Preparing to Adventure Abroad 

Follow these steps to find the perfect study abroad program for you. 

  • Step 1: Explore your goals and interests
    • What are your personal, academic, and professional goals? What are you hoping to achieve by participating in a study abroad program?
    • Questions to consider:
      • How long do you want to be abroad?
      • When do you want to go abroad?
      • What destinations interest you?
      • Are you interested in a more independent experience or a group experience?
      • Do you want to be with other Iowa State students?
      • Do you want to study with an Iowa State faculty member or with new faculty members at an international institution?
      • Do you have specific classes you need to take?
      • What is your budget?
  • Step 2: Meet with a study abroad advisor in the College of Human Sciences
    At this appointment, you will discuss your goals and interests, and a study abroad advisor will help you to explore your program options through ISUAbroad, an online database of all study abroad opportunities available at Iowa State University. Use Navigate or email CHS International Programs to schedule your appointment.
    • CHS students can participate in CHS programs, programs coordinated by other colleges, or programs coordinated by the Study Abroad Center. Depending on which program you choose, you may be referred to another study abroad advisor who coordinates that program.
  • Step 3: Meet with your academic advisor
    • It is important to discuss goals and interests with your academic advisor. Make sure your advisor knows about your interest in going abroad, and they can assist with determining how classes offered as part of your study abroad program can help you to meet Iowa State degree requirements.
  • Step 4: Submit your ISUAbroad application
    • An ISUAbroad application is required for any program you are interested in.
      Learn more about the application process.

International Travel Registration

Undergraduate Students and Graduate Students

As per the Iowa State University International travel registration policy, all undergraduate students and all students participating in credit-bearing activities abroad must register through ISUAbroad to obtain permission to travel. If approved, you will be automatically covered by Iowa State’s international insurance policy, and premiums for the insurance coverage will appear on your U-bill. 

Study abroad program participants: If you have committed to participate in an ISU study abroad program at ISUAbroad, you do not need to register again through the links below. 

International student teachers and Dietetic internship rotation participants: If you have committed to participate at ISUAbroad, you do not need to register again through the links below.

Individual undergraduate students register here: Credit-bearing travel | Non-credit-bearing travel

Individual graduate students register here: Credit-bearing travel

Information for student organizations can be found on the Office of Risk Management’s website.

Graduate Students Traveling on Iowa State Business

As per the Iowa State University International travel registration policy, all graduate students traveling internationally for Iowa State business purposes such as research and conference attendance must register prior to departure at the Iowa State International Travel Portal.  After you register, you will receive information about Iowa State’s international insurance policy. Insurance premiums for this type of graduate student travel only are centrally funded by Iowa State, and your U-bill will not be charged.  

Individual graduate students register here: Iowa State International Travel Portal

All Travelers

Before traveling outside of the U.S., all travelers should consult the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control.  In addition, it is recommended all travelers consult their primary care physician as needed.  More information international insurance is available from the Office of Risk Management.

Need More Information?

CHS International Programs

131 MacKay Hall
2302 Osborn Drive
Ames, IA 50011-1124

515-294-1010

chsintl@iastate.edu