Apply & Forms
Step 1
Eligibility and Academic Planning: If you are thinking about building study abroad into your undergraduate plan of study, please notify your GS advisor as soon as possible. Discuss with your advisor your eligibility, the timing of your study abroad, what and where you are interested in studying and how this fits into your plans to fulfill GS core and major requirements.Do your research on Columbia-sponsored and approved programs to determine which program is most appropriate for your goals.If you need additional advice on which programs in a particular country would be most suitable for you, make an appointment with an advisor in the Office of Global Programs.
Step 2
Study Abroad Clearance: Make an appointment with your GS advisor to complete the GS Study Abroad Clearance Form.This meeting and form must be completed no later than Friday, October 12, for spring term study abroad programs; and by March 15 for summer, fall, and full academic year programs.Complete as much of the form as possible in advance of the scheduled appointment with your GS advisor; bring the form to the appointment with your advisor at which time you will complete the rest of the form together.Students are advised to complete this clearance process as soon as possible in the application term, as students should not move forward with their applications to particular study abroad programs without clearance.
Step 3
Program Application: Once you have been cleared for study abroad by GS, complete and submit the specific program applications for the Columbia-approved study abroad program(s) you wish to attend.If you need any of the application materials signed, bring those forms to the Office of Global Programs, Room 204 Lewisohn Hall during office hours.
Step 4
Columbia Registration for Study Abroad: Once you have been accepted by an approved program and you have made a decision to study abroad through that program, you must complete a Study Abroad Registration Form and Course Approval Form. These forms, which should be accompanied by a copy of your acceptance letter, must be submitted to the GS Dean of Students Office, attn: Study Abroad Advisor, by November 15 for spring term program and by April 15 of summer, fall and full academic year programs.
Step 5
Pre-departure meetings: Before you leave campus, you must attend a pre-departure meeting to help you prepare to meet your academic & programmatic requirements while abroad. Review a Checklist to keep track of what needs to be done. Consult the Study Abroad Handbook for information about preparing for your time abroad.
Deadlines
Clearance Deadline: October 12th for spring programs; March 15th for fall and year programs
Registration Deadline: November 15th for spring programs; April 15th for fall and year programs
Program Application Deadlines: Vary by program. You must meet both campus and program deadlines so be sure to apply early, especially for spring programs in Europe which tend to fill quickly.
Change of Enrollment while abroad: If you intend to make any changes to your course enrollment once you are abroad, it is your responsibility to make sure you are in immediate contact with the GS study abroad advisor for approval of these changes.Email:
Deadline for receipt of Official Transcript and transfer credit: An official transcript from the Columbia-approved study abroad program must be received by the GS Dean of Students Office within three months of the completion of the program in order for GS students to receive transfer credit toward the degree.Students studying abroad in the fall semester of their senior year are advised that the May degree may be held up if the official transcript is not received in a timely fashion.
Other Forms
Before you go:
Summer Travel Record: If you are planning on undertaking any international travel or program sponsored in some way by Columbia during the summer, please complete this form..
General Resources For Going Abroad- A handbook of resources for students undertaking non-credit international activities sponsored by Columbia.
While Abroad:
Course Approval Form: Submit any changes to your previously submitted course approvals to the GS Study Abroad Dean once you have started the registration process abroad.
After your Return:
