Pre-Departure Module

Completion of this module is *required* for all outgoing Study Abroad travelers

To receive credit, complete the Quiz at the bottom of this page

Table of Contents

Making the Most of Your Time Abroad

Congratulations on your decision to study abroad. The OIS staff are exited for your upcoming journey and eager to help you prepare. 

Before departing to study abroad, take time to consider what you hope to gain from this experience. What do you want to be the essential elements? 


What are some SMART goals you will set for yourself? 

S - Specific

M - Measurable

A - Achievable

R - Relevant

T - Time-bound

These goals do not need to be academic or career-related. They don't even need to be particularly practical or logical. Maybe this is your first time leaving the country and you just want to see what it's like! Take some time to reflect on how you want to feel at the end of this experience to ensure that you're walking away with no regrets. 

Cultural Adjustment

Cultural Self-Awareness

Culture is, broadly defined, the shared sets of values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that are widely held by members. This includes facets that are visible to the eye - clothes, art, food - and those that are not - values, communication styles, nature of relationships. Understanding your host country's cultural patterns will help you to respond appropriately to new situations. 

Each of you come from a particular culture and also navigate the culture of Wellesley daily. You are cultural beings. The cultural values that you hold will inform how you interpret your new culture. Comparing cultures is only natural. We challenge you to go beyond this. All cultures have an inherent logic - there are social, historical, political, and economic reasons as to why a culture has is as it is. What can you learn from this new culture? Also be aware of the biases that you may carry. 

Set yourself up for success by making an effort to learn about your destination's culture. Taking time to learn about your country's culture will help to ease the cultural transition. You can do this by:


Consult our DEI Resources:

Resources for all racial and ethnic minority students:

African-American/Black Students:

Latinx Students:

Asian/Asian-American Students:

Indigenous/Native American Students:

First-Gen Students:

The prospect of studying abroad can be exciting and overwhelming, especially if you're the first member of your family to do so. Not sure where to start? Talk to OIS or upperclass students. We'll walk you through the process and speak to any concerns you may have. 

"I discovered that my family background, which I always considered a barrier, actually had provided me with impressive intercultural competencies. I could already communicate across social class lines and understood the transition from immigrant to American. Why not take that knowledge across borders? What was perceived to be a deficit became a great benefit."

- Karen Collias, founder of Knowledge WIthout Borders

Resources

For LGBTQ+ Students:

Understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity may differ depending on where in the world you are traveling. Going abroad can also present the opportunity to think about LGBT+ identity in a whole new way. Before going abroad, determine your own individual needs and request information on how these can be met. It is also helpful to consider the following:

Resources: 

Travel and Safety: 

Culture Shock

No matter how seasoned a traveler you may be, you will still experience some degree of difficulty in adjusting to your new country and culture while abroad. Symptoms of "culture shock" vary widely and are can be surprising. Homesickness, a sense of being lost and out of place, frustration, and fatigue are just some of the many things you may find yourself dealing with. 


The degree and duration of culture shock can vary for each person and depends on a number of factors, such as the length of time you will be abroad, your flexibility and tolerance for ambiguity, the degree of difference between your home and host cultures, and your expectation of culture shock. Often, it builds slowly over time. With patience, you'll be able to overcome it.

Stages of Culture Shock:

You arrive excited about your new country and the adventures that lie in store. Everything is new and exciting.

Now that you've been in the country a while, you see more of the differences between your home country and your destination culture. The more you interact with your host country, the less it makes sense. Frustration ensues and you miss the comforts of home.

With time, you learn to manage situations in ways that are helpful for you. You begin to feel more at home, more confident. You begin to interpret cultural cues in different ways.

You now feel at home. You've observed and learned new behaviors. You are able to compare the good and bad of your host country with that of your home country. You feel at home. 

Here are some practical tips on dealing with culture shock:


Coming to Wellesley was likely a big culture shock for many. How did you deal with this transition? What lessons did you learn that you can apply to studying abroad? 

Health & Safety Abroad

Health

Medical Clearance

Some programs will require that you provide a medical report consisting of a physical exam, immunization records, and additional information based on your medical history. 

If your program has given you a form that requires signature for medical clearance, please refer this to your primary care physician (PCP) to complete if you have seen them within the past year. If you have not seen your PCP within the last year or do not have a PCP, please schedule an appointment for medical clearance for travel with a provider in Health services. Please be sure to bring this form with you at the time of your appointment.


