Application packets are available at the Office of Overseas Studies and are due in mid-February for programs beginning in the fall, and in early October for programs beginning in the spring. A few programs have earlier or rolling deadlines. Start planning for your semester or year abroad. Talk with your major/minor advisor and visit the Office of Overseas Studies.

Once you've chosen a study abroad program, follow these simple steps to apply:

 

1)  Fill out an ONLINE APPLICATION FORM.

This form gives the Office of Overseas Studies basic background information about you. It does NOT constitute a complete application!

2)  Stop by the Office of Overseas Studies to pick up the rest of your program application materials. These include:

-          A checklist of all materials that should returned by the application deadline.

-          An Advising Record, which allows you to indicate which courses you plan to take abroad. You will need to meet with your academic advisor to discuss your choices and get approval for major credit.

-          Essay prompts, which will be read by the Office of Overseas Studies and discussed during your screening interview.

-          Estimated program costs

-          Academic reference forms

-          Your chosen program’s brochure and application. This application will be sent to your program’s admissions office along with your transcript and other necessary elements.

 

2)  Turn in your application materials on or before the deadline, and sign up for a 15-minute screening interview. Students who return their applications at least 2 weeks before the deadline will be entered into a drawing for travel prizes, iPods and more!

-          The interview will be conducted by your study abroad advisor; in some cases, a language professor will be present. If you are going to a program that has a language requirement, be prepared to speak in that language for a few minutes.

 

-          The purpose of the interview is to assess your maturity and motivation for studying abroad. You will be asked about your application and should be able to demonstrate some knowledge about your chosen country. You do not need to dress in business attire.

 

3)  Wait for an admissions decision.

Provided that you have a satisfactory screening interview with the Office of Overseas Studies, your application will be sent to your program’s admissions office, which will make the final decision about your acceptance. Students applying to USC Madrid and USC Paris will be notified of their acceptance by their study abroad advisor.

     * Most programs notify students of their acceptance within 4 weeks.