Global Spartan Video Contest Winners

Congratulations to all winners of our Global Spartan Video Contest funded by International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) as part of the Global Spartan Month (March) celebration at SJSU. Click on the images below to check out the winning reels. Thank you to all our amazing Global Spartans who submitted their creative, inspiring videos highlighting the study abroad experience! We were truly impressed by the incredible talent, storytelling, and passion that came through in every submission. You inspire future Global Spartans to explore the world! All prizes will be awarded in the form of SJSU Gold Card which can be used in all on-campus dining services, bookstores, etc.

🏆 First Place – $100

Pooja Sindham

Day in my life as an international student at SJSU in California. Experience a day in my life as an international student at SJSU in California! Join me as I navigate campus life, grab coffee between lectures, and make the most of my time studying abroad!


🥈 Second Place Winner – $75

Emma Ross

 I studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland in Spring 2024 and it was such a beautiful semester. I made lifelong friends from all over the world. I was born in Ireland and had an amazing experience reconnecting with my culture and heritage through festivals, celebrations, and everyday activities. UCD has an abundance of course offerings and clubs to fit the needs of every student abroad. Traveling around Ireland, being surrounded by such greenery, turquoise blue waters, and vibrant nightlife created lasting memories!


🥉 Third Place – $ 50

Sophia Garske

Bet you want to find out more about SJSU Study And Away. Daydreamed so hard on the Go Abroad website that I woke up in Spain.


ISEP Winner – $50 

Emma Ross

 I studied abroad in Paris in Fall 2023 and it was a dream semester. Meeting new people, discovering Paris gems, artistic collaborations, beautiful views, delicious food, and immersing myself in French culture led to lasting memories. Staying with a host family rapidly progressed my French and gave me a home base while exploring a foreign city. I really enjoyed learning marketing, fashion, French, and history, at the American Business School of Paris and met so many amazing international students. Paris, je t’aime!


Honorable Mention – $25

Imaan Siddiqui

Sunlit days in Italy, unexpected animal encounters, lifelong friendships forged, and memories to cherish forever. Dive into my Ischia study abroad experience!

 Lifelong Memories, Learning, & Island Life

 


March is Global Spartan Month

Dear SJSU Colleagues,

I am thrilled to invite you to join us throughout March for Global Spartan Month (GSM), hosted by Global Engagement at San José State University (SJSU).

Global Spartan Month features a series of events that showcase our vibrant global community. It offers opportunities to engage in globally themed activities, including the Global Spartan Fair, Study Abroad information sessions, and cultural workshops. These events aim to broaden your global perspectives and create opportunities to foster meaningful connections.

Originally inspired by International Education Week, the idea for Global Spartan Month was introduced six years ago. It has now become a tradition at SJSU, bringing students, faculty, staff, and the community together to engage in cross-cultural dialogue and to thrive in an interconnected world.

Below are some of the exciting events happening during GSM:

Global Spartan Month Fair
March 6, 2025 | 11:30 AM-1:30 PM
7th Street Plaza

The Global Spartan Fair will have something for everyone, including a photo contest, a cultural culinary corner, a boulevard of languages, opportunities abroad, entertainment by cultural groups, and more. Join us for this fun event as we officially kick off GSM, connect and perhaps even win a prize.

 

Global Connections:
Holi (Colorful Artwork Creations)
March 17, 2025 | 02:00 PM-03:00 PM
SU Mtg Rm 2B

Global Connections is a weekly program featuring fun-filled activities where students can engage with different cultures from around the world and celebrate festivals and events such as Ramadan, Persian New Year, and Holi. It is a welcoming, inclusive space where students can learn, explore, and connect.

LEARN MORE

You can also view our Spartans Around the World infographic to discover how we are already engaging with the world. We look forward to your participation and engagement in GSM. Please help us spread the word about GSM by forwarding this email to your colleagues.

We can’t wait to see you at the many events during Global Spartan Month!

Sincerely,

Ronald F. Rogers, Ph.D
Vice Provost,
Academic Innovation and Institutional Effectiveness,
San José State University
San José, California

Fall 2025/Fall 2025-Spring 2026 Deadline Extension

Interested in studying abroad this Fall 2025 semester or for the Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 Academic Year? You can still go! We have extended the application deadline to March 1 for the below NSE programs, March 3 for the below ISEP programs, and March 15 for the below SJSU Exchange & CSU IP programs. 

 

NSE (March 1)

If you are interested in studying at one of the 170 campuses in the National Student Exchange (NSE), the deadline is March 1 (then rolling until November 1, 2025). Contact Vid Raatior (vid.raatior@sjsu.edu) or book an appointment to discuss the NSE options.

