Most students start the process in one of two ways: talking with a college advisor about academic requirements and planning, or browsing program options (see Discover Programs). You can also attend events, like the International Fair, information sessions, and student panels, hosted by Global Learning and your college. 

If you’d like to talk with an advisor, Global Learning offers a drop-in hour on weekdays when classes are in session.  

On the Global Learning website, you can browse Discover Programs to learn about study abroad opportunities.

Search here for all on- and off-campus opportunities: global opportunities, including all Cornell Global Learning programs, as well as opportunities for career development, community-engaged learning and service, fellowships and funding, research, and other special interest programs.

Your college advisor is a key contact for you as you plan to study abroad. Every college has specific academic policies and requirements, and it is important that you understand what they are. For example, are you required to enroll in a certain number of credits while you are abroad? Can you earn credit toward your major or minor? Can you transfer distribution requirements? Are there specific language or area studies requirements for study abroad? You can schedule an appointment or email with your college advisor to ask these types of questions.  

The Office of Global Learning also has four advisors, who each manage a specific portfolio of programs by region. Which Global Learning advisor(s) you meet with depends on the program(s) you are interested in. There is a possibility you will want to meet with more than one advisor. Global Learning advisors cannot discuss specific academic requirements with you. They specialize in application and program information and pre-departure (logistical) preparations for study abroad. 

If you want to spend a semester or academic year abroad, it’s best to plan to do it during your junior year, although it is not uncommon spend a semester abroad during the fall of your senior year. Studying abroad during the semester you are scheduled to graduate is generally not approved. If you wish to go on a short-term or summer program, there are opportunities during any year you are actively enrolled at Cornell. 

If you plan well, you may even be able to study abroad more than once while at Cornell!

Students who have lived and studied abroad have the advantage of possessing many unique and exportable skills, such as language ability, cross-cultural adaptability and regional knowledge. Generate a list of key skills you relied on when you were abroad. You might include “problem solving,” “language skills,” or “cross-cultural communication” if you successfully overcame a language barrier.