Managing Medical Conditions Abroad

If you take any medications on an ongoing basis, you will need to make a plan for how you will obtain these while abroad. In some cases, there may be limitations on the amount of medications that may be prescribed where you go or on their availability abroad.  Work with your PCP to find a suitable solution for your particular needs. 

The INCB Travelers webpage provides helpful country-specific information on controlled substances

For semester-long programs, it is often recommended to bring enough medication with you to last the entire semester. Always be sure to keep medications in the original labeled container and bring a copy of your prescription when you enter your host country. 

If you have questions on how to manage your medical condition while abroad, we encourage you to talk with your PCP or a health services provider to discuss. You should consult with your provider about how your condition will be affected by studying abroad. Seriously consider the consequences of stress from cultural adjustment and relying on different medical practices. Any physical and emotional health issues you have will follow you wherever you travel. We also encourage you to discuss these with your study abroad program to understand what supports are or are not available on-site.

Vaccinations

Your pre-departure medical and vaccine needs will depend largely on the countries you intend to visit. To find out what is currently recommended or required:

Inform yourself about conditions in the country where you are planning to study. The U.S. State Department issues consular information sheets summarizing entry requirements and health and safety issues for every country.

If you require immunizations, it's recommended that you make an appointment with the Travel Clinic at Newton Wellesley Hospital (or a similar provider in your insurance network). Health Services does not stock a full range of vaccines.

Students should register as patients with Newton-Wellesley prior to scheduling an appointment with the Travel clinic. This can be done by calling 855.890.9241 on Monday thru Friday 8 am to 5 pm and providing name and address information, contact information, and insurance information (from the student’s insurance card).

If you have questions on how to manage your medical conditions or medications while abroad, we encourage you to make an appointment with a Health Services provider to discuss.


Health Insurance

Unless you waive coverage, you will continue to be billed for the Wellesley College Student Health Insurance Plan when while studying abroad. This plan is a global plan. Students will be required to pay for medical expenses up front and can then request to be reimbursed for up to 80% of their expenses. 

Wellesley students we required to retain U.S. health insurance while studying abroad. In some cases, you may be required to purchase additional insurance plans upon arrival overseas (e.g. the UK's National Health Insurance). These plans DO NOT replace the required coverage through an American varrier. 

Review the benefits and claim procedures for your policy. Ensure that your medical needs will be met at your destination. 

While traveling, you should always have a card or letter from the insurer with your policy information as well as contact information for questions or claims. 


Wellesley College Travel Assist Program

All Wellesley College students or graduates traveling abroad for Wellesley College credit, with college funding or on college organized trips are covered by Wellesley’s Medical Benefits Abroad program administered by Cigna StudyWell. The coverage is valid for the duration of your program plus 15 days before or after for independent travel outside of the US.

Some of the benefits include (see linked chart for more info):

Prior To Travel: 

NOTE: The Travel Assist Program does NOT take the place of your personal health insurance! Rather, this program provides supplemental coverage. 


Pack Your Own First-Aid Kit

It's a good idea to bring your own basic medical supplies to have these close at hand. Health Services recommends bringing the following:


Food & Water

Many health problems abroad are the result of eating or drinking contaminated foods or water. Why abroad, try to:

If in doubt about water quality, boil for at least 5 minutes or use an iodine tablet to purify it. 


Safer Sex

All travelers should practice harm-reduction strategies when engaging in sexual activity. These can include the use of barrier methods (e.g. internal/external condoms, dental dams), birth control, and/or emergency contraceptives purchased in advance of your travel.

HSV, HIV, hepatitis, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are prevalent worldwide and more preventable using barrier methods.


Stock up on barrier methods in addition to other preferred birth control strategies before leaving. The following resources are widely available in residence halls through the Sexual Health Educators (SHEs) and health services:


Lastly, Cultural Differences in Medical Care

Be aware that the manner in which medical help is obtained, the way patients are treated, the conditions of overseas medical facilities, and how health care is afforded may be quite different from US practices. 

U.S. health care values, assumptions, and methods are not universally practiced, and even notions regarding illness onset or the timing of expert attention may be culturally based.

Hollistic Wellness

Studying abroad is an exciting time! To help you have the best experience possible, we encourage you to consider how you will plan to take care of yourself while navigating a different country and culture. 


In the Office of Student Wellness, we know that we are all complex individuals with dynamic needs, so too is our well-being! Therefore, we embrace 8 holistic dimensions of wellness, which includes: emotional, physical, occupational, intellectual, financial, social, environmental, and spiritual wellness. Consider how your different dimensions of wellness come into play while abroad: what will your sleep routine look like in another time zone? What opportunities does your new environment offer to experience different climates and cultures? How will you foster your social wellness with new friends and peers, while maintaining connection to loved ones at home? 