ISEP Programs (March 3)

ISEP Exchange deadlines are March 1 and many ISEP Direct programs have later deadlines. As the deadline falls on a weekend, we will accept applications through 2 PM EST on Monday, March 3. Contact Vid Raatior (vid.raatior@sjsu.edu), the ISEP Coordinator at SJSU or better yet connect directly with the ISEP Team for any questions.

SJSU Exchange (March 15)

Europe

Contact Julie Lucas (julie.lucas@sjsu.edu) or book an appointment here for these SJSU Exchange programs.

Asia / Oceania

Contact Vid Raatior (vid.raatior@sjsu.edu) or book an appointment for these SJSU Exchange options.

CSU IP (March 15)

The below CSU IP program deadlines have been extended to March 15! Contact Julie Lucas (julie.lucas@sjsu.edu) or book an appointment here for these CSU IP programs.

Global Spartan Video Contest

Global Spartan Video Contest

Overview

Students are the best representatives of our study abroad & away programs. We invite all Global Spartans (current or former study abroad students) to submit a 40-80 seconds reel-style video of your time on your program showing the various components of an abroad experience including, but not limited to student life, cultural excursions, classroom, travels, and community. We particularly encourage you to show connections with the local community. Be as creative as possible to impress and inform viewers – all genre, format, style (animation, film, stop motion, photo montage, noir, romance, abstract, documentary, etc) are accepted. We are ready to be impressed by your creative summary of your amazing experiences abroad. Winners will be announced sometime in March as part of the Global Spartan Month celebrations of global education and student exchange. Videos will be featured on the Study Abroad & Away website, Abroad View blog, monthly newsletter, and our social media channels (IG, FB, YouTube, etc). Winners will receive prize money!

Rules

  • Eligibility: Open to all SJSU students or alumni who participated in any of our 400+ study abroad or away programs on the Spartans Abroad Portal.
  • Music: Any background music used must be copyright and royalty free such as those used on IG-produced reels.
  • Length: 40-80 seconds
  • Video format: Any audiovisual multimedia (e.g. video, animation, cell phone, slide show) 
  • Relevance: Must be original and relevant to the goal of the contest to inform students about your experience and created specifically for this contest.
  • Title: All videos for this contest must start with the “Global Spartan: ______ (add your unique title).
  • Description: Your video must include a short 70-character description that can be used on social media. We reserve the right to edit video descriptions for space. 
  • Ownership: All submitted entries including images, photos, captions and name, will be used by SJSU exclusively for promotional reasons. This includes, but is not limited to print, video, and digital mediums. Please note the CSU Video Image Release below. 
  • Deadline: All video entries must be submitted by March 1, 2025

How to Submit

  • All entries must be in a digital format and uploaded to a file sharing service and share it with spartansabroad@sjsu.edu AND vid.raatior@sjsu.edu
  • Send email to spartansabroad@sjsu.edu AND vid.raatior@sjsu.edu with the subject line: “Video Contest: Your Full Name” 
  • In your email, please include the following information: Your Full Name, Title for your video, a short description and link to the video file. 
  • Deadline: March 1, 2025. 

Prizes

This inaugural video contest is funded by a marketing grant from the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP)

  • First Prize: $100
  • Second Prize: $75
  • Third Prize: $50
  • Honorable Mentions (3): $25
  • ISEP Winner: $50 (additional prize for the top winner who participated on an ISEP program)

All prizes will be awarded in the form of SJSU Gold Card which can be used in all on-campus dining services, bookstores, etc. 

CSU Video Image Release

By submitting your video, you grant to the Board of Trustees of the California State University and each of its constituent campuses (including the Office of the Chancellor), and their officers, employees, agents, assigns, and volunteers (collectively “CSU”), the irrevocable and unrestricted right and permission to take, use, re-use, publish, and republish photographic portraits, video, or pictures of me or in which I may be included, in whole or in part, or composite or distorted in character or form, without restriction as to changes or alterations, in conjunction with my own or a fictitious name, or reproductions thereof in color or otherwise, made through any medium, and in any and all media now or hereafter known, including, but not limited to educational uses, marketing, public relations, websites, social media, publications, promotions, broadcasts, advertisements, and posters. I also consent to the use of any published matter in conjunction therewith.

I waive any right that I may have to inspect or approve the finished product or products and the advertising copy or other matter that may be used in connection therewith or the use to which it may be applied.

I further acknowledge that I have voluntarily agreed to allow CSU to use my image without the promise of compensation or remuneration in any form whatsoever, and I waive any claim for compensation or remuneration of any kind for CSU’s use or publication of my image except for the published one-time contest prizes.

