INTERNATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Oftentimes the legal component of international education is the most intimidating to students. Luckily, we have a brief breakdown of what you can expect from this.

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Firstly, you will need to know if a visa is required for your abroad session. This will vary from country to country, and often depends on if you are interning or are staying for longer than 6 months. The best way to find out for sure is to check your destination country's official website under sections such as tourism, border control, or immigration. If you do require a visa, consult with your abroad program to verify which type you need, and then begin the application process through the country's website. Also keep in mind that the visa process can be quite long and expensive! You will want to get started on it as soon as possible.

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Even if you do not require a visa for your study abroad program, you will still need to make sure all your other documents are in order. The most important, of course, is your passport. So if you don't already have one- don't waste another moment in waiting. But other important documents often include international health insurance (your program will most likely connect you to this), proof of substantial funds in your bank account, an address of where you will be residing during your stay, and country-specific confirmation paperwork of your acceptance into the program. Beyond these necessities, you should always consult your study abroad and program advisors to ensure you aren't missing any other documents needed to enter the country. 

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A general rule of thumb for international requirements: if you aren't sure, ask. Be diligent in checking your destination country's official website for any updates to the border entry process, especially during COVID.

YOUR PROGRAM'S REQUIREMENTS

Throughout the time prior to your abroad session, you will be contacting your program advisors and faculty a lot. Like, a lot.

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However, the requirements of your program a lot less daunting than the legal international ones. Since you have already been accepted, they are more about arranging the details of your stay. For example, you will need to make decisions about your housing arrangements for while you're abroad. Whether you plan on staying with a sponsor family, in a university dorm, an apartment, or anything in between, you will need to confirm it with your program. Similarly, if there are meal plans offered through your organization you will need to contact the team to opt in or out of them.

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Another major requirement from your program will be course selection. Though you'll want to be out exploring the city instead of doing homework, the classes you take during your stay are often definitive of how much you enjoy the experience. So choose courses that actually benefit and interest you! (And just as importantly- choose your courses fast, as the spots can fill up very quickly.) Additionally, if there are program-sponsored field trips that are available to you, you will also need to confirm your place on those in advance as well.

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Lastly, you will most likely be asked to share your initial travel details with your program for safety and legal reasons. Information such as the flight number, time of departure, and traveled airports will help your team to know where you should be in case of any emergencies, delays, or cancellations.

YOUR SCHOOL'S REQUIREMENTS

The last set of hoops to jump through is for your home university; Don't worry though- you're almost there.

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Before you can finally start planning weekend trips and packing your suitcase, you need to make sure all of your school's loose ends are tied up. First of all, if there are any requirements from your program such as maintaining a certain GPA, taking specific prerequisite courses, or avoiding any disciplinary or academic sanctions- take those extremely seriously. Even if you are already accepted, you can lose your place if any of those requirements are violated. Another component that needs to be airtight is your financial aid, so ensure that all loans, scholarships, or payments have been processed successfully.

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Credit transfer paperwork and orientation should be the last two things you need to complete before you go abroad. If you have courses on your abroad schedule that you want to transfer as anything besides elective credit, paperwork will most likely be provided to you by your school to do so. Your academic advisor will be the one to sign off on these transfers, so schedule a meeting with them once your program course list has been confirmed. Finally, your home university will most likely hold an orientation seminar for all students studying abroad the following semester. Completion of this, or any required pre-departure courses, will typically be the last thing you need to do before you are all set to get packing.

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