To help you think through some of these considerations, we encourage you to take a look at our self-care workbook and create a plan proactively before your travels so that you have a framework of sustainable self-care strategies to foster your wellbeing!


Safety

Your new environment may be vastly different from Wellesley's campus. To know how you can be safe abroad, research your host country using resources such as travel guides, newspapers, tourist websites, and the local U.S. embassy. 

Make sure to know what to expect by asking about natural phenomena that can be dangerous (e.g. typhoons), dangerous animals or plants, environmental hazards (e.g. air quality, drinking water), common crimes (e.g. purse snatching), traffic and transportation precautions, street-smart behavior, and norms of dress and behavior. 

Some general safety advise:


Precautions all students should take:

Depending on your destination and your ethnic or racial background you might be treated differently. African Americans, Asian Americans, Latin Americans all have special issues abroad, as do women with light skin and blonde hair, or red hair and freckles, or people who are disabled or overweight, as well as people who are gay or Jewish or Catholic or Republicans or Democrats! The list goes on and on. It is essential that you make a point to talk to other students who have studied or lived in the region you will be going to get a feel for some of the issues that might confront you and to reflect together on strategies for how to deal with situations that might arise. 

Talk with study abroad alumni, OIS staff, Wellesley faculty and international/exchange students who have studied or lived in that country. A list of students who have studied abroad previously is posted on the Essential Resources page of the OIS website.


Americans Abroad

As a U.S. citizen in another country, you are subject to that country’s laws. It is your responsibility to learn about the local laws and obey them. Be aware that local customs regarding alcohol and drugs are different in other countries. Local laws controlling alcohol and drugs may also be stricter than those in the U.S. (and the penalties for disobeying them more severe). 

Given the current political climate, Americans abroad should be especially vigilant and prepared to face some form of anti-American sentiment. It is best to maintain a low profile as an “American” abroad.  Watch/read the national, local and international press to stay informed about international events and perspectives, and local events in your host country. Inform yourself about U.S. local & foreign policy before you arrive in your destination.


Road Safety

Road accidents are the number one cause of death and serious injury abroad for people between the ages of 15 and 29. The majority of international road accidents involve cars, but nearly half of all road related deaths involve “vulnerable road users” including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycles. Regardless of where you study in the world, it will be important to recognize that vehicle and pedestrian responsibilities are different than in the U.S. Take time to observe and understand the driving and pedestrian culture of your host country; do not make assumptions and use extreme caution if you choose to drive a motor vehicle while abroad.



Scams Abroad

While abroad, it is important to remain vigilant against scams that target international students and foreigners. These will differ from place to place and so part of your host destination research should involve familiarizing yourself with local scams. Your program, host institution, or host family can also help advise. 


Here are some general tips:



Personal Property Insurance

Whether you are traveling within the United States or internationally, students, faculty and staff should consider if purchasing additional insurance coverage may be needed. For instance, Wellesely College's insurance and assistance programs do not offer protection for personal items which may become lost, stolen or damaged. Additionally, our programs do not provide financial assistance or reimbursement should you need to cancel, reschedule or end your program early due to a medical condition, death of an immediate family member, strikes or severe weather impacting travel, or other unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, it is recommended you check with your credit card company and travel insurance providers if these risks are something you would like covered.

OIS recommends purchasing personal property insurance to protect your belongs (e.g. laptops, phones, cameras) in case of theft or damage. Some students may already have coverage through family property insurance. 

Students are free to choose their own carrier. An example would be Arthur J. Gallagher, which has developed a Personal Property Protection Program specifically for college students.

In Case of Emergency

In case of emergency, students participating in academic study abroad programs administered or approved by Wellesley College should first follow the emergency instructions provided by their study abroad program and/or host institution. Should students require additional assistance they should:

1. Call Cigna at 1-302-746-3059 or contact them through the mobile app 

2. Notify the Office of International Study

3. Inform Primary Insurance Carrier


Sexual Misconduct

Attitudes regarding sexuality, consent, and sexual misconduct vary worldwide. Understanding these differences is important in preparing to enter a new culture. Responsibility lies with perpetrator, but students can take steps to reduce their risk of being targeted while abroad.

Perpetrators of sexual misconduct create or exploit vulnerability:


Most occurrences of sexual misconduct are in the first weeks or toward the end of the study abroad period. Be aware!


