Study Abroad

Planning For Study Abroad

  • Know which type of program you plan to attend (direct, exchange, affiliate or non-affiliate). Meet with an Education Abroad advisor to confirm your program type.
  • Meet with a financial aid advisor to discuss your financial aid options. If you choose to participate in a non-affiliate program, USF will not process any financial aid, including loans, and you must find another source if you need assistance.
  • If your study abroad program is an exchange or affiliate program
    • A financial aid study abroad contract is required
    • Your financial aid will not pay until you request enrollment verification from your school abroad, after your first week of classes, to be sent to OFA. The enrollment verification should be on the host school’s letterhead and include: your name, your USF ID, each course listed individually and the start and end dates of each course
    • Your classes must match those approved by your USF academic advisor on your financial aid study abroad contract
    • Request your official transcripts to be sent to the USF Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Your next term financial aid will be held if your classes and grades are not on your academic records by the tenth week of classes.

  • Direct programs have no additional requirements
  • Sign up for e-Deposit in Student Self-Service to easily access your funds after your enrollment is confirmed
  • Plan ahead to pay all required expenses before your financial aid pays. 
    • Financial aid will not pay before USF's standard payment date each term.
    • Short term loans may be available to help you with pre-departure costs (not available for non-affiliate programs).
  • Attend the pre-departure meeting held by Education Abroad