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Preparing to Go Abroad

Large Group Study Abroad Orientation

The Large Group Study Abroad Orientation is a mandatory meeting for all students that will be studying abroad on semester/academic year, interim, international internships, special programs, or student teaching abroad programs.

These students are also required to attend an individual program orientation to receive specific information about their study abroad location and necessary documents that need to be completed. This orientation will be scheduled after program acceptance and students will be notified by email. If you have any questions or concerns please contact your study abroad advisor.

The Summer/Fall 2024 programs mandatory large group orientation will have more details soon!

Updates will be provided after program acceptance. Parents or other guests are welcome to attend (up to 2 per student). The OIE will contact out-of-area students for an alternative orientation over phone or via the internet.

Faculty-Led (Travel Course) programs

There are also mandatory Orientations for faculty-led programs (travel courses) will be conducted by the course leader(s) and cover similar material to that of the large group orientation. Generally there will be 2-3 meetings that last a couple hours each. Accommodations can be made for out-of-area students.

Dates and times will be sent after acceptance by the course leader(s) or the Office of International Education.

Orientations

The better prepared you are for your study abroad experience, the more meaningful it will be. In the months preceding departure you will need to pay attention to numerous details- make sure you check your email and study abroad application regularly for any updates.

The Office of International Education and your faculty leaders will conduct orientation programs to help you start your adventure off right. Orientation meetings are mandatory and will, at a minimum, cover the following topics:

  • Travel Documents (passport, visa, etc.)
  • Travel Arrangements (flight arrangements, ground transport, etc.)
  • Housing Information
  • Health and Safety (what to do, what not to do, immunizations, insurance coverage)
  • Financial matters (payment schedules, financial aid, how to build a travel budget, how to access money abroad, etc.)
  • Communication With Family and Friends
  • Host Culture (History, Customs, Laws, Politics, Etc.)
  • Culture Shock and Reentry
  • Academic Expectations
  • Student Conduct
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Online Orientation Assessment

All students will also complete a required online assessment and readings that are meant to give you basic information so your advisors or faculty leaders can expand on this in your orientation meetings.  Details will be on your study abroad application after acceptance.