Wellesley College Sexual Misconduct Policy


The Student Sexual Misconduct Policy governs all Wellesley students wherever they are while they are enrolled - including abroad. Review the four Community Standards: 


The Student Sexual Misconduct Policy & Resources webpage describe the many supports that follow Wellesley College students while studying abroad, including the College’s Title IX Coordinator.


If you are the victim of any type of crime you should immediately:

In addition, in the case of sexual assault, you may wish to request advice from individuals at Wellesley College who have appropriate training and skills to help you at Health Services or the Stone Center. 

You may also wish to contact the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center @ 617-492-RAPE

If you can, write down everything you can remember about the rape, or have a friend write it for you.


Resources & Support

See the Wellesley Title IX website for more information about confidential and other resources available to you while studying abroad. Local resources such as Program Directors, area health and counseling providers, or law enforcement may ensure access to timely, effective support. 


Most programs or host universities will provide you with information about other local resources that are available to you during your on-site orientation. If they do not, please ask the question and make sure you know what resources are available before you or a friend might need them. 

Academics Abroad

Differences in Academic Systems

Wellesley students will find, almost universally, that the academic system they encounter abroad will differ from that of their small, liberal arts college. While the demands made on the student are often much less strenuous than those at Wellesley, this is more a reflection of a different approach to education than it is an indication of the quality of a foreign institution. 

It would be inappropriate to infer that because the institution’s approach is different and may be less demanding that it is inferior. Your challenge is to figure out how to meet your academic and personal goals within this different system. 


Some differences you may find:


Host country classmates can also be valuable resources. Seeking help with academics is one easy way to make local friends. Students who don’t make the most out of classroom experiences, tend to return with the feeling of lost opportunity, reporting that almost all of their learning took place in a non-academic setting. Remember that at the end of the semester or year abroad, you will return to Wellesley, many of you as seniors. Your time abroad should not be seen as an academic vacation. It should prepare you for serious scholarship in your final semesters.


Tips for Academic Success:

Credit Transfer

Student who study abroad can transfer back a maximum of 4 Wellesley units per semester. To do this, you'll need to:

⚠️ Not all courses taken abroad come back to Wellesley as 1.0 units. In some programs, students take 15-6 credits or 5 courses that come back to Wellesley as 0.8 units each. ⚠️

Grades earned while studying abroad will not appear on your Wellesley transcript or be factored into your Wellesley GPA. Keep in mind though, if you intend to apply to graduate school, applications might require copies of your study abroad transcript. 

Major/Minor, 300-Level, or Distribution Credit

For each course for which you wish to receive major, minor, distribution, or 300-level credit, you must complete a Transfer Credit Request form (available on MyWellesley). There is no deadline for this form, but it is wise to seek approval before it is too late to make changes to your schedule. Once you complete this form, it will be routed to the appropriate department for approval.


Distribution requirements are listed as “units” rather than “courses,” so if you are taking a course that is worth 0.8 units, you will not completely fulfill the corresponding requirement; you would need to take 2 courses in the same area to satisfy the requirement. 


Courses Note Eligible for Transfer Credit

Even if you enroll in an approved study abroad program, not all courses available may be acceptable for transfer credit. These include:


Other Items to Keep in Mind:

Practical Info

Billing 

While studying abroad, Wellesley students continue to pay Wellesley tuition. Depending on the type of program you are participating in, you may receive multiple bills. 

Wellesley-Administered Program (Wellesley-in-Aix, ECCO, PRESHCO)

You will continue to be billed the Wellesley comprehensive fee. Your billing will work exactly the same as for an on-campus semester. 

Non-Wellesley Program

You will receive two bills:

In addition to billed items, you will likely also encounter non-billed expenses including plane tickets, passport and/or visa fees, meals, and personal expenses. 

If you have questions about your particular financial aid package and how it will be affected by study abroad, please reach out to your SFS Counselor. 

Money Matters

While abroad, it is essential that you have access to your money. Before departing:

When you arrive, it's a good idea to bring $100-200 in the local currency. Throughout your time abroad, you'll likely use your credit and debit card to access funds from your home account(s) and make purchases at the most favorable exchange rates. 

Keep copies of all pin numbers in a safe place, and leave copies of all bank and credit cards at home with your family, along with a list of customer service telephone numbers. Be sure to check with your bank about their customer service numbers abroad. Bring a back-up ATM/credit card with you in case of loss, theft, or damage.

