Timeline & Checklist

Three Months Prior to Departure:

• Get a passport
• Get a Visa (if applicable)
• Get extra passport photos
• Review insurance policy and decide if international coverage (including medical, evacuation, and repatriation) is adequate
• Review insurance policy and insurance requirement of host institution to see if any additional travel insurance is needed
• Refer to the Health Insurance information
• Complete and submit financial aid forms for upcoming year (Student Financial Services)
• Make sure the courses you are taking abroad are listed in our Study Abroad Transfer Credit database
• Meet with academic advisors to approve course of study
• Secure housing for the semester in which you will be returning to Boston (Housing Office)
• Review Health, Safety & Security information
• Determine if you need to visit a doctor and/or receive inoculations

One Month Prior to Departure:

• Review Packing & Traveling information
• Pick-up your airline tickets from Advantage Travel unless it is being sent to you
• Exchange $200 (US) into foreign currency and/or purchase travelers checks
• Review Cultural Awareness information
• Purchase a travel guide book related to your destination
• Make arrangements with a responsible person and forward your mail to them while you are abroad
• Respond to first reflection discussion on blackboard

Two Weeks Prior to Departure

• Make two sets of copies of important documents (ie. passport, visas, insurance card). Leave one set of copies with a trusted person in the US and bring one set abroad with you
• Check US Department of State travel advisories to check for destination status changes
• Fill any necessary prescriptions
• Remember to pack your study abroad journal, the study abroad binder, and emergency contact information
• Complete and return all forms to the International Study Programs Office: Participant Agreement Form & Responsibility & Liability Form
• Reconfirm flight with airline at least 48 hours in advance and check baggage weight limits
• Agree upon communication schedule with family, especially for arrival

While Abroad

• Email your local address and phone number to studyabroad@neu.edu
• Respond to the Study Abroad Reflection discussion on blackboard
• Review Health, Safety, and Security information again
• Travel safely
• Review What to do in an Emergency information and learn local emergency plans
• Review Culture Shock information

Upon Returning to the US

• Complete your blackboard reflection and Program Evaluations
• Review Reverse Culture Shock information
• Participate in the study abroad Welcome Back-Reception & Photo Contest
• Help out the Office of International Study Programs by peer mentoring potential study abroad participants or speaking at a pre-departure orientation