Follow these steps:

1. Attend a First Steps session

2. Research Programs:

The Programs Abroad Office has many resources available to help you learn about your options:

• Find out about the types of programs available.
• Think about your personal, academic, and practical reasons for going abroad.
• Attend general and country-specific information sessions (optional).
• Find out which programs your department recommends for your particular major (or minor).
• Our office and library are open Monday - Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm., and are always staffed with our professional staff and trained student assistants , all of whom have studied overseas themselves. If you have questions that aren't answered by this site, please call or come see us in person.

3. Begin the application process for the Education Abroad Program (EAP), the Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP), or Global Seminars (GS)

If you know which program you are interested in, you are welcome to begin the application before meeting with an advisor.

3. Meet with an advisor

• Narrow down your possible program choices to a specific region or country. Advisors have specific country responsibilities.


• Schedule an appointment with the advisor for your country to review your eligibility and answer questions about credit and financial aid.  Call (858) 534-1123 or visit our office in person.


• Complete a Pre-Advising Worksheet (pdf) to help you match your background to the prerequisites of the program(s) you have chosen. The advisor will review this worksheet with you.


• Before the appointment, fill out an online interest profile to begin your record in the Programs Abroad database. The receptionist will print a copy for the advisor.


• You may ask the advisor any questions you have about the program, your academic plan, or the application process.

4. Submit your application packet to the Programs Abroad Office

No matter who you are or what you are studying, we can help you find the right program.

Diversity Abroad

The Student Perspective