Eagles Abroad Predeparture Information
Shiloe Mokay '07 taking pictures with African children in The Gambia.
Blogs
Read eagles abroad blogs
Study abroad is an exciting experience, but getting a visa, registering at foreign univeristy, and adapting to a new culture can be challenging processes. Here are some general resources to help you ease the transition. For country specific information, click here.
pre-departure orientation / passports / health and safety / homestays
Important Financial Information
Financial Aid Checklist (Word 97-03) / (PDF)
Orientation Handouts
Powerpoint presentation (General Information)
Safety and Security (from the US Department of State)
Safety tips for Study Abroad (US Department of State)
Clothing suggestions for men / for women
Emergency contact numbers: You should also keep the following information on you at all times:
- Resident Director or Exchange Coordinator's Office and/or Home Phone
- Address and phone number of your host family or dorm
- Local taxi phone numbers
- Local police and emergency numbers in your host country (What's the equivalent of 911?)
Passports
If you do not have a passport, you should apply for one immediately. It may take 8-10 weeks to process your application. You will need to present the following documents:
- Application Form (available online: travel.state.gov)
- 2 Passport-sized photos (can be taken at AAA, Rite Aid, or the Huntingdon Post Office)
- Birth Certificate (Must be original copy with raised seal)
- Photo ID (Driver's License)
- $75 Application Fee (check made out to U.S. Dep't of State)
- $25 Check made out to the processing agency
Remember, you passport must be valid for 6 months after your return and you may need to apply for a new one if it was issued before you turned 16. For more information, please contact the Huntingdon Prothonotary's Office (643-1610) or the Post Office (643-4430) or visit the State Department Website (travel.state.gov)
Health and Safety Advice
Accidents can happen, and all students should take proper, common sense safety precautions while abroad: don't walk home alone at night or in dimly-lit areas, watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas, don't flash money or valuables in public. All students should read through the following information before leaving to find out how to protect themselves from crime and what to do should they have a medical emergency or become a victim of crime.
In addition to the general safety information provided at pre-departure orientation and on the State Department website, all students, especially those travelling to non-Western or developing countries should consult the CDC website to learn about health issues in their host country (Is the water safe to drink?) and to determine what vaccines or medical precautions might be necessary (i.e. malaria pills, insect repellant, etc.). Students should also read the specific safety information and travel advisories for their host country prepared by the U.S. Department of State.
Health issues abroad: For more information, download the article "Staying Healthy Away from Home" published by The Language Educator, April 2008.
Homestays
Living with a host family is the best way to perfect your language skills and to immerse yourself in the host culture. However, it is challenging to be a guest in someone's house and it it often difficult to learn what is expected behavior and what is proper etiquette in a foreign household. Communication is key. Students should speak with their host family when they first arrive to see what is allowed and what the normal family routine is (Are you allowed to keep things in the fridge and to use the kitchen? Will your host family do your laundry or are you expected to go to a laundromat? Are you expected to take short showers?).
Read this article from Abroad View Magazine for tips on common courtesies and developing a positive relationship with your host family
follow us on: