Policies & Procedures
Policies and procedures for Global Education
The University requires all students participating in SDSU global education programs to read and abide by the Student Code of Conduct as established by the SDSU Center for Student Right and Responsibilities. Students who participate in a SDSU approved study abroad program are responsible for knowing and obeying the applicable rules, policies, and regulations that govern San Diego State University, even when they are abroad.
Students are required to maintain adequate health insurance coverage at all times while abroad. In order to meet the California State University (CSU) requirements for health insurance on an SDSU study abroad program, students must purchase the appropriate insurance for their program type. Domestic or alternate insurance plans will not be accepted for participation in SDSU approved or sponsored programs.
International living conditions vary widely from those in the United States and students should therefore be prepared to adapt to the host country's standards and environments. SDSU Study Abroad provides information to students on any required program accommodation or the available housing options, but cannot take responsibility for housing offered by host institutions or independent programs. Students are not allowed to "opt-out" of included housing.
General Eligibility
All students are considered academically eligible to apply if they have the appropriate class level, minimum cumulative GPA required (as well as any program-specific prerequisite classes), and are in good academic standing at SDSU. All applications are reviewed individually and each student’s full academic record is taken into consideration, along with any required faculty recommendations and personal statement.
GPA requirements
The minimum cumulative GPA required varies by program and can range between 2.00 and 3.50. Applicants should look closely at the GPA indicated in the program profile. Meeting the listed minimum cumulative GPA does not ensure acceptance into the program. Students who apply with a low cumulative or SDSU GPA are considered on a case-by-case basis. Preference is given to those students who have an upward trend in their GPA and demonstrated strong work in any subjects they plan to take when abroad.
International students
International degree-seeking students are eligible as long as they can attain the required visa to study in the host country.
Undocumented students
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students are eligible and encouraged to participate in approved SDSU study abroad programs. Students in DACA status may study abroad with advance parole citing "educational purposes" such as semester abroad programs. This will require planning, applying for advance parole, and awareness of potential risks.
Disciplinary Probation
Students on disciplinary probation will only be considered if their probation will end by the beginning of the study abroad program. Students are allowed to apply for a study abroad program if they are on probation, but they must satisfy the requirements of that probation prior to the program start date. Students should speak to a study abroad advisor about their specific case to clarify restrictions or potential exceptions.
The application and selection process varies by each program type. However, all SDSU student must submit an application in the Aztecs Abroad database and be approved by the Global Education office for participation. An external application may be required for approved programs through partner internaitonal education organizations. More details will be provided in the online application.
The California State University (CSU) system requires that all study abroad students are provided crucial health and safety information through a mandatory pre-departure orientation. Preparation is critical to students having a healthy and safe experience studying abroad. The orientation provides recommendations to have a healthy experience while also staying physically safe. Many online resources are emphasized to assist students.
All students must take personal responsibility for their own health and safety at all times during their travel. The SDSU Global Education office provides various programming prior to departure to assist students in their preparations. The university cannot guarantee health and safety nor assume responsibility for any personal injury or property damage.
International degree-seeking (F-1 visa) students at SDSU are encouraged to pursue study abroad opportunities as a way to further internationalize their profile. However, international students cannot study in their home country.
All students must review and electronically sign a participant agreement and liability waiver as part of their study abroad application. By signing, students confirm they understand and agree to the conditions of participation.
The SDSU Global Education office can provide general advice and assistance in the process of applying for visas, but the office is not responsible for completing and submitting student's visa applications. When nominated and accepted into a program, students can access information on the visa application from the host country's embassy or consulate website here in the United States. Not all students are required to apply for an entry visa prior to departure.
For SDSU Exchange programs, students should inform the SDSU Study Abroad office immediately if and when they decide to withdraw prior to departure. The office will make every effort to accommodate students needing to withdraw for unanticipated financial, family and personal matters. However, if the study abroad semester has officially begun, the student may be responsible for SDSU tuition and fees or costs incurred by the host university on the student's behalf.
For CSU-IP, ISEP and Partner programs, students may be responsible to pay applications fees, program deposits or other fees if they withdraw. SDSU Study Abroad is not responsible for fees paid to any external program provider or organization.
Due to California State University (CSU) executive order, SDSU has installed a process for approving specific programs that complement other SDSU and CSU programs offerings. Many factors or criteria are taken into account including accreditation of Host University, affordability, applicability of financial aid, policies of the program provider, and support provided to students.
Students may not submit any petition to participate in a non-approved global education program. However, SDSU does have a Travel Registration process to notifying SDSU of any international travel.
The SDSU Global Education office can facilitate the process of students identifiyng courses at host institutions and programs, but the office cannot offer academic approval to satisfy graduation requirements. All students should take course descriptions and information to their academic advisors for review. When students are nominated for a program, they will have access to the SDSU Acadmeic Approval Form on which specific study abroad courses can be approved by major, minor and general academic advisors.
The SDSU Global Education office cannot guarantee availability of any courses on any program. If students encounter any changes to course schedules, then they may communicate with their SDSU academic advisors when officially enrolling in courses abroad to receive tentative approval.
At the conclusion of a study abroad program, the host university or program provider will send each student's official transcript to the SDSU Office of Evaluations in the Registrar. It is always the student's responsibility to follow-up and ensure their transcript is received and processed prior to graduation. Students should note that the time frame in which transcripts are received from abroad does not follow the on-campus academic calendar. Typically, transcripts are received from abroad between one and four months following the completion of the academic program abroad. Students, who intend to apply for scholarships, or graduate programs, should keep this time frame in mind at the time of application for study abroad.
The payment of tuition and fees and other program costs varies by each program type.