Pre-Departure
Information
As you prepare to study abroad, you
will find that there are many details you must pay attention to
and a long list of things "to do." Be sure to read everything
you receive from your program sponsor immediately! The Office
of International Programs has also put this pre-departure information
together to help guide you, although your "to do" list
will include many other items. Please read through this information
carefully and contact your program provider or the OIP if you
have any questions.
Pre-Departure
Checklist
Before you leave campus:
- If you originally applied to more
than one program, notify the Office of International Programs
of your final program choice by completing a Change
of Status
form available through OIP.
- Read thoroughly all the materials
sent to you by your study abroad program and Skidmore’s
OIP.
- Complete all forms and paperwork
as required by your program sponsor and Skidmore.
- Meet with your academic advisor to
discuss the courses you will take when you return. Make a list
of these classes and take it with you to your program abroad.
- Provide OIP with an e-mail address
if it is different form your Skidmore address. Also, provide
the mailroom with a forwarding address in the U.S.
- Complete the Housing Preference Form
and return it to the Residential Life Office.
- Pay all phone bills, parking tickets,
and library fines before you leave campus.
- Move everything out of your residence
hall room or apartment. Return all library books and settle
all outstanding matters on campus.
Before you leave the U.S.:
- Make sure that you have a passport
that will be valid at least six months beyond
the end of your program.
- Obtain all the required visas for
your program and the countries you plan to visit. This
process can take months to complete, so do not wait until the
last minute! The Department
of State's web site is a good place to start.
- Review the State Department’s
Country
Background Notes for each country you plan to visit.
- Review the State Department's Current
Travel Warnings.
- Make sure that you have health insurance
that will cover you overseas and includes medical evacuation
and repatriation. Students participating on Skidmore
and approved programs will be covered through the Office of
International Programs. Please see AIG information
for details. Students studying on approved programs may have
additional coverage through their program provider and should
check with their program provider for details.
- Check with the Centers
for Disease Control to see which immunizations are recommended
for your program site.
- Research the culture, history, customs
and politics of your host country.
- Know how you will handle other money
related matters. Exchange a
small amount of currency ($100 to $200) so that you have some
funds when you arrive in country.
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last updated
September 6, 2006
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