The study abroad process at the University of Pittsburgh can be broken down into five general stages: pre-application, application, acceptance, abroad, and re-entry. The process requires a considerable amount of time, thought, and energy to complete. SAO staff recommend that students begin considering study abroad as soon as they arrive on campus and begin seriously planning no later than one full academic term prior to their anticipated departure.

Below are the steps that students should take before they apply to any study abroad program. Once students have completed these steps, they should be ready to apply to the program that best fits their personal and academic interests. Although the four stages are sequential in nature, the tasks within each stage need not be completed in the order in which they are listed.

Although all undergraduate students begin the study abroad process by attending Essentials, students in Engineering and Business may have a slightly different process and should consult their respective Study Abroad Advisors for additional information.

• Attend Essentials
  Essentials, a one-time group-orientation session, is the required introduction to the study abroad process at Pitt. Sign up for Essentials by visiting our office or Essentials Page.
  
  
• Obtain/renew a Passport
  For detailed information on passports and how to obtain one, please visit the State Department's Passport Page.
  
  
• Research Countries of Interest and Programs
  After Essentials, students should be better prepared to select a destination and program. Visit our office to pick up brochures and discuss programming options. Information can also be found on the Programs pages.
  
  
• Discuss Finances
  Meet with parents and the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to determine the best way to fund a program and begin budgeting. While discussing issues related to finances, please consider the following items: program cost (housing, tuition, meals, etc.), international travel costs (international airfare, ground transportation), in-country travel costs (excursions not included in program cost), study abroad fee (all students who study abroad through Pitt pay a $350.00 fee), passport fees, visa fees, inoculations. Students may be able to secure scholarships or utilize financial aid to cover these costs. Please visit Finances for more information.
  
  
• Meet with Academic Advisor(s)
  Discuss how to integrate study abroad coursework with degree requirements.

Next: Application Stage