Predeparture
Congratulations!
Now that you have made the decision to study abroad, the world is your oyster. There are so many places to visit, people to meet, programs
to study and cultural aspects to pique your interest. Not only will you experience differences and similarities in the world around you, but you will probably
notice a change within yourself.
Study abroad builds such skills as maturity, independence, self-reliance, adaptability, and responsibility in addition to
adding an international perspective to your university studies. You are about to embark on what could be a very significant life-changing experience. As exciting
as the prospects are, there are several steps that you should complete in anticipation of your program. Please review the following information carefully.
- Passport/Visa
First of all you will need a passport to study abroad and in most cases when you plan to study longer than 90 days you will need a student visa or some type of entry permit. Please review these helpful links for information about obtaining these necessary documents. For students participating on short-term or summer programs less than 90 days, you will most likely enter the country of study as a tourist. However even for short stays in a country, or if you are an international student participating on a program, you may need a special entry visa that you must obtain prior to your arrival at your host country. Please check with the country embassy and the Office of Study Abroad for information regarding any special entry requirements for your country destinations.
- Budget Worksheet (see forms above)
Program costs and expenses can vary per program. In order to accurately prepare for your study abroad experience, it is helpful to carefully plan using the budget worksheet. Please review the particular program costs that you know from the program information sheets. Answer such questions as: Is housing included in the program price? Will I purchase meals at cafeteria or prepare my own? Will I need to pay for local transportation daily from my housing to the program site? How much additional traveling will I do? What are my insurance costs? How much financial aid will apply to my study abroad? By carefully answering these questions, you will find that you will feel better prepared to enjoy all the rewards of study abroad.
- Pre-Departure Handbook and Checklist
In the beginning of the Pre-Departure Handbook, either for the Academic Year/semester programs or Summer programs, there is a checklist for Semester/Academic Year or Summer of points to consider and complete before, during and after your study abroad period. Please make sure that you have read this carefully and have completed all the necessary forms, etc. in the time frame requested. Take your Pre-Departure book with you, and/or review the information online as well as share this information and other pertinent points of reference with your parents, your emergency contact person and others who are interested in your welfare.
- Be Prepared in Case of an Emergency
In the very unlikely event that there would be an emergency abroad, the Office of Study Abroad has developed an emergency plan of action with general guidelines and procedures to follow. Please review this carefully. It is also included as a section of the Pre-Departure Handbook. If you wish to reach our office during the hours of 8-5 Monday through Friday, please e-mail studyabroad@usu.edu or kay.forsyth@usu.edu or call 435-797-0601/1253. Fax 435-797-8018. If theOffice of Study Abroad cannot be reached, please contact the Utah State University Police at 435-797-1939 24 hours a day for immediate assistance. In addition, please contact your onsite host institution coordinator program director in case of an emergency. Make sure you have easy access to all program emergency phone numbers, e-mails, etc. and keep that information with you at all times.
- Health and Safety
For detailed information go to Health and Safety page.
