Steps to Study Abroad

Begin your study abroad journey by watching this video!  Starting early (1-2 semesters prior to the term that you plan to study abroad) will go a long way in helping you to have a successful study abroad program.  

Download our “Steps to Study Abroad Guide.”

  1. Find out more about studying abroad by attending our Study Abroad Fair in the Fall or attend any of our weekly information sessions to learn about the program options, requirements, and processes to study abroad. During Spring 2022, we are holding regular info sessions over Zoom (no registration needed)

    • Mondays (2:00 pm-2:30 pm ) – National Student Exchange

    • Tuesdays (12:00 pm—12:30 pm) – Study Abroad

    • Thursdays (3:00 pm-3:30 pm) – Study Abroad

  2. Set your personal, academic, and professional goals for your study abroad experience.

  3. Conduct your own research on our program options at https://www.lsu.edu/intlpro/apa/index.php to find out which programs will help you to meet your goals.  You can also check out the courses at your host institution that you will need to take while abroad and ensure that you have met the pre-requisites for the courses that you select.

  4. Research entry requirements and restrictions of your host country and ensure that you can meet their requirements.

  5. Attend a one-on-one meeting with a study abroad advisor. You can find our availability and schedule an appointment in Navigate.

  6. Prepare a budget for your study abroad program:

    1. Exchange Programs (Including Global Engineering Exchange-GE-3 Programs): Include costs such as passport, visa, housing, flights, transportation, books, student fees, emergency funds, COVID testing, and personal expenses.  

    2. Direct Enroll or ISEP Host Pay Programs:  Include costs such as tuition, passport, visa, housing, flights, transportation, books, student fees, emergency funds, COVID testing, and personal expenses.  

    3. Compare the cost of your program abroad with the cost of attending LSU.  (Note: Exchange programs tend to be more affordable)

  7. Meet with Financial Aid to discuss using your financial aid and scholarships to study abroad.

  8. Apply to one study abroad program per term at https://abroad.lsu.edu/ before the application deadline.  (Do not apply to multiple programs in the same term).

  9. Meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss your degree and graduation requirements and get your foreign courses approved. (Use the PACE form in your study abroad application).

  10. Apply for your passport. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months of your travel dates. (Ensure that your passport is valid for six months of your travel dates). Allow 6 - 12 weeks for processing.

  11. Wait for your acceptance letter from your host institution. While waiting for your acceptance letter, research life in your host country and attend the What’s Next orientation (details to be sent to applicants with completed applications in the study abroad portal.)

  12. Apply for scholarships. There are many scholarships available.  Apply early and apply to as many scholarships as you can.  Many scholarships that are used to study at colleges and universities can be used to study abroad.

  13. After receiving your acceptance letter from your host institution:

    1.  Apply for housing abroad. Check your host institution’s website for more information.

    2. Apply for your student visa. Visit your host country’s Embassy or Consulate for the most current guidelines.

    3. Book your airfare.

  14. Attend your Pre-departure orientation. (Dates, times, and locations will be emailed to you). 

 

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