Pre-departure checklist

Plan how you will finance your study abroad experience through scholarships and financial aid.
Take into account your health and safety while abroad. You should also consider the benefits provided by your International Student ID card.
Do you have a passport? If not, apply NOW!
If you have any special concerns while abroad, see our resources on Diversity & Study Abroad.
Prepare your study abroad experience as a significant resume booster. Meet with Career Services to make the most of study abroad for your career.
Consider adding an internship or volunteer project to your study abroad experience.
Do your homework! You should be reading about your destination well in advance of leaving. Do you know who the country leader is or what are the current hot topics? Become a World Citizen. Use the list: Fifteen Good Places to Continue Learning Before You Go, to get you started.
Read the Study Abroad Student Handbook for important information to ease your travels.
Know your own culture. Students are often surprised by how much others know about American culture. Make sure you are on the same page.

Before You Go

This section is designed to help you best prepare for your international experience.

Congratulations on completing the application process, but you still have some work to do. Use this section, along with the pre-departure orientation sessions hosted by OEA and your faculty director to prepare for departure. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be for you to dive into your host culture and begin exploring and experiencing life as a study abroad participant.

Right now, it may feel that four or five months abroad is more than enough time to do all that you want to accomplish, but many students return from studying abroad, wishing they could have done more. We want to help you make the most of your study abroad program!

Pre-departure Orientation

OEA will host a 1-day orientation session for all study abroad programs in the semester prior to departure. Parents and families of students going abroad will be welcome to attend. The day will cover many important topics including:

Academic Preparation
Health Concerns
Safety while traveling
What to take & how to pack
Financial considerations for studying abroad
Culture shock and adjustment
In case of emergency

Please save the following dates. More information will be emailed to you following acceptance.
Fall 2009 Programs - March 21, 2009
Spring 2010 Programs - September 26 2009

In addition, your faculty will host several pre-departure meetings. Stay tuned for more information!