Travel Study Home

Phone: 619) 594-5154 or (619) 594-6398 | Fax: (619) 594-8566 | Email: travel.program@sdsu.edu

Why Study Abroad?
To enhance your education: A study abroad experience adds a new perspective to your studies. You will see things from another point of view, which will help you to develop your analytical and critical thinking skills.
To build your resume: Study in another country adds a new dimension to your career planning. In an age of global economies and technology, experience abroad distinguishes your background from the rest.
To develop your self-awareness: We sometimes impose limitations on ourselves that limit our progress toward our goals. By leaving the familiar behind and encountering different people and places we gain a better understanding of ourselves, and the world around us.
To understand another culture: Living and learning in another culture in the midst of the unfamiliar adds to our understanding of the variety of cultures in our world and gives us a maturity.

Financial Aid
State and Federal Financial Aid is available to qualified students. Even if you are not currently receiving financial aid, you should contact the SDSU Office of Financial Aid, SS-3605, (619) 594-6323 to check eligibility. Participants from other universities will obtain aid through their home campus Financial Aid offices.

Scholarships
www.isc.sdsu.edu/study_abroad/acc_finances.html lists scholarships related to studying abroad. Competition is high so you must act quickly. The SDSU Spanish Department may offer a limited number of scholarships to Spanish majors each semester. Please contact the Spanish department directly for details at 619-594-6588.

Passport
You must have a valid passport. If you do not have one now, applications and instructions are available on line at http://travel.state.gov/passport or at designated branches of the U.S. Postal Service. You need a passport to enter any country, so begin this process immediately, as routine processing can take up to 6 weeks! The longer you delay the more it will cost you. Passports issued before age 16 are no longer valid and you must reapply.

Health Insurance
The University requires that all students studying abroad for any length of time have as a minimum:

You have two options:
1. You may elect to enroll in the San Diego State University Study Abroad Plan which meets all of the above requirements.
2. If you have coverage with an HMO or PPO you must supplement this with SDSU's Emergency Medical Evacuation/Repatriation Policy.

Both plans are available through our provider, Renaissance Agencies, Inc. and applications are available by calling 1-800-537-17777 or at http://www.renaissance-inc.com.

Waiver of Liability*
Participation in an international program that requires air travel and field trips involves risks which can result in damage to property, injury to persons and death. This form acknowledges these risks and releases the State of California, the California State University system, SDSU, and its employees of all liability.
Medical Disclosure*
It includes insurance and health information, medical background and allergy information. For the safety of the students, this form provides vital information in case of an accident. All information is completely confidential.
Personal Conduct Agreement*
As a guest of another country and as a representative of SDSU and the United States this form reminds students to respect the host country's laws, culture and customs.

*These required forms are available under Additional Study Abroad Information and become part of your final acceptance into the program.

Airfares
Each student is responsible for making their own travel arrangements, as airfare is not included in the program price. Please see Additional Study Abroad Information. Visit STA Travel on campus (619 594-4589) which has branches or affiliates all over the world, and contracts with certain airlines to offer lower cost and more flexible airline tickets designed for students. Regulations and fees for changing dates or itinerary (space available) can be more liberal and less expensive than regular fares or Internet deals. The airlines require that you have an International Student Identity Card (ISIC-$22), which is universally recognized as proof of student status and gives you access to student discounts throughout the world as well as some insurance coverage. An ISIC card can be obtained at http://www.isicus.com or at STA Travel.

Visas
Each program lists if a visa is required. If one is required, it is the student's duty to apply for the visa and receive it in time to participate in the program. If a visa is not required for the duration of the program but the student wants to travel in the region before/after, it is up to the student to see if they need to obtain a visa. Information can be found on the U.S. Department of State web site, and the consulate general of the individual country must also be contacted for visa requirements. Do this early - submitting for a visa requires submitting your passport - you cannot leave the United States during this time.

Don't see the information you need? Contact Us