Questionnaires and Signature Documents have been submitted.
• Login (click "Login" from studyabroad.ncsu.edu) to update your contact information, and to check whether you are missing any application materials. All application forms and materials must be submitted by the application deadline (see here for deadline explanations).

9. Login to submit post-acceptance materials. After you have been accepted to your program, you will be notified by email on the decision day. Please then login again (click "Login" from studyabroad.ncsu.edu) for a list of required post-application materials. You will also be required to confirm your application at this point.

10. Attend pre-departure orientation. Orientation is held each semester and is mandatory. It will help prepare you for your time abroad. Dates will be listed on the scrolling announcements.

11. Have a wonderful time! Enjoy your time abroad! Don't forget to keep your address updated by logging in at mypack.ncsu.edu. Once abroad you will also have to log in to confirm your courses and on return you will have an evaluation to complete prior to receiving your transcript.