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PRE-DEPARTURE

STUDY ABROAD ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at Cal Poly in order to be eligible to participate in study abroad or exchange programs and must be off of Disciplinary Probation by the time the program starts abroad. In addition, students must meet the eligibility requirements of their chosen programs. Academic eligibility standards vary by program and most require a minimum GPA and at least one letter of recommendation. Participants may not study abroad during their first quarter at Cal Poly. Students who are on Academic Probation at the time of application, or the term prior to studying abroad, must notify the International Center. Normally, such students will be considered ineligible to participate in the program unless extenuating circumstances exist, and the International Center gives its approval. Students are strongly encouraged to seek pre-approval for courses prior to departing for their terms abroad. If a program is located in a country where there is a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory of Level 3 or higher, Cal Poly may not provide the approval to participate in the program, or provide pre-approval for the transfer of credits.

PRE-DEPARTURE RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS

PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION SLIDES & VIDEO

2025-26 SUMMER, FALL, & ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMS

Study Abroad/Study Away Pre-Departure Orientation Recording

PASSPORTS & VISAS

A valid passport is required to travel internationally. Each country has their own entry requirements so it is important that students review those requirements for the countries they plan to visit. For example, some countries require that visitors have a valid passport for at least a year upon entry, whereas other countries only require six months. For information on entry requirements for U.S. citizens visiting a specific country, please visit the Entry/Exit requirements section in the Country Specific Information pages on the U.S. Department of State website. 

How to apply for a passport 

For U.S. citizens: Visit the U.S. State Department website for detailed information on applying for and renewing passports. Check out the Passport Offices in San Luis Obispo County website for locations and application. 

Regular processing time can take 4-6 weeks from the time of application but surges in applications may make the process take longer. Expedited service is available, at a cost, but provides a quicker processing time. The Cal Poly International Center highly recommends students apply for a passport early in the study abroad planning process.  

Visas 

Students are responsible for determining the visa requirements of the country/countries they plan to visit abroad.  It is recommended that students do research on visa requirements early, as the application process can be lengthy. For U.S. citizens, the Entry/Exit requirements section in the Country Specific Information pages on the U.S. Department of State website can be a helpful resource. Speak with a study abroad advisor and/or program provider for further assistance. 

 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Share your adventures abroad with the Cal Poly community!  #cpglobalmustangs #learnbygoing

 

DEGREE PLANNER INSTRUCTIONS 

  • While abroad you should regularly check your Cal Poly email messages
  • Review your Degree Progress Report in order to stay on track with graduation requirements
  • Make sure to stay up to date with your Degree Planner and follow instructions from the Cal Poly Registrar's Office
  • ​Instructions on how to report study abroad courses in your degree planner can be found on the Degree Planner FAQs webpage (under "Box 23")
  • For up to date information on your Degree Planner, visit Cal Poly's Degree Planner webpage


TRAVEL RESOURCES

 

 

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