Pre-Arrival Information

PRE-ARRIVAL TO DO LIST

Welcome to all those who will be going to Maryville very soon - we are so excited to meet you! 

While you also have the checklist in your MVP Portal, please find below a more detailed checklist of important things to do before you go abroad.

VISA

• Apply for your Visa: Complete the student visa application (DS-160) online. Pay the visa application fee and keep the DS-160 confirmation bar code page. Go to http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ to start the visa application. 

• Schedule a visa interview using the on-line scheduling system. Prepare and organize your documents for the visa interview. Attend the visa interview at your scheduled appointment time. 

• Notify us when you have an appointment and also when you get approved! 

MARYVILLE COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS

• Becoming A Scot: Complete your MVP Portal Checklist

• Flight Arrival Information: Tell us when you will arrive so we can pick you up!

• Sign up for iMentor program (buddy program – Learn More) 

• Sign up for a social host family program called Global Connections: (Learn More) 

• Pay Your Bill

• Read this Website!  Click the links above

• Register for Courses:

  • • Exchange Students: Complete Course Selection Form
      [Freshmen & transfers see your MVP portal for more information]

    • Degree Seeking Students (Freshmen and Transfers): Our Director of Advising will give you instructions through your MC email or the Becoming a Scot checklist.

• Attend the Pre-Departure Webinar. This will make sure you are prepared! 

BEST PRACTICES

• Visit your healthcare provider(s). You should make sure that you are up to date on vaccinations (including the COVID vaccine), have a plan for any ongoing medical care, and are able to bring any prescriptions you will need to Barcelona. Your mental well-being while abroad is just as important as your physical well-being, so be proactive and talk to your therapist, psychologist, or doctor at home and let us know of any concerns you have. 

• Decide what phone plan you want to use while abroad. Download apps like WhatsApp, Skype (with $20 preloaded), and Facebook Messenger so that you can call/text home anytime with no international fees. We suggest asking your immediate family members to have at least one app that will allow you to call/text with them easily from abroad. 

• Check the weather for the time you will be abroad. This will ensure that you're packing appropriately given the specific season you will be in Tennessee. 

• Notify your bank(s) and credit card providers of your travel dates. It's important that your banks/providers know when you'll be abroad so that they don't block any of your transactions for being suspicious. Write down any numbers/info you will need to call your companies from abroad or to cancel lost/stolen cards.

• Make copies of itineraries, insurance info, passport, credit/debit card info, and important documents. Back up these documents in your email/cloud and leave a copy with someone you trust. Remember to bring a printed copy of your insurance card as well.

• Pack! Remember to review TSA and airline luggage restrictions. The key is to not overpack. 

WHAT TO BRING

• Copies of important documents (passport, visa)

• Money for Initial Expenses -  We recommend least $200-500 USD in cash & your credit card for initial expenses

• Final Transcripts if you have not submitted your most recent transcript with your application 

• Bring cultural dress, recipes, artifacts, photos, games, music, and/or other items to help you share your culture.  (Exchange students please also bring information about your school!) 

READY TO GO?  SCROLL BACK UP TO CONTINUE TO OTHER PRE-ARRIVAL TOPICS!