Before Your First Advising Session...

When preparing for your meeting with a GEO advisor, take a moment to watch our videos so you can have a more in-depth conversation with your GEO advisor. 


Meet with a GEO Advisor

Once you have reviewed the introductory videos, schedule an appointment with a GEO advisor to discuss your study away plans. The GEO advisor will consult with you about your goals for study away, as well as other important considerations, in order to find a program that is the best fit for you.

Prior to this meeting, you may also wish to consider how study away may influence your future career preparation.

Meet with Your Academic Advisors

As you're planning your time away from campus, be sure to also meet with your academic advisor(s) regarding your progress in your major(s). Your academic department will be able to explain how credits transfer for your particular major and if you will need to take major courses on your program.

Apply to Programs

Each study away program determines its own application requirements and deadlines – it is your responsibility to verify with your program what is expected for a complete and timely application. Although there isn’t a “common application” for study away programs, many will require the following materials*.

  • Official copy of your transcriptRequest an official copy of your transcript from the Registrar’s Office. If your program will accept an unofficial copy as a placeholder until the official copy arrives, you can download a copy from AC Data account. 
  • Letter of recommendation from a faculty member – Each program will have its own specifications for faculty letters and language-immersion programs will typically request a language evaluation in addition to a standard academic recommendation. Please check with your program to confirm its requirements. We advise that you request faculty recommendations at least two weeks in advance of their due date.
  • Home school approval form – This form notifies the program of the conditions for credit transfer, where to send the transcript upon completion of your program, and confirms your academic and disciplinary standing at the College. Please send all such forms to GEO[at]amherst.edu via your program’s online application system, whenever available, or as a PDF attachment via email. Please also sign a FERPA Release, which allows GEO to provide the requested information. GEO will typically complete these forms and send them directly to your program within 1-2 business days. (Note: This form may also be called a home school nomination form or advisor approval form.)
  • Personal statement – Respond to the prompt(s) provided by your program for the personal statement.

*Please note that this is not a comprehensive list – check with your program to determine its application requirements.