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Steps to Apply

Welcome to Phase 3! It's time to apply to your top choice study abroad program.

You will now submit a single application to your top-choice program through the abroad.calpoly.edu portal. This application allows us to screen you for eligibility and collect the required documents for Cal Poly to approve your participation on the study abroad program. By this stage, you should have already identified the program that best fits your study abroad goals and be ready to fully commit if accepted. If you are still exploring options, please review Phase 1 (Planning) and Phase 2 (Program Exploration) for guidance. As a reminder, here's what to expect in Phase 3 (Application) of the study abroad application process:

PHASE

GOALS

KEY RESOURCES
Phase_3

Complete the required legal paperwork to be screened for eligibility and demonstrate full “intent to commit” to the program you’ve selected*

STEPS TO APPLY

  • Application Instructions
  • What to Submit

ADVISING & SUPPORT

  • Drop-in Peer Advising Hours
  • In-Person & Virtual Appointments with Program Advisors
*NOTE: By Phase 3 (time of application), you should be fully aware of the financial and personal commitments to study abroad. Each program application includes important legal and policy paperwork you must complete to participate on your selected Cal Poly approved study abroad program. 

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE APPLICATION?

Each program application may look slightly different, but overall it will contain three types of requirements:

CAL POLY REQUIREMENTS

CSU
REQUIREMENTS

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

 EXAMPLE
  • Individualized Health & Safety Plan
  • Financial Responsibilities Document
  • International Center Fee Policy Info
  • Study Abroad Participation Agreement
  • Independent Travel on Study Abroad
  • Required Insurance for Study Abroad
  • Emergency Contact Info
  • Assumption of Risk & Release of Claims
  • Supplemental Participation Agreement
- If Applicable -
  • Personal Statement
  • Proposed Course List
  • Faculty Recommendation
 App_Example
 

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER CAL POLY APPROVES MY APPLICATION?

PHASE

GOALS

KEY RESOURCES
Phase_4

Identify if a secondary application is needed for your program
(e.g.: partner programs, CSUIP, national (NSE) & international exchanges)

With the exception of Cal Poly Global Programs, your abroad.calpoly.edu application will provide next steps with your program organization or host university once you are cleared by Cal Poly to study abroad.

ADVISING & SUPPORT

  • Drop-in Peer Advising Hours
  • In-Person & Virtual Appointments with Program Advisors
Phase_5

Understand what requirements are needed from your program and/or host country before you arrive (e.g.: visa, housing, etc.)

Attend Cal Poly's pre-departure orientation and prepare to go abroad!

PRE-DEPARTURE COURSE

  • Cal Poly will automatically enroll you in this course after you are accepted into your program

PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION

  • Scheduled in May for Summer/Fall programs or November for Winter/Spring programs
  • We will invite you after you've been accepted into your program

ADVISING & SUPPORT

  • Drop-in Peer Advising Hours
  • In-Person & Virtual Appointments with Program Advisors

QUESTIONS? Always feel free to email studyabroad@calpoly.edu or meet with a peer advisor, either during our drop-in hours or via an appointment. If you are still not sure what program you want to apply to or want more assistance with the application process, we also recommend attending a 101 Workshop. Remember, we are here to support you each step of the way on this exciting journey! 

Meet with a Peer Advisor    Register for a 101 Workshop  

Studying on a non-Cal Poly Approved program? Click here to learn about non-affiliated study abroad.
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