Prepare for your application interview

This usually takes place after the deadline to submit all your application materials. You will receive an email from your Study Abroad Advisor about scheduling an interview time. Several applicants to the same program may be in the same interview. You should be able to discuss your academic goals and how you plan to involve yourself in the local culture. You should also be able to talk about things you know about your host country (e.g. current events; political, social, economic, environmental or cultural topics; or other areas that interest you personally) and be able to convey what you want to learn more about while there. Before the interview you may want to browse through program evaluations written by previous students in the Overseas Studies office (THH 341).

Wait for admissions decisions

You must be accepted by BOTH Overseas Studies AND your host institution/program provider to be considered fully accepted.

  • Admissions decisions are usually announced by Overseas Studies 3-4 weeks after the application deadline
  • Most host institutions and program providers notify students of acceptance within 2-8 weeks
  • Admissions decisions for USC Madrid and USC Paris are made by Overseas Studies

Overseas Studies checks with the USC Student Judicial and Community Standards (SJACS), Title IX Office, and USC Housing Office to verify if study abroad applicants have any record of student conduct violations. All cases on file, regardless of the nature of the case, will be reported to the Office of Overseas Studies and may affect a student’s eligibility to study abroad.

 

Attend orientations

Overseas Studies will host a General Orientation and program-specific Pre-Departure Orientation before you depart. Attendance at both orientations is mandatory.

 

Research the visa process for your host country

Most but not all countries require entry on a student visa obtained in advance. Visa information is listed on the “How to Apply” tab for each program page on our website. While Overseas Studies and the host institution will provide more information, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to obtain proper authorization to study in their host country.

Students planning to study abroad in France, Italy, South Africa, and Spain are advised not to plan international travel prior to the start of their program due to unpredictable visa application processing timelines, which are out of students’ and USC’s control. Consulates hold passports for visa processing and sometimes endeavor only to issue the visa before one’s program begins and do not consider students’ pre-program international travel plans.

Important Notes:

  • While processing your visa, the consulate may hold your passport. That will prevent you from traveling internationally until your passport is returned. Plan accordingly.
  • Some consulates require students to appear at the consulate twice, once to submit their visa application and again to pick up their passport with the affixed visa. Consider timelines and arranging travel to the consulate.
  • Students should gather required visa documentation well in advance of their visa appointment to ensure enough processing time. Students who apply late put their ability to study abroad at risk and may incur financial losses in the form of lost deposits, late-withdrawal fees and/or non-refundable flight purchases.