Sonoma State University

I am planning on applying for the program next year. Is there anything I can do to prepare myself?

Terrific to hear! Planning ahead is a great way to stay on track with graduation, which includes planning out which classes you plan on taking leading up to your time studying away. Keep in mind that program deadlines are usually the semester before studying away, and you want to get started on the planning and application process the semester BEFORE the application deadlines, which means ideally students will get started a year in advance. Make sure to keep the study away advisor updated on your plans and timeline!

In the meantime, there are two things you can do to help prepare:

1. Make Your Academic Plan
If you know where you are going to study away, then you can view the classes you likely have access to there. If you plan on taking major requirements while studying away, you can focus on taking GE and pre-requisite classes at SSU in the meantime. If your major is not available at the study away location, then you can optimize semesters in the meantime by taking major classes at SSU, and then planning out the GE, minor, and/or elective classes you will take while studying away. Keep in mind, there are some classes that can be more difficult to find when studying abroad, or they are not always appropriate for exchange students to take. Below is a list of classes you should plan on taking at SSU either before you study abroad or when you return to SSU. (A benefit of NSE is that pretty much ALL classes are available!)

  • Critical Race Studies/Ethnic Studies/GE Area F
  • CA Government/US Constitution graduation requirement (POLS 200)
  • GE Area E (Lifelong Learning)
  • US History
  • GE Area B1, B2, and upper-division B for non-science majors
  • You can only take upper-division GE on study away programs that count as in-residence, which are CSU IP, NSE, and SSU Exchange. If you are participating in a different program, you should plan on taking your upper-division GE classes at SSU. 

2. Save Money!

Start making your financial plan regarding studying away, and start saving so you have more money to spend on personal travel and experiences. You can also find scholarships and grants that you can apply for. You can find tips and a list of scholarships available on our Financing Study Away webpage.