Checklist Pre-Departure
Checklist Pre-Departure
Before finalizing your plans, be sure to go through this checklist to make sure you have not forgotten any important details. This checklist will also ensure that you are making the right choices to make studying abroad the best experience it can be.
selecting a quality program
Before finalizing your plans, be sure to go through this checklist to make sure you have not forgotten any important details. This checklist will also ensure that you are making the right choices to make studying abroad the best experience it can be.
selecting a quality program
- I know what courses are available through the program I have chosen.
- I know whether I will be able to transfer the credits taken abroad to my home institution.
- I have researched the cost of the program and what the cost covers.
- I know in what language(s) the course will be offered.
- I know what the program group size and class size will be.
- I have considered whether I prefer to be in class with local students, international students or a combination of the two.
- I have researched the cost of the program and the overall cost of studying abroad. I have created a budget to help keep track of spending while abroad.
- I know whether the cost of living where I will be studying is higher, lower or the same as the cost of living at home in the U.S.
- I have begun budgeting my income and/or saving money to provide for the costs of living abroad.
- I have compared ticket prices offered by the Hofstra program for group tickets (if applicable), travel agents, airline/travel websites.
- I have a valid passport/visa.
- I know whether or not my program requires me to show proof of insurance, provide a doctor's letter or confirmation of sufficient funds.
- I have made multiple copies of all important travel documents.
- I am familiar with the basic social laws of the countries to which I will be traveling, including laws related to drug and alcohol use.
- I know the location of the U.S. Embassy in each country I plan to visit.
- I know all of the important contact information for my program's office at home and abroad.
- I know the address and telephone number of my residence abroad.
- I know about my cellphone provider's international calling plan or how to use a calling card or internet chat/calling service.
- My emergency contacts have my contact information and I have theirs.HousingI know where I am staying throughout my study abroad experience.
- I have asked a study abroad administrator if I can change my place of residence abroad in the event that things don't work out.
- I realize that it may take time for me to adjust to the rules, privacy, sharing, telephone, meals, language, and social network aspects of the type of housing I have chosen.
- I know how much luggage my airline allows me to check and to take on board on my flight.
- I know what my airline permits me to carry in my carry-ons.
- I remembered to pack all important travel documents in my carry-on.
- I have researched the weather conditions over various seasons in my host country.
- I have made an itemized list of everything in my suitcase in case they are lost or stolen and I need to make an insurance claim.
- I have made a list of items to purchase rather than pack.
- I am familiar with the health care system of the country I will be visiting, including quality of facilities and cost of services.
- I know the location of the nearest hospital.
- I know what my insurance policy does and does not covers.
- I am familiar with Hofstra's insurance coverage.
- I know how to refill prescriptions abroad.
- Before leaving, I have gotten a complete physical from my doctor and received all necessary immunizations.
- I know what precautions to take when eating local food.
- I have researched where to buy foods that meet my needs (vegetarians, diabetics, etc).
- I understand that alcohol and drug usage increases my risk of accident and injury.
- I know which non-verbal behaviors are considered inappropriate and which are commonly used (shaking hands, greetings, etc.).
- I know what forms of dress are publically acceptable.
- I know which forms of public transportation are safest to use.
- I know where to get help if I need it.
- I am aware of the prevailing local attitudes and laws dealing with sexual harassment.
- I am aware of the local attitudes towards people of my background, sex, religion, sexual orientation, etc.
- I am aware of any travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Deparment for the countries to which I will be traveling.
- I am aware of TravelAlert.
- I am aware of what my program, the Embassy and the Consulate can and cannot do to assist me in the event of a crisis.
- I have more than one way to keep in touch with home while abroad (i.e. e-mail, calling card, cell phone, etc).
- I have created an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and given copies of it to all of my emergency contacts in the U.S. and abroad.