SJSU Approved Programs

Participants in SJSU certified study abroad programs are guaranteed to receive "resident credit" for all coursework taken at partner universities. All units taken on certified programs will count towards overall graduation unit requirements. However, course equivalencies for major, minor or General Education requirements are determined and approved by advisors in those departments. Participants in certified SJSU programs should obtain course equivalency approval prior to departure by completing the Academic Approval Form and obtaining all the appropriate signatures. Instructions for completing the Academic Approval Form can be found on the back of the form and will be covered in detail during the pre-departure orientation.

Students participating in the CSU International Programs must use a different approval form that they will receive with their acceptance packet.

All coursework taken abroad on certified programs will be posted on the students' official SJSU records/transcripts and is not considered "transfer credit". Courses will appear on the SJSU transcript with the course title from the host university, but with SJSU course numbers, units and grades. "International Programs" and the name of the host country/university will also be noted on the transcript.

Registration for SJSU Programs

Registration procedures vary from program to program. Some allow participants to register early and they confirm enrollment in courses before arrival. Others have students register upon arrival or during the beginning weeks of class. Participants should be as patient and flexible as possible when following the host institutions procedures. Students should have alternate choices for courses in case some courses are not offered or cancelled.

Study Abroad participants should not register for courses at SJSU while studying abroad.

The Academic Approval Form that the student completed prior to departure is not final. Participants can make changes to their course schedule upon arrival at the host institution but they are strongly encouraged to communicate with and seek approval from their SJSU academic advisor(s). If any courses are added, participants should complete a new Academic Approval Form, send it to their academic advisors for signatures and request that they forward it to the SJSU Study Abroad Coordinator. Participants may also get the necessary signatures after returning from the program.

Students Preparing to Graduate after Studying Abroad

Seniors are eligible to study abroad in the final semester of their degree as long as they can meet all their graduation requirements through course offerings at the host university. Seniors should plan ahead and work closely with their academic advisors to select the appropriate program and coursework.

Graduating seniors should get graduation applications and procedures prior to departure for their study abroad program and meet with a graduation evaluator.

Students should be aware that it generally takes 1-3 months for the host institutions to send the participants' transcripts to the SJSU Study Abroad Office. Some programs can take longer and may cause delays with completing the graduation applications by the deadline.

California State University Intra-System Visitor Program

Students from other CSU campuses can participate in SJSU study abroad programs through the Intra-System Visitor Program. Students should complete the appropriate form through the Admissions and Records Office at their home campus and get the appropriate department signatures. If the student is eligible for financial aid, the home campus will process the aid.

Upon completion of an SJSU study abroad, the host institution transcript for intra-system visitors will be forwarded to the Study Abroad Coordinator at their home campus. Students should complete academic approval forms and follow equivalency procedures for their home campus.

SJSU students can also participate in study abroad programs offered by other CSU campuses. For more information on programs through other CSU universities visit:
http://www.gateway.calstate.edu/csustudents.shtml

Transfer Students from California Community Colleges

California Community College students that have been admitted to SJSU may transfer to the university and go directly on an SJSU study abroad program. Students can apply for study abroad programs prior to acceptance to SJSU, but participation in the program is contingent upon acceptance to the university. Coursework taken at community colleges can be used to meet program prerequisite requirements.

Non-SJSU Study Abroad Programs

Students are welcome to participate in programs that are not certified by SJSU but all coursework will be considered "transfer credit". Due to liability issues, the SJSU Study Abroad Office is unable to provide advising for non-certified programs and students must work independently with the program provider to apply and get information. SJSU cannot take responsibility for the academic quality of non-certified programs nor does the university carry any liability for SJSU students who choose to participate in them. Students participating in non-SJSU programs should be aware of the following:

• All coursework on non-certified programs is considered "transfer credit". After completing the program, students should submit a transcript to SJSU Admissions and Records and follow their normal transfer credit procedures. Students are encouraged to discuss the program with their academic advisor(s) prior to going abroad but they cannot get pre-approval for program coursework or get a guarantee that the university will accept the credits before participating in the program.
• Students are encouraged to keep all documents (syllabi, course descriptions, reading lists, tests, papers, etc.) from the program in case transfer credit evaluators have questions regarding the coursework taken on the program.
• Students should research the academic quality of their program and make sure that the institution offering the program is accredited.
• Students should speak to former participants in order to verify the quality of the program and have realistic expectations.
• Students should complete "Leave of Absence" paperwork and inform SJSU Enrollment Services that they are going abroad through an independent study abroad program.
• Students who are not enrolled at SJSU are not eligible to receive financial aid through the university. Participants in non-SJSU programs should apply for financial aid through the institution providing the program

Contact us at the Study Abroad Office, Clark Hall, Room 543 Tel  (408) 924-5931 Fax (408) 924-5976
or send us an email