Semester/Year Planning Process for Off-Campus Study


Review the planning timeline for a snapshot of the coming year.

Getting Started in the Global Bobcats portal:
  1. Start your Global Bobcats account! 
    • Go to this link to start your Pre-Registration Phase steps by following the instructions for first time users. (Use your Bates login credentials.
  2. Review and research approved programs.
  3. Utilize the various advising resources found in your pre-registration phase.  For example:
    • Attending the Study Abroad Fair in September
    • Bates Returnee Evaluations
    • Meet with Global Ambassadors
    • Optional meeting with an off-campus study advisor
    • Returnee Panels & On-campus events
  4. Complete the pre-registration phase which includes listing your top choice program and term(s) off-campus.
  5. Your pre-registration will be reviewed by a Bates Off-Campus Study Advisor and your registration will be opened. You can switch your top choice program at any time before the registration deadline but you only have one (1) program registration open at a time.
  6. Complete the new steps by the Off-Campus Study Registration deadline.
In your Global Bobcats account you will be able to:
Prepare for your first advising appointment
  1. Consult the Important Questions & Policies  and Choosing a Program web pages.
  2. Consult with a faculty member about how off-campus study fits into your four-year plan of study at Bates.
  3. Review the approved off-campus study opportunities and explore the links to the program web sites.
  4. Read the student evaluations of programs on the program pages.
  5. RELAX!  You are not expected to have a complete plan at your meeting.
  6. You may decide to remain at Bates — that is fine, too.
At your first meeting, we’ll discuss
  • your academic plans and ideas
  • your non-academic plans and ideas
  • Bates’ semester balance enrollment policy
  • topics related to your identity and living in another country.
  • 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 6, 2025 by 11:59 PM EST:
  • submit the Off-Campus Study Registration in the Global Bobcats portal
  • The registration requires a declared major and a completed Academic Approval Form signed by the department/program chair of your declared major/s.
  • Please note that the deadline for Fall 2024, Academic Year 2024-2025, and Winter 2025 was February 8, 2024 – late registrations are considered on a case-by-case basis.
By end of March or earlier:
  • apply for Fall or Academic Year programs by March 15 or earlier
  • apply for any eligible study abroad scholarships
By end of Summer:
  • apply for Winter programs by September 1
  • apply for any eligible study abroad scholarships