Getting Started

Step 1: What are you looking for in your study abroad experience

• Discuss with your academic or major advisor the classes you need to take abroad (i.e., major/minor classes, general education requirements, electives) and do a degree audit
• What country or culture are you particularly interested in?
• What language you want to learn or further study?
• When is the best time for you to go? A semester? Summer?  Entire year?

Step 2: Understand the different options available at the College

• Faculty-led semester and summer programs
• Exchange programs
• Afflilate programs

Step 3: Attend a study abroad advising session if considering a program

• Then schedule an appointment with the appropriate advisor (based on program type) in the Center for International Education

Step 4: Begin the research process and check out materials available in the CIE's resource library

• Review program options (College of Charleston, exchange or affiliate) and compare the courses offered with what you need to take while abroad

Step 5: Make an academic and financial plan

• Identify courses you need to take abroad as well as what you will need to take upon your return to the College
• Make a financial plan with the estimated cost of your program as well as your personal budget (i.e. airfare, meals, local transportation, miscellaneous expenses, etc.)
• Consider the exchange rate between your host country's currency and the US dollar

Step 6: Apply

• All students must submit a complete College of Charleston application to the CIE
• If you are applying to an exchange program or an affiliate program, you will need to complete the host program's application as well (deadlines vary so check the websites)