Review the planning timeline for a snapshot of the off-campus study process.

Getting Started in the Global Bobcats portal:

1. Start your Global Bobcats account! 
   • Go to this link to start your Pre-Registration Phase steps by following the instructions for first time users. (Use your Bates login credentials.)
2. Review Eligibility Requirements and Policies
   1. Off-Campus Study Eligibility Requirements
   2. Important Questions (FAQs) and Policies
3. Review and research approved programs.
4. Utilize the various advising resources found in your pre-registration account in Global Bobcats.  For example:

• • Attending the Study Abroad Fair in September
  • Bates Returnee Evaluations
  • Meet with Global Ambassadors
  • Optional meeting with an off-campus study advisor (appointments on BatesReach)
  • Returnee Panels & On-campus events
  • Choosing a Program

The Off-Campus Study Registration Process for semester or academic year is a two-step process:

1. Complete the pre-registration phase which includes listing your top choice program and preferred term off-campus. (Your top choice program can change.)
   1. Your pre-registration will be reviewed by a Bates off-campus study advisor and your registration will be opened. You can switch your top choice program at any time but you only have one (1) off-campus study registration open at a time.
2. Complete the new steps by the Off-Campus Study Registration deadline.  This includes consulting with a faculty member about how off-campus study fits into your four-year plan of study at Bates.

In your Global Bobcats account you will be able to:

• Watch the online Off-Campus Study Information Session
• See announcements, the Center for Global Education calendar, and our Instagram account.
• To make an optional Appointment for off-campus study advising, please use BatesReach.
• Browse, “add to programs of interest” and “favorite” approved programs.
• Complete your Bates Off-Campus Study Registration Application.

Consider meeting with a Global Ambassador or Off-Campus Study Advisor to discuss the following topics:

• your academic plans and ideas
• your non-academic plans and ideas
• Bates’ semester balance enrollment policy
• topics related to your identity and living in another country.
• the range of off-campus study possibilities
• financing off-campus study
• and all of your questions and concerns

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By Mid-January:

• declare your major
• obtain signature of major department chair/major advisor on the Off-Campus Study Registration Form

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By February 5, 2026 by 11:59 PM EST:

• submit the Off-Campus Study Registration in the Global Bobcats portal
• The registration requires a declared major and a completed Academic Approval Form signed by the department/program chair of your declared major/s.
• Please note that the deadline for Fall 2025, Academic Year 2025-2026, and Winter 2026 was February 6, 2025 – late registrations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

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By end of March or earlier:

• apply for Fall or Academic Year programs by March 15 or earlier
• apply for any eligible study abroad scholarships

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By end of Summer:

• apply for Winter programs by September 1
• apply for any eligible study abroad scholarships