It's Time To Plan A 

Great Study Abroad Experience!

9 Steps to Success:

1. Meet the minimum requirements for SAU Study Abroad:  SAU students need to fulfill the following requirements to be considered for a study abroad program:

2. Check out places to go:  SAU has its own programs, but we have affiliated ourselves with a number of different study abroad program providers that allow us to send students to many more countries throughout the world.  We have more information about where you can go on the blue bars to the left. 

3. Contact the Study Abroad Office at StudyAbroad@sau.edu or 563-333-6389:   We will discuss the study abroad experiences that will work best for you to achieve your academic and personal goals.   

4. Talk to your academic and financial aid advisors:  It is essential to keep your academic advisors in the loop about your study abroad plans - they may have had some experiences with students in the past who have gone overseas, so they are great sources of information in your quest for an international experience.  Be sure to touch base with them early and often in the process.  Also, it is really important to talk to those people who pay for school.  There are some financial implications for which you might need to prepare!  Please read our financial aid and scholarships pages by clicking on the blue bars at the left.

5. Fill out your application forms:  If it looks like you will be able to go overseas, please find the appropriate application forms and fill them out!  Many programs allow you to do this online - be sure to ask questions if you are unsure about any aspect of the application process.  The most important thing is to apply in a timely manner!  SAU students have done very well in a variety of study abroad programs, and you will do as well, if not better, in your study abroad program!  So--Bee Confident and apply!

6. Get your passport:  You will need a passport to travel overseas.  Go to passports.state.gov and follow directions to download the appropriate forms and take these forms with supporting documents and two passport-sized photos to your local post office or county courthouse for processing.

7. Follow the instructions in your acceptance packet:  Each program asks students to do different things, but most programs will ask you to send a deposit (to confirm your intent to participate in the program) and to choose courses for the program.  You should work together with your academic advisor to select appropriate courses and gain approvals from SAU departments so that the credits earned overseas are posted to your record properly. 

 8. Attend your pre-departure workshops:  We will conduct pre-departure workshops with all students going overseas, providing advice about SAU policies while overseas as well as travel advice.

9. Pack your bags and send us postcards! Let us know how you're doing overseas!  Take lots of pictures, soak up every "cultural" experience, and enjoy your studies...yeah, you're there to study, too!  Have a great time and come back ready and willing to share your adventures with us on campus!