Study Abroad
Pre-Departure Information
Before You Go
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For KUTZTOWN:
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Meet with academic advisor regarding course selection
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Complete “Permission to Study at Another College Form”
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Meet with Financial Aid office to discuss eligibility
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Contact Bursar’s Office regarding refund options (if applicable)
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Cancel Housing/Meal Plan
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Obtain International Student ID Card (available via Boxwood House)
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Provide International Office with your travel information
For HOST INSTITUTION/COMPANY:
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Complete any necessary paperwork
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Set up payment plan
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Confirm flight/housing arrangements and address
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Provide the host with our contact information for your transcripts
For YOU:
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Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date to the U.S.
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Apply for a VISA if needed
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Register with the US Department of State
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Notify your credit card company/bank of your travel plans
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Designate an emergency contact and authorize parents to receive any loan refunds from KU
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Make sure you’re healthy: have a dental check-up, a physical, eye examination, etc.
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Arrange for health insurance to be valid abroad
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Make sure you have appropriate inoculations
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Be sure to have enough of all medications. And check to make sure there aren’t any restrictions on bringing them with you
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Arrange for an international calling card or make plans to purchase a cell phone abroad
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If you’re arriving before housing is available, prepare for temporary accommodations
What to Pack:
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Sometimes you are travelling quite a distance, so pack light!
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Take one or two personal necessities at most. You will find that excessive amounts of clothes will be an unnecessary burden.
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Leave expensive jewelry/luxury items at home!
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U.S. appliances will be no use without a converter. Consider buying a converter or purchasing items like hairdryers, etc. abroad
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Pack a carry-on with all necessities: airline tickets, travel documents, at least $100 in local currency, credit cards, traveler’s checks,
one change of clothes with toiletries, emergency contact information, destination address
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Make a list of the contents of your wallet. Leave unnecessary cards at home (gym membership, movie rental card, etc.(=)
While Abroad
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Personal Safety:
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Don’t venture out alone and be street wise. Find out which areas are considered to be unsafe by the local people and avoid those
areas
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Do try to fit in as much as possible—try not to stand out as a tourist
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Do speak in the local language whenever possible
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Don’t share personal information freely with strangers
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Do let your resident advisor know of your plans—let them know if you’ll be staying away overnight
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Just because you’re an American and “we do it at home” doesn’t mean the same rules apply everywhere. Respect your host
countries’ laws and customs!!
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Don’t carry more money than you need and NEVER leave personal items unattended.
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Keep a copy of your passport in a separate, secure place from your original
For KUTZTOWN:
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Email accounts will still be active
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Course registration for next semester via MyKU.edu
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Housing applications via MyKU.edu
Stay in Touch!
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Skype
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Facebook Study Abroad Page – we’d love to see your pictures and read your blogs!!
And REMEMBER….
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You are STUDYING abroad—you still have academic responsibilities to yourself and Kutztown
Travel light—you’ll be able to bring more back
Office of International Admissions ▪ Kutztown University ▪ Kutztown, PA 19530
Email: studyaway@kutztown.edu ▪ Tel. No: 484.646.4256 ▪ Fax No: 610.683.1356
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania ▪ Office of International Admissions ▪ P.O. Box 730 ▪ Kutztown, PA 19530 USA▪ Email: studyaway@kutztown.edu ▪ Tel.: +1.484.646.4256 ▪ Fax: +1.610.683.1356