I release, discharge, and agree to hold harmless the CSU and each of its constituent campuses (including, but not limited to the Office of the Chancellor), and their officers, employees, agents, assigns, and volunteers, from any and all liability for claims by me, my family, or any third parties in connection with my participation, including without limitation, any claims ensuing from or in connection with the taking of my photograph and use or publication of my image, as well as any claims for invasion of privacy, defamation, false light, or misappropriation of name, likeness, or image.

I am at least 18 years of age and competent to agree to this release. I have read the above authorization, release, and agreement. I understand the legal consequences of its contents, meaning, and impact, and I freely accept the terms. This release shall be binding upon me and my heirs, legal representatives, and assigns.

More Information

Contact Vid Raatior (vid.raatior@sjsu.edu) or the team at spartansabroad@sjsu.edu if you have any questions. 

Gilman Scholarship Virtual Workshops

Advisors across the CSU are working together to bring virtual Gilman Scholarship workshops to all CSU students! Here you can find the spring schedule for the Gilman Application Workshops and the Drop-In Advising Sessions.

The application workshops wills review general information about the Gilman Scholarship, application components, and tips for completing a competitive application. There will also be time for questions and answers at the end of the presentation.

If you have already completed your first or second draft of your Gilman Scholarship application and you are ready for someone to review it, you are welcome to attend drop-in advising. During these sessions, you can join individual and group advising to help strengthen your Gilman Application, particularly the essay sections.

To review eligibility for the Gilman Scholarship and to start your application, be sure to visit the Gilman Scholarship Website.

Application Deadlines Extended for Several Summer 2025 Programs!

Application deadlines have been extended for several of our Summer 2025 Faculty-Led Programs (FLP) & Summer School Abroad (SSA) programs!

Faculty-Led Programs (FLP): 

DEADLINE: February 9, 2025

The deadline for several Summer 2025 Faculty-Led Programs has been extended to February 9, 2025! These short-term programs enable you to travel with a group of SJSU students led by an SJSU faculty ranging in duration (2-3 weeks) and eligibility; many are open to all majors and several fulfill General Education requirements. Click on the links below and review all the tabs (Program Overview, Location, Academics, Financial Info, Resources) on a program page to view all details for the programs:

Summer School Abroad (SSA):

DEADLINE: February 17, 2025 and March 16, 2025

The deadline for the Finland Summer School Abroad program has been extended to February 17, 2025! Other programs to England (Roehampton and Sussex) and South Korea have a deadline of March 16. The SSA programs enable students to participate in a summer school at a partner university. Students earn SJSU credit and fulfill major, minor, GE or elective requirements while studying at a host university with local and international students. You get to choose from a variety of housing options and costs, and enjoy the independence to travel on weekends. All programs offer courses that fulfill GE graduation requirements. 

Click on the links below and review all the tabs (Program Overview, Location, Academics, Financial Info, Resources) on a program page to view all details for the programs still open:

How to Apply?

To apply for any of the programs listed above, click on the “Apply Now” button on the Program Overview tab when viewing the program page and complete the questionnaires. You can view all important deadlines here, including estimated time frames for program payments. Deadlines are subject to change.

Feel free to contact the Study Abroad Advisor found on the Program Overview tab or the SAA team at spartansabroad@sjsu.edu if you have any questions.

Best,

Study Abroad and Away

Application Workshop & Deadlines for Study Abroad & Away 2025-2026

Application Workshop

Have questions about the application process? Join us for an application workshop on January 27 from 12-1pm in Student Union Meeting Room 3B. RSVP here!

Upcoming Application Deadlines

SUMMER 2025

View all summer options below and join an upcoming info session to learn more on January 28 from 12-1:30pm (click here to register).

Faculty-Led Programs (FLP): DEADLINE: February 3, 2025

The deadline for Summer 2025 Faculty-Led Programs has been extended to February 3, 2025 at 11:59pm PT! We have 18 programs in 14 countries that offer a variety of courses and price points. These short-term programs enable you to travel with a group of SJSU students led by an SJSU faculty ranging in duration (2-3 weeks) and eligibility; many are open to all majors and several fulfill General Education requirements.

Summer School Abroad (SSA): DEADLINE: February 3 and March 16, 2025

We are happy to inform you that applications are now open for Summer School Abroad (SSA) programs for summer 2025! These programs enable students to take summer classes at an international university for 2-8 weeks with students from around the world, travel independently, and earn SJSU credits. All programs offer courses that fulfill GE graduation requirements. Check out options in Finland, England (Roehampton and Sussex), South Korea, and Spain! Applications are due by February 3 (for Finland and Spain) and March 16 (for England and South Korea).

