Study Abroad (Not Required)

Study Abroad is a Graduation requirement for all students in the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS). Programs must either be pre-approved or approved by the CHHS International Coordinator, for more information visit the CHHS International:

• CHHS International Website
• E-mail [email protected]

Study Abroad for SPH Students

All public health/health science undergraduate majors are required to participate in a CHHS pre-approved international experience. Students must select a program or course that fulfills the SPH international from the advising sheet or CHHS Approved Alternative International Requirement Intercultural Courses. There are amazing short- and long- term options to satisfy this exciting and often life-changing requirement!

Please note: Your SPH advisors cannot approve study abroad experiences, only the CHHS International Programs Office can do so. Please contact them with any questions or concerns: [email protected]

SHORT-TERM Study Abroad Opportunities for SPH Students

The most common way SPH students satisfy the CHHS Study Abroad requirements is through our short term study abroad opportunities (At least 14 days, or more). There are a variety of great pre-approved options available! Additionally, you can contact [email protected] for more information and other opportunities that might satisfy the experience but are not yet approved.

Steps for selecting a short-term study abroad course:

Step 1: Research SDSU courses / Options that interest you and satisfy the international requirement from the advising sheet or list of CHHS Approved Alternative International Requirement Intercultural Courses.

Step 2: Enroll in the pre-approved course or check with the CHHS International Programs Office to get approval for a class that is not pre-approved: [email protected]

Step 3: Complete a RAAR (if applicable) – Submit to [email protected]

Step 4: Enjoy your short-term study abroad experience!

LONG-TERM Study Abroad Opportunities for SPH Students

We strongly recommend looking for the many summer options if you are interested in a longer-term program.

If you’re interested in doing a semester or year long international experience, it is absolutely possible but takes a lot of planning and consideration, so start early! It is generally best to do this your sophomore year or if you are going to be a “Super Senior”. This is because most public health classes aren’t offered abroad and courses from other majors aren’t transferred as they are not equivalent. However, it is still possible to study abroad during the academic year, it just takes some research on your end! Please follow the following steps if you are interested in a long-term study abroad experience to fulfill your CHHS Study Abroad requirement.

Steps for selecting a long-term (semester or year long) study abroad program and related coursework:

Step 1: Locate a program you are interested in attending – Get approval to move forward from [email protected]

Step 2: Confirm the course or program with your undergraduate advisor and complete the RAAR (PDF) form if required.

Step 3: Identify courses within the program that might interest you and fulfill any SPH or GE requirements needed.

Step 4: Check compatibility/transferability with SDSU courses. Identify courses, whether they are upper or lower division, how many course units, and fine a course description/syllabus.

Step 5: Once you have identified the above information on potential courses to take while abroad, you should check for course equivalency, to do this contact;

1. GE Courses: [email protected]
2. SPH Major Courses: [email protected]

Step 6: Obtain final approval and any related documentation needed from [email protected]

Step 7: Enjoy your long-term study abroad experience!

Potential Table Here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• What if I want to spend a semester or year abroad? When can I do it? How do I find a Program?
  • When can I study abroad for a semester or longer:
    • Sophomore year (Only academic year/semester) – If you plan ahead, otherwise you will be set back an entire academic year (e.g. delayed graduation
    • Over Summer Break
  • How to find a semester/year program:
    • This is up to you! But it must be approved by the CHHS International Office
    • You might get ideas from the SDSU Global Education Office

For More Information visit the CHHS International Program Requirement Website

E-mail [email protected]