Pre-Departure
OVERVIEW
Now that you've applied to your study away or abroad program, this site will detail the remaining steps for receiving Wellesley approval.
Wellesley Pre-Departure Approval
(DUE: April 1st for Fall 2024/Year 2024-25 Travelers)
Submit the Study Away Agreement (Log into your Study Away Proposal in Workday to access)
Complete the online Pre-Departure Module and quiz on this site
Receive SFS Clearance
Attend the OIS in-person Pre-Departure Meeting (April 16, 2024)
In the meantime, you should also be:
Following any and all instructions from your program
Applying for a student visa if necessary
Making travel arrangements/book flight
Making a plan with your provider for any ongoing physical or mental health concerns
Learning as much as you can about your destination
Complete Pre-Departure Checklist
Administrivia
Ensure that you are on a Leave of Absence
Have you completed all OIS pre-departure modules?
Have you attended a Pre-Departure Conference?
Have you receivedSFS clearance?
Make an academic plan
Have you made a plan of study with your academic advisor to stay on track with major and degree completion?
Understand the process of course registration at your host institution and for transferring credit back to Wellesley
Let your program know they should send your transcript to the Office of International Study (oistranscripts@wellesley.edu)
Travel Arrangements
Make sure you have a passport and that it is valid!
Apply for a student visa (if applicable to your destination)
Make travel arrangements (if your program does not do this for you)
Finances Abroad
Understand your billing and financial aid obligations while abroad
Do you understand how you will be billed while studying abroad?
If you receive financial aid, do you understand how this will transfer?
Make a budget! Research the relative cost of living in your destination
Figure out how you will access your money while abroad (credit/debit cards, etc. and know the fees associated with withdrawing funds) or exchange currency
Know how much cash you should have on arrival
Prepare for Life Abroad
Research your destination’s culture, customs, and laws
Understand safety abroad (read through the “Your Safety Abroad” section of the Study Abroad Handbook)
Understand how to stay healthy abroad
Make sure you have a plan for maintaining prescription medication while abroad (know what’s legal and available in your destination)
If you normally seek mental health care, talk to the Stone Center about developing a plan for while you’re abroad
Schedule an appointment to receive any needed immunizations
Know what to do in case of an emergency
Familiarize yourself with how your identity may be perceived by others abroad
Are there any special considerations due to one’s citizenship, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation?
Understand the stages of culture shock
Make sure you have copies of essential documents (passport, insurance card, visa, credit cards, etc.)
Bring any adaptors or converters you might need at your destination
Pack! And pack less than you think you need!
Enroll in the STEP program through the U.S. Department of State
Consider purchasing personal property insurance
Make sure you know how to use Wellesley Duo while traveling
Make a plan for staying in touch with friends, family, and Wellesley
