For Faculty & Staff

Academic Advising for Study Abroad

Academic advisors play an essential role in helping students integrate study abroad into their degree plans. By discussing international opportunities early, advisors can help students identify programs that align with their academic goals, graduation timeline, and personal interests.

Study abroad opportunities have historically played a major role in transforming the lives and perspectives of students. Research shows that study abroad contributes to:

• Higher retention and graduation rates
• Stronger critical thinking, adaptability, and self-confidence
• Communication skills in native and foreign languages
• Enhanced career readiness
• Higher employment rates and earning potential after graduation

Early planning is important to give students access to a wider variety of options, so they can fulfill course requirements while enjoying the experience that is best for them.

Encouraging students to explore study abroad early gives them:

• More program options to choose from
• Greater flexibility in meeting degree requirements
• More time to plan coursework and finances
• A smoother path toward graduation

Explore Study Abroad Programs

Once a student has confirmed their intent to participate in a program, the student should meet with their major advisor to complete the necessary course forms one to two semesters prior to travel. Application deadlines and course approval/registration deadlines vary significantly, so it is important that students apply early and proactively meet with advisors.

The advisor will help:

• Select courses that will be degree-applicable
• Review academic requirements
• Complete and approve required documentation

Please refer interested students to the Study Abroad Scholarships page for related information. Financial Aid is also a helpful resource.

Study Abroad Scholarships

Need a study abroad presentation, information session, or recruiting table for an upcoming event? Contact Luisa Escobar, Assistant Director of Study Abroad Recruitment and Marketing. The Recruitment and Marketing team can help students of any major or class standing explore study abroad opportunities and find the right program.

If students have a program in mind already but need help with documentation or preparing for program commitment and travel, they can meet with the Student Experience Advisors.

Encourage students to visit the Global Learning Contact page to connect with the appropriate staff member and schedule an appointment.

Contact

Name	Role	Email
Luisa Escobar	Assistant Director of Study Abroad Recruitment and Marketing	escobarl@usf.edu