Center for Academic Engagement Study Abroad - Global Learning

Getting Started

Eligibility Requirements: 
To be eligible for participation, you must meet the following requirements.
  • Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
  • Good academic and community standing.
  • Completed at least one semester at USD at time of application.
  • Must fill out the Application completely and submit to Global Learning.

*Some programs may have higher GPA requirements and other prerequisites.
**Eligibility requirements for Faculty-Led Programs are determined by the organizing faculty member. Review the individual program descriptions for details.

Application Deadlines
  • Spring 2012 programs - October 15, 2011
  • Summer 2012, Fall 2012, & academic year 2012-2013 programs - March 16, 2012

 

Application Process:  
  1. Meet with Your Academic Advisor
    • Discuss your desire to study abroad and determine what Board of Regents requirements, USD general education requirements, and/or major and minor requirements could be taken abroad.
    • It's a good idea to 'save' some of your general education requirements to take while studying abroad.
    • Decide when study abroad will fit best into your academic program.
    • Early planning makes it easier to accomplish your goals within your graduation time line. 
  2. Attend Global Learning 101
    • If you're considering study away during an upcoming semester you must attend Global Learning 101 before meeting with the Advisor for Global Learning.
    • Global Learning 101 will explain the approval process, factors to consider when selecting a program, the semester abroad application process, financial aid considerations, and course credit.
    • All students must attend a Global Learning 101 session in order to participate in a USD Global Learning program.
    • Each session lasts approximately 45 minutes.
  3. Identify Your Goals for Study Away
    • It is important to understand your goals and what you hope to achieve during your time away.
    • Is the program academically suited for you given your chosen major and/or minor?
    • Assess your language skills, financial means and personal interests.
    • The more clearly you can articulate what you hope to gain from the experience, the easier it will be to narrow your program options.
    • Use a Goals Worksheet to develop realistic and attainable goals for your study away experience.  
  4. Meet with Global Learning
    • Create an account (by following this link you are leaving the USD website) and complete your profile on the Application site. 
    • Email theworld@usd.edu  to schedule an appointment. Provide three days and times you are available to meet. 
    • You must create a profile and meet with Global Learning before applying for any program. USD students may schedule online appointments.  Other BOR students should call for an appointment. 
  5. Research Programs
    • Finding a study abroad program that meets your academic interests and personal goals is an important first step in the international learning experience.
    • Before deciding on a program, consider your academic goals, skills and personal interests. 
    • Search through the available programs to find a program that best suits you.
    • Global Learning is available throughout the research and selection process to advise on program options and benefits. Use these resources to find a program that suits you:
  6. Figure Out Your Finances
    • How Your Aid Applies. Here's a breakdown of how federal financial aid and USD scholarships apply toward each type of program
      • USD Direct: Students may use both federal financial aid and USD institutional scholarships.
      • USD Sponsored: Students may use both federal financial aid and institutional scholarships (specifically, Mickelson, Presidential-Alumni, and Alumni, and Coyote Commitment funds).
      • USD Faculty-Led: Faculty-Led Programs are regular USD courses, so your regular financial aid financial aid will apply depending on the semester in which your selected program takes place.
      • NSE: 
        • Plan A: Students may only use federal financial aid provided by the host university.
        • Plan B: Students may use their regular USD federal financial aid and scholarships.
      • USD Affiliate: Students may only use federal financial aid. Apply for federal aid through the FAFSA.
      • Other: Federal financial aid eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.  No USD institutional scholarships may be applied to these programs. 
      • Scholarships & Grants: External scholarships and grants offer an opportunity for students to offset the costs of studying abroad. Some scholarships and grants are highly competitive while others have very early deadlines. Read through the descriptions and websites carefully before you submit an application.
    • If you haven't done so already, be sure to work with your parents to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don't typically qualify for federal financial aid, you should still complete the FAFSA. While there are many affordable programs, a study away semester will typically cost a bit more than studying on the USD campus, which may allow you to qualify for federal aid.
    • Regardless of the type of program you choose, make an appointment with the USD Financial Aid Office to discuss your options and understand how to maintain your scholarship eligibility while away.
    • Beyond your regular financial aid, you should also apply for additional scholarships to help fund the cost of your program. Talk with your department chair about department scholarships; review the Nationally Competitive Scholarships page on the USD portal; and apply for scholarships offered by USD Affiliates.
    • Search international education scholarship databases: IEFA, IIE-SAF, and StudyAbroad.com.
  7. Apply!
    • After you've attended Global Learning, carefully researched program options, met with Global Learning staff, and considered your finances, it's time to apply!
      1. Find your program on the Global Learning Map..
      2. Click "Apply" next to the program name or within the program description.
      3. Create an account or log in. 
      4. Read through the application forms carefully and complete fully.
      5. Submit supplemental documents as instructed.
      6. Once your application is complete, Global Learning will review your information. You'll receive an email with your application status.
      7. Attend all pre-departure workshops

NOTE: Applications will only be available through the online system the semester before you plan to participate.

  •  Fall participation - applications available early spring semester
  • Spring participation - applications available summer semester
  • Summer participation - application available early spring semester.