Getting Started

INTRODUCTION

Study abroad is a rigorous academic endeavor that takes place in a foreign environment. It is a serious undertaking with many challenges and rewards for those who choose to take advantage of this opportunity.  

To be admitted into a study abroad program, you must apply, be accepted, and then prepare for your adventure. The process is not very complicated but it does take some time and patience on your part.  It is a good idea to set aside some time each week to either research programs of interest or to complete paperwork in a timely fashion.  

Throughout the application and admission process you will be provided with brochures, handbooks, and other resources. It is very important that you read all materials very carefully to learn as much as you can about the program. The checklist below is not comprehensive but may be helpful as you plan for your study abroad experience.

CHECKLIST

• Visit the web site of the Study Abroad Center.
• Attend a general information session to learn about how to get started.
• Visit the Resource Library and read all available program material. 
• Obtain program brochures and read those brochures in detail.
• Visit web sites relevant to the program.
• Attend the International Opportunities Fair at the end of September.
• Attend program information sessions held throughout semester.
• Check our web site for schedule of events.
• Contact former participants if possible and ask lots of questions.
• Meet with academic/faculty advisor and study abroad coordinator to discuss your plans.
• Print your degree audit and begin to plan classes you wish to take abroad.
• Work with your advisor and the Office of Admissions to establish possible equivalencies.
• Find out how you will pay for your program. Explore all scholarships and other funding opportunities.

• Obtain an application packet in 59 Baker or on our web site
• Carefully read application instructions and compile the documents you will need to submit
• Submit completed and signed application forms
• Receive and carefully read Study Abroad Student Handbook when you turn in your application
• If you are on Financial Aid, make sure you have submitted a current FAFSA
• If you have a 2.75 GPA or higher, complete and submit a Study Abroad Scholarship application (programs administered by the Office of International Programs are eligible)
• Wait for notice regarding the acceptance status of your application

• Sign and return Acceptance of Offer form
• Pay your deposit
• Register for your program (enroll in your course(s) as instructed by your program coordinator or director)
• 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 orientation
• Attend your country- or program-specific orientation
• Visit Student Health Services three months before departure to obtain information on immunization requirements

• Apply for your passport immediately if you don’t already have one. The process may take up to 4-6 weeks during busy times. 
• Inquire from a travel agent or country consular office about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit, and follow instructions in a timely manner. 
• Gather all documents required for the visa (if required on your program) and submit your visa application in a timely fashion.  
• Make flight arrangements and be prepared to pay for airline ticket (it will be due before you receive your financial aid). Take out a short-term loan if you need it.
• Get your ISIC (International Student’s Identity Card)
• Make three sets of copies of all of your important documents (passport, visa, ISIC, letter of admission, round-trip itinerary, etc.) to give to the program coordinator, parents, and to take a set with you.

• Prepare a realistic budget and obtain sufficient funds to cover expenses while abroad.
• Ensure that these funds are either accessible from abroad (credit card, ATM) or can be carried with you (traveler’s checks).
• Prepare to receive and pay a bill for your tuition and fees.
• Purchase any textbooks or materials needed before departure.
• Decide how you will access your funds overseas (ATM card, Credit Card, Travelers’ Checks, etc.)

• Find out whether your current health insurance policy provides adequate coverage for overseas study.  
• Purchase a policy that will cover you if your current one does not.
• Make an appointment with a physician and dentist to receive a thorough physical and dental check-up.
• Update your immunizations record with all necessary inoculations.

• Learn about the country and geographic area where you are going.
• 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.
• Check the State Department website regularly between now and your departure for information related to health & safety in the country/countries you plan to visit.
• Prepare yourself to be an ambassador of UNI, the state of Iowa, and the United States of America.

• Inform your family or friends of where and how you can be reached while abroad.
• Make arrangements to have your mail forwarded to a responsible party.
• Make arrangements for the direct deposit or forwarding of your checks if necessary.
• Consider preparing a power of attorney.
• Learn how to access your UNI e-mail account from overseas. 
• Change your UNI e-mail and MyUniverse password if your program is longer than a few weeks.
• 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

• Participate  fully and in all portions of the program
• Take advantage of opportunities to learn as much as you can about the host culture
• Enhance your experience with a career- or major-related project, volunteer opportunity, or an internship.  Usually, these experiences are unpaid so don't expect money for it. 
• Remember that you represent the United States and your home institution while abroad
• Stay in touch with those at home. 
• Keep a journal to help you remember what you did and to reflect on what all this means
• Make plans for your return. Anticipate reverse-culture shock as you adjust to life back at home. 

• Submit your program evaluation, final reflection paper, and your “Tale from Abroad”
• Attend the Re-entry Reunion (check calendar for date)
• Consider all the ways to continue your international experience.  Study a foreign language,  join international clubs/ organizations, add a minor in International Relations or International Business; write an article or a guest column and submit it to the student paper and your departmental newsletter.
• Volunteer:  develop materials to showcase your experience to others, make presentations, post flyers, start a discussion group, staff informational tables, etc. 
• Revise your resume. Include the study abroad experience as part of your "Education".