How to Apply

Deadlines

Applicants who meet eligibility criteria for a program of study abroad are accepted in the order in which their complete applications are submitted. Students are urged to apply early!

• FALL - February 15
• SPRING - September 15
• SUMMER - deadlines vary - please refer to the Summer Program List

Summer Programs
To Apply for Summer programs, complete the application forms (Forms Page) with the course approval and bring the application to the USF Education Abroad Office.

A $500 deposit will be added to your OASIS account. Pay the fee either at the USF Cashier’s office or pay online by following the online payment directions.

Send confirmation of your payment to Ms. Barbara Pickett (pickett@iac.usf.edu). You will not be considered enrolled in the program until confirmation of payment is received.  

Fall & Spring Semester Exchange Programs

STEP 1: Select a program
Student must select which semester program they are interested in. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with the appropriate advisor to go over their needs. Things students should have in mind include:

1. What kind of classes do you want to take abroad?
2. What are your goals?
3. Will your major allow for a semester abroad?
4. Is there a language requirement?
5. If the school an exchange partner or a fee-paying institution?

STEP 2: Gather application materials
The Study Abroad Application packet consists of the general application, medical questionnaire, liability waiver, terms and conditions, participant contract, and course approval sheet.  Though most of these forms ask for general biographical information their importance should not be underrated. In addition to the packet the following are needed (link forms page):

1. Transcript: Though students may submit an unofficial transcript from FACTS.org they should keep in mind that should they be accepted an official transcript is required. These are available from the USF Registrar’s Office and cost approximately $8 (as of 12/2006).
2. Personal Statement / Letter of Intent: Perhaps the most vital element of a student’s application, the personal statement is the student’s chance to explain to the selection committee why they should be selected for exchange. Students should include personal reasons but more weight is given to academic needs and a willingness to act as an ambassador from USF to the host institution. Students should address how the exchange will be of benefit academically and professionally after graduation. Statements must be no more than 500 words.
3. Academic Letter of Recommendation: Students must provide a letter from either a professor or an academic advisor familiar with him / her both as a student and as an individual. A letter should outline any strengths the writer has personally encountered when dealing with the student. Ideally, the letter will touch on the student’s academic aptitude, adaptability, maturity, and general intellectual curiosity. Students are encouraged to provide the letter writer with a copy of their personal statement, resume, and at least 1-3 months in which to write the letter depending on that department’s academic etiquette. Letters must be submitted with the application in a sealed envelop and signed across the seal.
4. Course Approvals: Though not a pressing concern at time of application; students should be aware that approvals are a time consuming process and should begin addressing them early in the process.

STEP 3: Application submission
Applications must be submitted in their entirety by 5:00pm on the advertised deadline to the Study Abroad Office. Students mailing their applications should mail them with enough time to ensure they arrive by the deadline. In most cases this is 3 – 5 business days prior to the deadline. Application deadlines are normally September 15 for spring exchange and February 15 for fall exchange. Should either of these dates fall on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is moved to the nearest business day (Friday if it falls on a Saturday or Monday if it falls on a Sunday). You will hear back from the USF Exchange Selection Committee within 2-3 weeks with further instructions.