Study Abroad Checklist

• Application form
• Letters of recommendation (if required)
• Personal Statement (if required)
• Interview with International Education Center (if required)
• University application (if required)
• Language evaluation (if required)
• Course Approval Form
• Application fee or program deposit
• Pay for insurance if on exchange or non-GCSU program ($30 a month)
• Passport application
• Visa application (if required)
• Flight and travel arrangements (if not included in program)
• Clear all holds!! (financial, academic and otherwise!)
• Register for courses
• Make realistic budget for time abroad
• Read the study abroad handbook and orientation materials
• Learn about where you are going and the educational system of your host country
• Talk to previous study abroad students
• Talk to international students from the country to which you are planning to travel
• Speak with professors and other adults who are interested in, have traveled to, or have conducted research on the country(s) you will be visiting
• Write the consulate or tourist bureau of the country for free information
• Look to travel guides and the internet (Lonely Planet or Rick Steve's is highly recommended for many regions of the world)
• Make copies of ALL important documents (visa, passport, traveler's checks, etc.)
• Keep two copies in different locations with you while traveling (give one to your program director, if you are on faculty-led study program) and leave one copy at home with parents or trusted friend)
• Inform parents and/or trusted friend of travel arrangements to and from country
• Inform others of travel plans while abroad
• Take photos of home, family, friends, and GCSU
• Prepare to be an ambassador of GCSU, Georgia and the United States
• Arrange to have mail held or forwarded to parents or trusted friend