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Finding the answers to these questions will take time and work. Start your research as soon as possible and use all of your resources: study abroad orientations, past program participants, your study abroad advisor, the internet, campus and local libraries, guidebooks, and other links on this website.

Registration and Classes

  • What school will you be attending?
  • When does the academic term begin?
  • When do classes start?
  • When do classes end?
  • When are final exams scheduled, and when are final papers due?
  • How do you register at Concordia University, Irvine, for your term abroad?
  • How will you get the courses you want to take abroad approved for Concordia University, Irvine credit?
  • If you decide to take different classes once you’re abroad, how do you get them approved for Concordia University, Irvine credit?

Money

  • How much will your program cost?
  • How will you pay for it?
  • If you will be applying for financial aid, have you taken a budget to the Financial Aid Office?
  • How much money will you take?
  • In what form will you take the money? (e.g., U.S. or foreign currency, traveler’s checks, credit cards)
  • How will you carry your money?
  • How will you get additional money if needed?

Medical Issues

  • What health risks are present in your host country?
  • Do you need to get inoculations before you leave? (Check the Centers for Disease Control.)
  • Will you need any prescription medications while you are abroad?
  • If yes, do you have enough of the medications to last you the entire time abroad?
  • Will your insurance cover any instances directly, or will you need to get reimbursed?
  • Who will you contact if you have questions regarding insurance while abroad?
  • If you wear eyeglasses or contacts, do you know your prescription?
  • Can you take an extra pair of glasses with you?

Host Institution and Country

  • Where would you like to visit while you are abroad? (e.g., adjacent countries, different parts of your host country)
  • Will you need any other visas where you want to travel?
  • If so, how will you get the visas?
  • Do you have a guidebook about your host country? If not, consider investing in one (e.g., Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Let’s Go).

Packing

  • What, specifically, will you pack? (Create a list and then revise if needed.)
  • Could you carry this luggage by yourself if you needed to walk 10 blocks with it?
  • Should you take appliances, or can you buy them overseas?
  • If you are taking appliances, do you have the appropriate converters for the country?

Staying in Touch

  • How will your parents and friends contact you?
  • Do they know your phone number and how to dial it?
  • Do you have the phone numbers/e-mail addresses you will need or want during your time abroad?
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