Get Prepared
The Office of Study Abroad hosts mandatory pre-departure meetings with students before the program. The following topics are discussed, but it’s also important that the student conducts their own research on these topics.
Map Out Meeting:
- The first pre-departure meeting students have is the Map Out Meeting led by the Office of Study Abroad. These small group meetings are made up of program participants and take place soon after the program’s application deadline. This meeting will inform students of their next steps as they proceed with preparations for departure.
- This meeting is specifically for student participants.
Pre-Departure Orientation:
- This orientation is for all students studying abroad in the upcoming term. It is led by the Office of Study Abroad and professional guest speakers to discuss important topics related to health, safety, university policies, and traveling standards.
- Parents and guardians are welcome to attend this meeting. There is both an in-person and a livestream option.
Program Specific Sessions:
- Each program will host a pre-departure session led by the faculty directors and on-site staff. Specifics about academic expectations along with program details will be shared here.
- This program is specifically for student participants.
- Research your host country
- Do you know the local currency?
- Do you know how the government works? Or what the nation’s flag looks like?
- Research local laws: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
- Is your medication legal in your host country?
- Read the Study Abroad Handbook available in the study abroad portal
- Complete online orientation assessments in the study abroad portal
- Research Phone Plan Options
- Does your current carrier offer an international phone plan?
- Look into international SIM card providers in your host country.
- Packing:
- Traveling: