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Pre-Departure Checklist Below is a list of everything you will have to complete before your departure:
Getting started: - Research study abroad opportunities online
- Come to the study abroad office to discuss your options
- Meet with your academic advisor to discuss what courses/requirements you can and cannot take or fulfill abroad
- Narrow your search down to your top two programs
- If you do not have a valid passport, apply for one or renew your passport as soon as possible
Before applying: - Tell the study abroad advisor which program you would like to apply for and clarify the application process for your particular program
- Determine deadlines (applications and payments due), requirements, and eligibility for your chosen program
- Complete a budget form for your chosen program with the study abroad advisor
- Meet with Walt Minnick in the financial aid office, located in the Navigation Center on Central Campus (bring the completed budget sheet with you); Walk in hours: Tuesdays 9:30am-12:00pm and 2:00-4:00pm, or email to request an alternate day: walt.minnick@salemstate.edu
- Determine the sources of income that you expect to cover your expenses while abroad
- Look into scholarships for study abroad, determine your eligibility, and apply early
Application Process - Complete the required application for your program before the deadline (only complete application after meeting with Walt Minnick)
- Complete the Salem State study abroad application
After Acceptance: First Steps - Provide a copy of your acceptance letter to the study abroad advisor
- Complete all forms and pay any deposits required by your provider/host university
- Secure housing through provider/host university
After Acceptance: Academic Procedures - Consult with your academic advisor about which courses you plan to take while abroad
- Complete the Request to Take Course Credit Outside SSU forms (please note that you will have to complete one form for each course you are getting approved)
- Obtain course descriptions or a syllabus for each course from the program provider/university
- Indicate on the form whether the course will fulfill a major, minor, or gen ed requirement, or will be a free elective
- If the course is fulfilling a requirement, indicate on the form the equivalent SSU course
- Find a back up for each course you wish to take, and get 7-8 courses approved
- If a course is fulfilling any kind of requirement, obtain a signature from that department chairperson
After Acceptance: Financial Aid Procedures - Enroll in direct deposit through your Navigator account
- Complete the Power of Attorney form and submit it to the study abroad advisor (please note that this form must be notarized)
- Be sure to secure all financial aid at least 1 month prior to departure
Final Steps - Attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation (an email invitation will be sent out during the semester)
- Pay the $200 study abroad fee (check or money order payable to Salem State University)
- Complete the following forms and return to the study abroad advisor: Participant Agreement, Financial Responsibility, Travel Information and Notification, and Travel Participant Disclosure
- Clear any holds on your Navigator account so you can be registered for the study abroad placeholder course
- If you are enrolled in any SSU courses for the semester you're going abroad, withdraw from those courses so you can be registered for the study abroad placeholder course
Before Departure - Make travel arrangements
- Complete any online orientations required by your provider/host university
- If required, obtain a visa to the foreign country of destination (see program details)
- Obtain international health insurance (if not covered in the program fee)
- Obtain an International Student ID card ($25, optional)
- Enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- Contact your primary care provider to secure any necessary prescriptions for the entire duration of your program
- Get any required immunizations
- If you're expecting a financial aid refund, be sure to secure enough funds to cover expenses before getting your refund
- Exchange about $100-$200 of host country's currency
- Make a plan to get from the airport to your destination address (residence hall, homestay, or apartment). Confirm any airport pickups. Secure contact information for provider/host university, including after business hours. Research a back up plan (taxi, train, etc) in case you miss your airport pickup.
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