Study Abroad Application Process Timeline and Tips

This webpage provides details for the application process for semester programs through CSB|SJU.  To apply for short-term study abroad opportunities, please contact the faculty director.

The application window for the 2008-2009 study abroad programs is now closed.  Applications for the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 will be available in November, 2008. 

2008-2009 Study Abroad Timeline

Application Available	Friday, Nov 16	Click here for the application.
Application Deadline	Monday, January 28	All materials must be submitted by 4:30PM
Interview with Program Directors	February 4 - 8	You will be contacted by your Program Director with instructions for how to sign up for an interview.
Notification of Acceptance (1st Round)	February 14	Via email
Interview with Program Directors (2nd Round)	February 25-28	Students may choose to be considered for a second study abroad program on a space available basis.
Notification of Acceptance (2nd Round)	February 29	Via email
$200 (non-refundable) advance registration/housing deposit due in Student Accounts Office	March 6	All CSB|SJU students make this payment to confirm they are returning to the school the following year.  This is not a separate study abroad fee.
Official notification of acceptance	March 25	In campus mail
Final billing by Student Accounts Office (Fall Programs)	July 2008	This is part of your regular billing cycle. You will receive the notification in the mail.
Final billing by Student Accounts Office (Spring Programs)	December 2008	This is part of your regular billing cycle. You will receive the notification in the mail.

Application Checklist

When preparing for your application and interview, please use this checklist adapted from StudentsAbroad.com as a guideline:

My personal statement/essay reflects my talents and interests.

In addition to my GPA, I have included in my application other activities, clubs, teams, student government in which I have participated.

I have spoken with all of my references and confirmed that they will complete the required recommendation forms.  I have requested that my references receive the link to the recommendation via the on-line request form.

I have had someone look over my personal statement/essay.

I will get a good night sleep, dress professionally and read the current events of my host country before I have my interview.

I will be polite and well-mannered when answering the interview questions thoroughly and specifically.

The Interview Process

Interviews will take place with the faculty director during the week of February 4-8. The faculty director will notify you via email with instructions on how to sign up for the interview which will last approximately 15 minutes.

The key to any successful interview is PREPARATION. Remember, these are academic programs. When preparing for your study abroad interview, you should have clearly defined goals and objectives for learning, and concrete reasons for why you want to study abroad in that given location. A good rule of thumb is to practice, plan, and organize your thoughts for your study abroad interview, just as you would for a job interview.

Here are some examples of questions that will likely be asked during your interview:

• How will this program fit with your academic plan?
• How will this experience enhance your future career?
• What skills, strengths, abilities and characteristics make you a strong applicant?
• How do you contribute to a group?
• What do you know about the host country?

You will also be asked specifically to address any violations that you have on your record.

Selection Criteria (not listed by order of importance)

1. GPA‑‑minimum of 2.5, unless there are special circumstances.  Students who are otherwise well qualified may be accepted on a conditional basis pending acceptable academic performance for the current term.  NOTE:  The University College Cork has a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0.  
2. Letters of recommendation.
3. Language proficiency‑‑if it is a program requirement.  Note the language reference form.
4. Preference is given to qualified seniors, qualified juniors, and qualified sophomores, in that order.   
5. Qualified students from CSB/SJU receive preference over students with similar qualifications from other colleges and universities.
6. CSB/SJU students who have never been on a CSB/SJU sponsored program receive preference over students who have already participated in a CSB/SJU semester program.
7. When a program is filled to capacity, a ranked waiting list of qualified students will be kept to fill any cancellations.
8. A student cannot be accepted to a program if he/she has not completed the application process.
9. A disciplinary violation could affect acceptance to a study abroad program.

Notification of Status

All study abroad applicants will be notified of their status on the same day. This will occur via email before the official, written notification that is mailed to you.

Orientation Sessions

All students are required to attend orientation sessions organized by their faculty director in March and April. Failure to attend orientation sessions may result in removal from the study abroad program. 

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email them to abroad@csbsju.edu