Pre-Departure

Acceptance Status

Please allow 4-6 weeks to hear back from your prospective program. If six weeks have passed, feel free to email the coordinator of your program to follow up with your application. For Sophia applicants, the acceptance process takes a lot longer than other programs because the start of their semester isn’t until April for Spring and November for Fall.

If you are not accepted into the program of your choice, you may have another shot with another program if their deadline is much later. Consult a study abroad adviser if you find yourself in this situation.

Upon Acceptance

Please submit a copy of your acceptance letter and passport. If you decide to cancel or defer your study abroad, you must inform the CGE AND host program via email.

Please pick up the following forms at the Center for Global Education:

• Petition to Enroll in Another Institution (PEAI) Form
• Waiver of Liability Form
• Emergency Contact Info and other post-decision Questionnaires and Material Items through your Terra Dotta Application.
• Leave of Absence Form (for External students only)

Moving to another country to study, intern, work, and/or volunteer can be a challenging and stressful process. There are resources to assist you and your parents with the program: Academic Advisor & Dean, Student Enrollment Services, Study Abroad alumni, ISSS, and Office of Residence Life.

Other resources include websites and organizations that provide information on student airfare, transportation, museum and accommodation discounts; reviews on nightlife, cuisine, and festivals; insider tips on jet lag, cultural adjustment, and cultural sensitivity. Feel free to ask us for specific referrals.

There’s a lot to be done. All admitted students are required to attend the Pre-Departure Meeting in April for Summer, Fall, & Academic Year Students, and in November for Spring students. Please check your email regularly for detailed information.

Important topics will include registration at USF before and after studying abroad, transferring courses and credits, transcripts, housing upon return, academics abroad, travel preparation and documents, safety & health abroad, cultural competence, and more. Visa workshops will also be announced. Refreshments will be provided. You will meet your study abroad program cohort, study abroad alumni, and international exchange students.

An outline of the Pre-Departure Handbook will be provided. You are encouraged to download and read the online Handbook before the pre-departure meeting and share it with your family. Again, the Handbook will not be distributed at the meeting.