Preparing to Embark

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So you officially committed to studying abroad…now what?!

There’s lots of careful consideration and excitement that goes into committing to study abroad, but then there’s a bit of lull where you may find yourself wondering, what’s next? Let's walk through a checklist and timeline of these post-decision requirements including passports, student visas, transfer credit paperwork, insurance, booking flights and packing! I’ve also included an “essentials” packing list.

During the entire process of completing study abroad requirements, the UA Students Study Abroad Portal will be your best friend, providing more details on all of this information. However, if you’re looking for an easy way to track your progress on these items, this checklist is a good guide:

To-Do Item:	Timeline:	Yes!	No, I have not
Have you ensured your passport is valid for at least 6 months prior to your return from study abroad?	As soon as possible!	Image	Passport processing can take a long time, and having a valid passport is critical for visa applications. Visit the US Department of State website to make a passport appointment today.
Have you found out if a visa is required to study abroad? If it is, have you applied?	As soon as a valid passport is acquired.	Image	Review emails from your study abroad coordinator for Visa instructions. Still unsure? Visit the consulate website for the country where you are studying, and send your study abroad advisor an email.
Have you connected with your academic advisor to review your abroad classes and fill out the course applicability to degree form?	If you are in charge of registering for your own classes through your host institution, at least six weeks before official class registration. If not, at least a month before post-decision requirements are due.	Image	This is an important part of the process to ensure all your classes transfer appropriately. Sometimes, you may run into hurdles with certain departments, or extra levels of approval may be needed, so don’t wait until the last minute to take this step!
Have you had a travel health appointment yet?	At least a month before post-decision requirements are due. Appointments are subject to availability.	Image	Attending a travel health appointment to review your vaccinations and risks in your host country is mandatory. Appointments can be done easily at campus health, but they are subject to availability, so the earlier you schedule this appointment the better.
Have you reviewed and completed all necessary information regarding emergency contact information, the UA international emergency insurance and security alerts?	At least a week before post-decision requirements are due.	Image	All of this information can be found in your UA Study Abroad student portal. These steps do not take long but are very important in case of emergencies.
Have you completed the study abroad pre-departure orientation in D2L?	At least a week before post-decision requirements are due.	Image	Self-enroll yourself in this course through the discover page in D2L. Learn more about this step in your study abroad student portal.
Have you booked flights to and from your study abroad host country?	After your visa has been approved and your study abroad coordinator or faculty lead have advised you to book a flight. If visas are taking longer than expected, contact your study abroad coordinator.	Image	Booking a roundtrip flight is recommended for customs purposes. I recommend considering flights that are flexible in the case of altered plans in the future.
Have you visited the doctor to learn more about options for acquiring your prescription medication while abroad?	At least two months before your departure date.	Image	Circumstances may differ depending on your host country, the medication and your doctor. Meet with your doctor much before your departure to determine what will work best for you.
Have you begun packing?	At least two weeks before your departure.	Image	Packing with intention is critical! Beginning the packing process early will help you ensure you don’t leave anything behind and also don’t overpack. Read on for more packing tips.

To delve a bit further into the packing part of this list, I have to admit that I am an overpacker. Despite this, the more I travel, the more I’m ever so slowly learning that packing less will make your life so much easier. I am currently in the process of packing up my room at UA Sydney and am thankful to have brought some things, but also regret many other things that I never used and now have to transport back home.

All that said, I have a tried and true list of essential items that every study abroad student should have in their carry-on! Use this checklist to help ensure you aren’t forgetting anything:

• Passport
• Visa documents
• Folder with photocopies of important information - Passport, Visa, credit cards, etc.
• At least two methods of payment - I opened an international debit card as one of mine. It has refundable ATM fees which is especially nice for taking out foreign currency as needed.
• Outlet converter - I recommend finding one that can plug in multiple of your devices at once.
• Anti-theft items - Just an added level of security to prevent incidents. I had an RFID wallet and zipper locks to help prevent stolen information and pick pocketing.
• Medications and necessary toiletries - Medicine accessibility and toiletries can be very different when you travel internationally. I like to be prepared with prescriptions for the entire duration of my stay, any preferred over-the-counter medicine, as well as a supply of toothpaste and deodorant to last me my entire time abroad. (The last one may sound funny, but just trust me!)
• SIM Card - Explore your phone service options before arrival in your host country. Often, getting an international sim card (physical or e-sim) is more cost-effective than international phone plans. 
• Portable charger and charging cables
• Laptop 
• Headphones
• Water bottle
• Bonus: Photos and/or letters from home

• Bonus: Plane comfort - Typically I pack a foldable neck pillow, book and snacks.

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  To access all of the study abroad blog entries, visit the Kylie Goes Global webpage.