Step 1: Identify Your Academic Goal
To choose the best program for your study abroad experience, start by identifying your academic goal. What do you want to accomplish academically while abroad?
You may want to make progress toward one of the following:
- Major
- Minor
- General Education (GEs) – Upper and Lower Division
(Search using “General Studies” in the database) - Language Learning or Improving
- Complementary Studies (search your major, unless you have a minor, then you will be taking classes towards your minor)
📌 Important: Only search ONE academic goal at a time in the Study Abroad Database to find the most relevant programs.
Unsure what degree requirements you have left? Review your Degree Progress Report (DPR) in your SFSU Gateway account or speak with your academic advisor in the Undergraduate Advising Center or a study abroad advisor.
Step 2: Search the Study Abroad Database
Use the Subject Area Search in the Study Abroad Database:
- Search your major or minor from the drop-down list.
- For GE courses, search for "General Studies."
- For language programs, search the specific language (e.g., Spanish, Japanese).
- For complementary studies, you may search using your major, GE, or a language. (Students with minors will do work on their minor instead.)
💡 Need help deciding? Come in for study abroad advising—we’re here to support you!
Step 3: Check Eligibility
This information can be found on the program page on the Study Abroad Database. If you are concerned about any program requirments, please reach out
Step 4: Review Available Courses Abroad
Look at the academic’s tab in the middle of the program page. Use the links provided to find classes. Please note that a lot of universities may direct you to a list of majors or degrees instead of a central list. When looking at classes abroad, look for the previous spring or fall to see what is likely to be offered for the term you will be abroad.
Information about units and how they will come back to SFSU can be found at the bottom of the page on academics.
Step 5: Note Deadlines
For Academic Year, Fall, and Summer Programs: February 15
For Calendar Year and Spring Programs: September 15
Special Deadlines:
- Waseda (Japan) & Trossingen Music (Germany): January 15 (Academic Year Only – No Extensions)
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC): January 15 (for Academic Year/Fall Start); September 15 (for Calendar Year/Spring Start)
⚠️ Note: Some programs may remain open until the final deadline, but we strongly encourage applying by the priority deadline for full consideration and support.
Apply on the Study Abroad Database!