This is the first (and required) step to apply for SF State Abroad...
Three options:
- Attend an In-Person Meetings on Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m.
- RSVP HERE for a ZOOM Meeting on Fridays, 2-3 p.m.
- Watch a recording here.
Before looking at the SF State Abroad database, identify your primary academic goal for study abroad:
- Major
- Minor
- General Education (lower or upper division) - tip: search "general studies"
- Language Learning
Open the SF State Abroad database and search using the "subject area" filter only! (It is not recommended to use the other filters at this time.)
When you are ready to apply, be sure to create an account using the "sign-in" button at the top right corner of the page.
Click on the program page.
1. Under the Program Overview section be sure to verify that you meet the GPA, class standing, and (if there are any) course prerequisites needed for the program. Tip: You may need to click on read more to see all requirements.
2. Under the Academics tab at the top, note the unit conversions and confirm that the program has classes you that you need and/or want to take abroad. It is not required, but highly recommended that you show potential major/minor classes to your department to see if they agree with what you are finding. For General Education requirements, speak with an SF State Abroad advisor if you have questions about fit.
3. Make sure the program is available the term you want to go abroad!
Be sure to submit by SF State's deadlines to ensure full consideration and support from the SF State Abroad Office.
Academic year, fall, and summer deadlines:
- February 15 (priority deadline*)
- March 1 (final deadline**)
Calendar year, spring deadlines:
- September 15 (priority deadline)
- October 1 (final deadline**)
*Please note that Waseda/Tsukuba (Japan), and Trossingen Music (Germany) are only available for the academic year and have a deadline of January 15 (which is never extended). Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (PUC) also has a January 15 deadline for academic year/fall start but is also available for calendar year/spring start with a September 15 deadline.
**Many programs (but not all) will remain open until the final deadline. Therefore, students are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline if possible. For details about program requirements and academic areas of study at them, please check the SF State Abroad Program database.
Application Workshops
Self-guided application workshop videos
SF State Exchange Application ZOOM Workshop:
- Fridays @ 3-4 PM - RSVP HERE
CSU IP Application ZOOM Workshop:
- TBA
*If you are not sure which workshop to attend, please email studyabroad@sfsu.edu as you should know your first choice program and whether it is an SF State Exchange or CSU IP program before attending an application workshop.
Budget Workshops
The best preparation for studying abroad is to talk to study abroad alumni and international students. There are a variety of ways to connect with them.
- Connect with the International Education Exchange Council (IEEC).
- Follow IEEC on Instagram @sfsuieec.
- Follow SF State Abroad on Instagram @sfstateabroad.
- Stop by the IEEC Study Abroad table in the Quad in front of the Cesar Chavez Student Center
- Join a Language Exchange
- Visit the IEEC Office in the Cesar Chavez Student Center (room T-125)
- Attend the IEEC Study Abroad Fair!
Be sure to apply by the deadlines.
If you still have questions, feel free to email studyabroad@sfsu.edu or sign up for Zoom or in-person advising.
To request disability accommodation for any study abroad meeting, workshop, event, or advising session, please contact Study Abroad at (415) 338-1293 or studyabroad@sfsu.edu at least one week prior to an event or meeting.
Last updated: December 2023