The Planning Process

Listed below are the major steps in planning for off-campus study for the semester or year. Consult the planning timeline for a complete list.

Watch the online Off-Campus Study Information Session

This online information session will provide an overview of opportunities and the process from planning to application. Future live information sessions will be offered in September and October.

Participate in the Virtual Study Abroad Fair

Connect with representatives of 30+ study abroad programs and universities abroad, all online!

Prepare for your first advising appointment

Consult the Important Questions & Policies and Choosing a Program web pages
Consult with a faculty member about how off-campus study fits into your four-year plan of study at Bates.
Look over the off-campus study opportunities and explore the links to the program web sites.
Read the student evaluations of programs on the program pages.
RELAX! You are not expected to have a complete plan at your meeting.
You may decide to remain at Bates — that is fine, too.

Make an Appointment

To schedule an off-campus advising appointment, please login to BatesReach.

At your first meeting, we’ll discuss

your academic plans and ideas
your non-academic plans and ideas
Bates’ semester balance enrollment policy
the range of off-campus study possibilities
financing off-campus study
and all of your questions and concerns

By Mid-January:

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

By February 5th:

submit the Off-Campus Study Registration Form

By end of March or earlier:

apply for Fall or Academic Year programs
apply for any eligible study abroad scholarships

By end of Summer:

apply for Winter programs
apply for any eligible study abroad scholarships