Get informed:

• Speak with an advisor in the Office of Overseas Studies
• Check out the Overseas Studies resource room and read student evaluations of programs.
• Read up on your program of choice
• Identify classes that interest you
• See your major/minor advisors to discuss how your overseas coursework can fit into your on-campus academic program. NB: you cannot earn General Education credit overseas

Apply:

• Pick up an application in the Office of Overseas Studies
• See an advisor in the Office of Overseas Studies with any questions
• Submit all application materials listed on the application checklist to the Office of Overseas Studies by the deadline
• Sign up for an on-campus interview
• Interview with faculty advisor

Pre-departure:

• Attend the mandatory orientation meetings run by the Office of Overseas Studies
• Read the Overseas Studies Handbook
• Make sure that you have a valid passport and visa (if needed) and make travel arrangements
• Stay informed about developments in the country/countries in which you will spend time (including any countries you'll visit that are not part of your study abroad program's itinerary). Check the U.S. State Department's Web page for the most current information before you depart (and while abroad) at:
  http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html
• Research health and safety issues particular to your country and obtain necessary immunizations
• Use the state-of-the-art USC Language Center to brush up on your foreign language skills
• Get to know international students from your host country here at USC. Contact the Office of International Services (OIS) to arrange a language exchange, participate in OIS activities, etc.
• Research the educational system in which you will be studying
• Read online newspapers from your host country to begin to familiarize yourself with issues and current events there
• Listen to international radio stations online
• Purchase a good guide book
• Pack light!