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Timeline: From Acceptance to On-Site

Next Steps for Getting Abroad

Each program, and often each student, has a slightly different set of steps and tasks that must be completed before you're able to successfully study abroad. This will include course registration and/ or evaluations, visas (as applicable), housing, and more. Review the information below specific to your education abroad type, whether a provider program, exchange or global seminar. This timeline should give you a general idea of what you should be doing and when. Some things must be done in a specific order. Follow the list as best you can and you should be well on your way to a successful time abroad! Be sure to also review your program-specific pre-departure resources for specific information.

Review this section if you are studying abroad through a provider (examples include: CIEE, ISA, CEA CAPA, Semester at Sea, TEAN, etc.) 


After CU Acceptance but Before Provider Acceptance
  1. Complete the provider application by CU’s application deadline.  Typically, providers will not review your application until after our office has approved your Ed Abroad application. Your application is generally reviewed 1-3 weeks after you submit your application.  
  1. If you do not have one already, apply for your passport. Make sure it is valid for at least six months after you plan on returning from time abroad.  
  1. Apply for your visa using guidance from your provider and see your MyCUAbroad application piece “Visa Instructions” for additional tips on how to complete this. 
  1. Check with your provider for your pre-departure orientation date, add it to your calendar, and then attend it.  
  1. Complete your major and/or gen ed evaluation forms while you’re waiting to hear back from your provider program about acceptance. 

Post Provider Acceptance
  1. Complete the visa application process following instructions from your provider.  
  1. Apply for housing through your provider. 
  1. Complete the course pre-registration process given to you by your provider.  
  1. Once the provider tells you to, book your flights! 
  1. Register for classes (this can vary by program, some students won’t register until they are on site). 
  1. Attend your provider orientation. 

Is that it?
Nope! Other stuff is less time-sensitive but still needs doing:  
  1. Complete the other pre-departure items in your MyCUAbroad checklist and partner provider accounts. 
  1. Read through the information in the Accepted Student Guide – there’s more to going abroad than just this list, including talking to your bank, cell phone provider, etc. 
 

Review this section if you are studying abroad on an exchange or non-exchange program. This applies to you if you are directly enrolling into a university abroad without the help of a program provider. These timelines can vary quite a bit by program, so check in with your Program Manager if you are unsure what your priority tasks should be.  


After CU Acceptance but Before Host University Acceptance
  1. Complete the host university application, this generally includes your course selection. It’s okay to do this before you’ve submitted your major and/gen ed evaluations forms.  
  1. Complete your major and/or gen ed evaluation forms while you’re waiting to hear back from your host university about acceptance. 
  1. If you do not have one already, apply for your passport. Make sure it is valid for at least six months after you plan on returning from time abroad. 
  1. Once your Program Manager emails you your orientation date add it to your calendar, and then attend it.  
  1. Complete the Health & Wellness Worksheet in your MyCUAbroad account. 

Post Host University Acceptance
  1. Return your acceptance offer to the host university. 
  1. Apply for your visa – see your MyCUAbroad application piece “Visa Instructions” for tips on how to complete this. 
  1. Begin the housing process. For many exchanges and direct enrolls this means applying for campus accommodations, but for some you will need to find your own housing in the area. 
  1. Attend your pre-departure orientation.  
  1. Register for classes (this can vary by program, some students won’t register until they are on site). 
  1. Book your flight.  

Is that it?
Nope! Other stuff is less time sensitive but still needs doing:  
 
  1. Complete the other pre-departure items in your MyCUAbroad application. 
  1. Complete other tasks required by your host institution. 
  1. Read through the Accepted Student Guide – there’s more to going abroad than just this list, including talking to your bank, cell phone provider, etc. 
  1. Determine if you need to adjust your class schedule and resubmit courses as needed to your host institution and/or for major, minor or gen ed evaluation (Hint: your probably do.) 
  1. Sign up for airport pick-up if offered by your host institution. 
 

Review this section if you are participating in a Global Seminar led by a CU faculty member.  


Upon Acceptance to the Program
  1. Sign contract within one week of being accepted. 
  1. Check your email for the program confirmation (this could take several weeks post-acceptance). 

Upon Program Confirmation
  1. Confirm passport validity and update passport info in MyCUAbroad if you recently got a new one. 
  1. Book your flight using instructions provided by Ed Abroad. 
  1. Mark your calendar and attend orientation. If applicable, attend pre-departure classes.  
  1. Complete any documents required by your onsite provider. 
  1. Complete items in your MyCUAbroad post-acceptance checklist, including the Medical & Disability Needs Abroad form 
  1. If applicable, apply for your visa using guidance from your onsite provider. 
  1. Register for CU class when prompted
  1. Check your email for updates from your faculty director, on-site provider, and Ed Abroad. 

Is that it? 
Nope! Other stuff is less time sensitive but still needs doing:  
 
  1. Complete the other pre-departure items in your MyCUAbroad application. 
  1. Complete other tasks required by your faculty and onsite provider. 
  1. Read through the information in the Accepted Student Guide – there’s more to going abroad than just this list, including talking to your bank, cell phone provider, etc. 
Last Updated January 2024 
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