Finding a Program

By visiting this page, you have taken the first step towards your study abroad experience!

Planning to study abroad can be intimidating at first. This is why we have created the following section to help you ask the appropriate questions and ensure that you find the right program for you. Use the steps below as a guideline to jump start your study abroad experience!

Things to Consider

When looking for a program, it is important to keep in mind your geographic, language and cultural interests, as well as your academic interests and personal goals. Not all programs are right for everyone, so think about what kind of program would best suit your needs. This decision depends on your comfort level and own expectations for studying abroad.

Click here to browse our FAQs (PDF) for more information. If you are an online student, visit Studying Abroad as an Online Student.

1. Research Your Program Options

Take time to browse and research all of the study abroad options that Columbus State has to offer. We offer programs in over 70 locations across the world and that range from one week to one year. You can start your research by browsing the Education Abroad Program Search. To join our listserv and receive email notifications about study abroad programs, scholarships, events and deadlines please email studyabroad@columbusstate.edu and let us know that you would like to join our listserv.

2. Attend a Education Abroad Information Session

Not sure where to start? Attend an info session to learn the basics about studying abroad and get advice on selecting a program. Talk with a Global Ambassador, a study abroad peer advisor, to gain insight on studying abroad. These forums can introduce you to the opportunities and possibilities you never knew existed. Soak up all the information you can in order to narrow your decision to a couple of options before individual advising. Information sessions are offered throughout the Fall and Spring semesters.

3. Stop by the Center for Global Engagement (SCH 205)
during our regular business hours (8:00am - 5:00pm Monday through Friday)

We understand that sometimes it is easier to "talk it out," or maybe you know exactly what you are looking for but just have a few quick questions. Our study abroad team will be happy to address your questions and concerns about taking the leap to study abroad. Although it is best to make an appointment, we welcome walk-ins during our business hours. To schedule an appointment with the Educational Abroad Coordinator, please email studyabroad@columbusstate.edu with your preferred days/times.

4. Choose Your Program

When looking for a program, it is important to keep in mind your geographic, language and cultural interests, as well as your academic interests and personal goals. Not all programs are right for everyone, so think about what kind of program would best suit your needs. This decision depends on your comfort level and own expectations for studying abroad.

The questions below can help you narrow your search:

• How long do you want to go abroad?
• When would you like to go abroad (Spring Break, Summer, or Academic Year)?
• What do you hope to accomplish while abroad?
• Do you want to fulfill major course requirements or take core curriculum courses?
• Do you want to improve or learn a foreign language?
• Do you want to live with a host family, stay in hotels or a dormitory equivalent?
• Do you want to stay in a big city or a small town?
• Do you want to incorporate an internship or service learning opportunity into your experience?

List of Non-affiliated Programs

So you have searched thoroughly through Columbus State affiliated programs, but you cannot find a program that exactly matches your interest. There are hundreds of study abroad programs available--some may be available as a transient student through another nearby university, and some may be through a third party study abroad program provider. These may be great options, but its important to know that your financial aid may not follow you (as it would on most CSU affiliated programs) and course transfers may involve a couple more steps. Only you can decide which program is the right fit for you!

CSU partners with CISabroad for students interested in locations or majors not usually offered by the Center for Global Engagement. Check out the CIS Abroad website to learn more!

5. Make an Appointment with the Education Abroad Coordinator

Meet with our Education Abroad Coordinator who can further advise you on your study abroad program selection. The study abroad coordinator will also assist you with the application process and any other questions that you may have.

To set-up an appointment e-mail studyabroad@columbusstate.edu or stop by the Center for Global Engagement located in the Schuster Student Success Center.

6. Research Your Funding Options

Several financing and scholarship options are available for you to help fund study abroad. You should set up an appointment with your Financial Aid Counselor to discuss your options. Also, browse our Funding options listed in the left navigation for more information on paying for study abroad and how to apply for study abroad grants & scholarships. We host one Funding Education Abroad Workshop each Fall (during International Education Week) & Spring Semester, so be sure to mark your calendar to attend!

7. Apply for a Program

We recommend that you submit your application early, as spaces are limited. Application deadlines vary by program, so make sure to check those, they are listed for each program on our website.

You should typically apply one to two semesters before the term of your study abroad program. For any faculty-led (shorter) programs, you will need to have the Education Abroad Faculty Approval Form signed and uploaded to your online application before you can be accepted to participate.

8. Passport

You will need to have a valid passport to be able to Education Abroad. If you do not have a valid U.S. passport, please apply for one immediately. Processing times vary, but generally, it takes about 7-10 weeks to receive a new passport.

If you already have a passport, make sure the expiration date is at least 6 months after your scheduled return.

If you need to renew your passport, allow 7-10 weeks as well.

Visit the Passport page in the US Department of State Website.

How to obtain a passport instructions flyer. (PDF)

9. Pack your bags!

Attend the mandatory pre-departure orientation, research your destination, and pack your bags. Take lots of photos while you are there and keep in touch with us!

Columbus State University has joined the Eduroam platform, a service to provide worldwide access to WiFi at a variety of institutions overseas. Just login using your CSU credentials to access the network!

Tip: All countries have different types of electrical requirements to charge your phones, laptops, and tablets. Go to https://world-power-plugs.com/ to learn more.