Global Internships: DEADLINE: February 11 (SJSU), February or March (partner)

We are excited to launch our Global Internship programs for summer 2025! The Study Abroad & Away Office partners with organizations to offer global internship programs in multiple countries and for a variety of academic and career fields. Students receive a customized internship placement that aligns with their interests, background and skills for 6, 8, 9 or 10 weeks during the summer at a host organization abroad. Students have the option to receive academic credit (as transfer credit, pending approval from academic depts.) and most opportunities are available in English.

Students must apply through both SJSU and the partner organization. The SJSU priority application deadline is February 11 and partner deadlines will vary based on the program location and start date. Please note that some partner deadlines may be EARLIER than SJSU’s application deadline. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis and some programs may fill up before the deadline. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to apply early. View all program options here and join one of our upcoming info sessions to learn more:

FALL 2025 or ACADEMIC YEAR 2025-2026

SJSU Exchanges: DEADLINE: February 15, 2025

We are accepting applications for fall 2025 and academic year 2025-2026 at our 40+ SJSU Exchange universities in 20+ countries. These long-term opportunities enable you to study at a partner university abroad for an entire semester or year while paying the same SJSU tuition, using your financial aid, and fulfilling your major, minor, or GE requirements.

CSU IP: DEADLINE: February 15, 2025

CSU IP provides students in the CSU system with an affordable opportunity to study abroad for a semester or year. Earn SJSU credit while studying at a host university or study center! Many programs offer opportunities to study the local language and culture. View all program options here.

ISEP: DEADLINES START: March 1, 2025

Study abroad for a semester or academic year on an ISEP program! ISEP offers study abroad opportunities at over 200 universities in 51 countries. Immerse yourself in classes at local universities while receiving SJSU credit. If you are interested in studying abroad in a location that is off the beaten path, ISEP has the program for you. View all program options here.

QUESTIONS?

Have questions or not sure where to start? Meet with an advisor or contact us at spartansabroad@sjsu.edu.

Global Internships Launched for Summer 2025

We are excited to launch our Global Internship programs for summer 2025! Are you looking for a meaningful professional development opportunity over the summer to advance your future career? Does your major have an internship requirement? Set yourself apart from other future job applicants with an internship abroad!

The Study Abroad & Away Office partners with organizations to offer global internship programs in multiple countries and for a variety of academic and career fields. Students receive a customized internship placement that aligns with their interests, background and skills for 6, 8, 9 or 10 weeks during the summer at a host organization abroad. Students have the option to receive academic credit (as transfer credit, pending approval from academic depts.) and most opportunities are available in English.

Students must apply through both SJSU and the partner organization. The SJSU application deadline is February 11 and partner deadlines will vary based on the program location and start date. Please note that some partner deadlines may be EARLIER than SJSU’s application deadline. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis and some programs may fill up before the deadline. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to apply early.

Review the program options below to learn more about locations and career fields offered, costs, the application process and more:

Summer School Abroad (SSA) – Summer 2025 Applications Open!!

Applications for our Summer School Abroad (SSA) programs are now open for summer 2025! The SSA options enable students to participate in a summer school at a partner university. Students earn SJSU credit and fulfill major, minor, GE or elective requirements while studying at a host university with local and international students. You get to choose from a variety of housing options and costs, and enjoy the independence to travel on weekends.

Click on the links below and review all the tabs (Program Overview, Location, Academics, Financial Info, Resources) on a program page to view all details for the programs:

To apply, click on the “Apply Now” button on the Program Overview tab and complete the questionnaires. The application deadline is February 3, 2025 for Finland (JAMK) and Spain (UAB). The application deadline is March 16, 2025 for England (Roehampton or Sussex) and South Korea (SKKU).

You can view all important deadlines here, including estimated time frames for program payments. Deadlines are subject to change.

Feel free to contact the Study Abroad Advisor found on the Program Overview tab if you have any questions.

Best,

Study Abroad and Away

Global Hoop Together @ SRAC

Join us on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 @ 4 pm – 6 pm on Court 3 @ SRAC for the Global Get Together: Basketball Session. This is a chance for SJSU students who’ve studied abroad (or are interested in studying abroad!) to connect with International Exchange Students from our overseas partner universities. Stop by to shoot some hoops, have fun, and build friendships that go beyond borders! This event is open to all SJSU students, so feel free to bring a friend.

Special thanks to SAA Global Ambassadors Jeremy Quero and Kat Huang and ISSS Global Leader Nick Shein for planning this event.

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/GGTBASKETBALL