Pre-Departure Checklist

Congratulations on your decision to go global!  Read the following list carefully and complete the necessary steps in order to prepare for your program.  Please note that this is a general list. It is not exhaustive and may not include details for each and every program available to Ohio University students.

As soon as you can!

• Going abroad? Get your passport. 
  • If you don’t have a passport, apply for one as soon as possible. 
  • If you do have a passport, verify that it is valid for at least 6 months after the end of your program. If it is not valid for at least 6 months after the end of your program, you will need to renew your passport. 
  • For U.S. Citizens, please visit travel.state.gov to renew or apply for a new passport. 
  • For Non-U.S. Citizens, please visit the embassy/consulate website of your destination country to find out your specific requirements. 
• Research your host destination’s language, culture, climate, politics, and health considerations. Consider visiting a health care provider or OHIO’s Travel Clinic to learn more about your host country and if any vaccinations/immunizations are required.  
• Apply for scholarships – You can apply for scholarships before you are nominated/accepted to your program of choice. Visit our scholarships page to find out more. 
• Do you need to request an accommodation for accessibility? This process can take some time and may require some creative logistical planning, so start this process immediately (you can even ask before you apply!). Check out the "My Identity" page to learn more about studying away with a disability.

After being nominated/approved to the program 

• Accept online and complete any post-acceptance items including completing forms and paying a deposit, if applicable.  

• Attend Pre-Departure Orientations  

  • International program participants must attend Bobcats Abroad, facilitated by OGO. Monitor OHIO email for dates/times. You must attend one.   

  • Program-specific orientations are facilitated by your program director or provider.  

• Book your travel arrangements: flights, trains, etc.  

  • Check with an OGO Program Coordinator or faculty director to see if/when to purchase airfare for your program. Some program fees include airfare. Other programs have specific instructions to purchasing airfare. Do NOT book flights until you receive confirmation from your program director or OGO Coordinator.  

  • If you have confirmation you can purchase airfare, check out Student Universe which is geared towards student travelers.

• Visa/entry documents  

  • You may need an entry visa or other travel documents to study in your host country. It is your responsibility to verify the visa requirements of your host country and to obtain a visa if needed.  

  • Visit the embassy/consulate website for your destination country to find specific visa information.   

• Research and confirm you have a cell phone with international access.  

• Optional - enroll in INST 1001, a 1-credit, study abroad, pre-departure course! . The course is recommended both for long and short-term program participants and provides students with an informed, cross-cultural perspective and the critical thinking skills needed for a successful experience abroad. You will gain an understanding of the concept of culture, both your own and the host country's culture, basic intercultural communication skills, and how to function and get the most out of life in a different culture. Explore topics such as stereotypes, identity, culture and how it shapes people, anti-Americanism, culture shock, health and safety abroad, and re-entry shock. You will also have an opportunity to take a closer look at the culture you will immerse yourself in during your time abroad. Finally, we will look at potential career benefits of an off-campus immersion program. For more details, please visit the Ohio University Course Offerings page! 

2 weeks before departure 

• Scan any important documents and email them to yourself and a trusted individual.  

• Review your program itinerary and begin packing 

• Attend any remaining pre-departure orientations or complete any pre-departure assignments 

• Inform your bank of your travel plans so that your account is not frozen for international activity that may otherwise appear fraudulent.