Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO)

Study Abroad Testimonials

Mandatory for all students studying abroad or away during the Fall 2026, Academic Year 2026-2027, and Summer 2026 terms. 

  • When: May 12, 2026
  • Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (Doors open at 8:45 am)
  • Place: Student Union Theater & Meeting Rooms

Schedule

Open the time slots below for details on the required sessions (9:00 am - 11:25 am). We encourage you to stay for lunch (11:30 am - 12:00 pm) for the optional special topic workshop or meet ups to meet each other and alumni of your host university.
 
  • 8:45 am - Check-In & Registration

    Location: Student Union Theater lobby
    Come early to sign in and meet other Global Spartans and our Global Amassadors (former study abroad students).

  • 9:00 am - General Orientation Session (Required for All)

    Location: Student Union Theater
    All students must attend this session to get the key important information and steps to prepare for a safe, educational, transformative, and amazing journey abroad or away. (view Powerpoint)

  • 10:00 am - Summer FLP Students Only (Required)

    Location: Student Union Theater
    All students participating on the following Faculty-Led Programs (FLP) are required to attend this session.

    • Japan
    • Thailand
    • France
    • Spain
    • Ireland
    • Vietnam
    • Italy
    • Scotland
    • Germany
  • 10:00 am - Breakout Sessions (Required)

    Location: SU Meeting Rooms

    All SJSU Exchange, ISEP, CSU IP, Summer School Abroad, and Global Internship Program students are required to attend the breakout sessions by country. Check your nametag for your assigned room.

    Tip Sheets:

    Click below to download country-specific Tip Sheets provided by Global Ambassadors and other study abroad alumni. Disclaimer: The contributors and San Jose State University and all affiliated faculty, staff, or administrators  are not responsible for any issues, financial losses, or inconveniences that may arise from following the suggestions in these Tip Sheets.Use at your own discretion.

    • Austria
    • Australia
    • Czech Republic
    • Estonia
    • France
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Ghana
    • Hong Kong
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Mexico
    • New Zealand
    • South Africa
    • South Korea
    • Spain
    • Switzerland
    • Taiwan
    • Thailand
    • United Kingdom
    • United States 
  • 11:30 am - Summer Internship Students (Required)

    Location: TBD
    All students participating on the following summer global internship programs are required to attend this session.

    • WorldStrides
    • Academic Programs International (API)
    • The Intern Group  (TIG)
  • 11:30 am - Special Topic Workshops & Meet Ups (Optional) - Lunch served

    Location: SU Meeting Rooms

    Stay for free pizza to attend any of the optional Special topic workshops or meet other students going to the same school or other students who studied abroad there.

    • Workshop: Academic Approval Process: Tips to get your study abroad courses pre-approved to fulfill your graduation requirements (Room TBD).
    • Workshop: Funding Your Program: Ways to fund your study abroad program (Room TBD).
    • Meet Ups: By Schools: Meet other students who are going to the same university, learn from Global Ambassadors who studied at the same school, greet International Exchange students from your school studying here at SJSU. (Room TBD). 
    • Q&A: Genius Bar: Bring any questions about study abroad & away process, timeline, etc and get some genius answers from our Genius Baristars (Room: Starbucks).
  • 12:00 pm - Bon voyage!

    Before You Go

    The Study Abroad and Away Office is here to support you throughout your entire study abroad or away journey. Please review the Before You Go page or click on the links below for additional resources.

Before You Go

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