Travel instructions and flight information are posted in your student's Arcadia Abroad Portal once an admissions decision is rendered, as it is available. In general, you can expect this information 2-3 months before your student's program start date.
When booking a flight, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Your student must arrive on a specific date and within a specific time window. We cannot accommodate early arrivals and we do not permit late arrivals.
Booking a flexible ticket is advisable. In the event of an unexpected event, this will give you maximum flexibility to adjust your flight at a low or no cost.
Booking a round trip ticket may be a requirement of your student's visa. Your student's Program Advisor will advise accordingly.
Your student must provide proof of a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months after their scheduled return to the United States. If your student does not have a passport or has a passport that will expire, they must apply for a new passport as soon as possible.
Passport applications and renewals are managed by the Department of State. Students should research the process and necessary forms on the Department of State website. Arcadia Abroad does not have any control over the process or processing times. Failure to receive a passport in a timely manner may impact a student's ability to participate in their program, especially if they require a visa.
Depending on the program and country where your student is headed, they may be required to obtain a visa for their term abroad. If required, an Application and Visa Coordinator will guide them through the process.
Your student will receive a visa guide with instructions on how to apply for a visa. It is critical that your student follow the instructions provided to them and work within the timeframe provided.
We know this process can be intimidating but we're here to help, so don't hesitate to reach out via email at auabroad@arcadia.edu.
We know your student may also be excited to book independent travel during their time abroad. Students should not book independent travel until they arrive and complete their on-site orientation program with local staff.
Shortly before your student departs, they will gain access to their Arrival Guide in their Arcadia Abroad Portal. The Arrival Guide provides detailed information about their arrival, including what to expect at the airport and how to update us about flight disruptions. We recommend that your student saves contact information to their phone and that they bring a hard copy with them just in case.
If you wish to visit your student while they are abroad, we recommend that you have a conversation with your student before booking any travel. It is important to set clear expectations for your visit, including identifying when the most appropriate time to visit may be. Our experience tells us that family visits during move-in can be disruptive to your student's ability to make friends and adjust to life in their new home and that students often use their mid-semester breaks to travel with their new friends. With that, we recommend that you wait until your student arrives and settles in before booking any travel.