Budgetting

Budgeting your money can be challenging while studying abroad, but it’s also a real-world opportunity for personal growth. 

Your host institution may provide information on local currency, but it is still a good idea to do your own research about the cost of living in your destination before going abroad. You should also speak with other students who have studied in the same location. Many of your expenses such as books and school supplies will happen early in the semester, so expect to spend more money upon your arrival. 

Keep in mind that you will likely be spending more money on travel and entertainment than you do now. Most students studying abroad for one semester find opening an account in your study abroad location unnecessary, and usually take money out through ATMS.

Also budget for a reserve fund - just in case of emergency.

Wellesley Registration and Housing

You should NOT register for courses or for housing for the semester that you'll be studying abroad. When preparing to return to Wellesley from studying abroad, you'll register as usual with your class. 

If returning to Wellesley for a Spring semester, Student Housing will be in touch in early November with instructions on applying for housing. 

Packing

The golden rule of packing: take half of what you think you need!  Take lightweight sturdy luggage and a backpack and/or daypack. Put a secure luggage tag on all of your luggage and a piece of paper with your contact information (U.S. and abroad) inside each bag. 

While what you need will vary with your destination, here are some general suggestions:

You may also want to consider packing: a money-hider (such as a money belt) for traveling, photos of family, friends, home and Wellesley to enjoy and show friends abroad, a journal to write about your experiences, favorite recipe(s), as you may want to, or be asked to, cook something from home, Wellesley t-shirt(s) to leave as a memento /gift for a friend, and a digital camera (if you have one).

Remember, you are the one responsible for carrying and caring for your luggage and students almost always say that they packed way too much. You should be able to pack all you need yet still be under your flight's luggage limit. 

Travel Planning

Travel arrangements must be planned carefully, even if you are traveling with a group flight. 

Passport

If you don’t already have a passport, apply for one immediately! All students traveling abroad for any amount of time need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of return. It can take up to two months to obtain a passport, so apply early for new passports or renewals.

OIS Guide to Applying for a Passport

Visas

Many countries require visiting students to obtain a visa in addition to a valid passport. Visa requirements vary from country to country and are different depending on your country of origin. Check whether you will need to apply for a student visa for your semester or year abroad early on as the visa application process can be complicated and time consuming. Some consulates require that you appear in person to submit your visa application, while others allow you to process the visa by mail or online. If you are not a US citizen, please check with the International Student Advisor in Slater to see how study abroad might impact your visa status. 

{See the Visas page on the site for information regarding visas for popular Wellesley destinations}

Travel Arrangements

Most study abroad students will need to make travel arrangements to arrive at the program site. The best deals are usually found on internet travel sites such as kayak.com, but there can be advantages to booking through a student travel agency such as Student Universe. Advantages can include lower change penalties or the possibility of flying into one city and out of another. 

If you plan to arrive prior to the start of your program or travel during breaks, check with students who have studied in your host country for recommendations. All students are advised to plan carefully for their arrival in the host country and city. Even if you are studying in a program that offers airport pickup, it is essential that you know what to do when you arrive, where to go and whom to contact in case of problem. 

Communications

Throughout your stay in the host country, you will want to share experiences and information with people at home and at Wellesley. You will need to think about this communication before you arrive. If you buy an international SIM card abroad, your phone number will likely change. 

Prior to your departure, you will have provided the OIS with your emergency contact information in the Study Abroad Agreement. Should your emergency contact person get a new telephone or cell phone number or change e-mail addresses, please let the OIS know.

Wellesley College staff and faculty will contact you using your wellesley.edu address so check regularly. Also, let your family and friends at home know that you have arrived safely. Le them know in advance how often you'll be in touch. 

Blogging and social media are good ways to let your family and friends share in your experience without worrying about the different time zones. 

Don’t forget to remind your major advisor and the admin assistant in your major department that you will be away for the semester or year. You’ll want to be on the mailing list when information about senior seminars or research opportunities is sent out. 

Finally, with more than 100 students studying abroad each semester, you have a great support network in the world. A list of all of the students studying abroad is available on the OIS website; check it out to see who else is studying in your host region. 

Mail

While you are abroad, mail will not be delivered to your mailbox at Wellesley. Instead, mail will be forwarded to your permanent address. You should ensure that your family is aware of this and request that they monitor your mail for you if necessary.

Voting

Lastly, don't forget that you can still participate in elections while you are studying abroad. Local elections are just as important as larger elections! The Federal Voting Assistance Program has a detailed guide about how to participate in the absentee voting process.



Quiz