Pre-Departure Checklist

• Register for your program
• Arrange for payment of your program expenses
• Make housing arrangements if not included in your program
• Make travel arrangements if not included in your program
• Attend the ”Know Before You Go” seminar and the country-specific pre-departure orientation

• Apply for your passport immediately if you don’t already have one
• Apply for your visa, if required
• Get your ISIC (International Student’s Identity Card)
• Make copies of all of your important documents (passport, visa, ISIC, letter of admission, etc.)

• Find out if your current health insurance policy covers you overseas and purchase a policy that will cover you if your current one does not
• Make an appointment with a physician to receive a thorough physical and dental check-up
• Update your immunizations record with all necessary inoculations

• Prepare a realistic budget
• Decide how you will handle money overseas (ATM card, Credit Card, Travelers’ Checks, etc.)

• Buy a good travel book and check out materials in our Resource Library
• Talk with former program participants and international students from the country/region
• Learn about the country and geographic area where you are going
• Prepare yourself to be an ambassador of UNI, the state of Iowa and the United States of America

• Make arrangements to have your mail forwarded to responsible party
• Make arrangements for the direct deposit or forwarding of your checks if necessary
• Give power of attorney to someone you trust
• Learn how to access your e-mail account from overseas
• Change your UNI e-mail and system password
• Either establish an international calling plan or buy an international calling card
• Prepare a list of important contacts (persons and offices) both here at home and overseas
• Get photos of home, family and of campus to take with you
• Purchase small items to give as presents
• Make plans for your return
• Stay in touch

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