Preparing for your study abroad experience involves more than booking a flight. Before you depart, you’ll need to complete required pre-departure tasks, ensure your travel documents are in order, understand your health insurance and safety resources, and prepare for life in a new country.
The Global Engagement Office will guide you through each step to help ensure you are prepared for a safe and successful experience abroad.
Before You Go
Complete these important steps before departing for your program
Required Pre-Departure Orientation
All students participating in study abroad are required to complete GEO’s Pre-Departure Orientation before leaving for their program. Students who do not complete this requirement will be withdrawn from participation in their program.
Orientation for Fall, Summer and TREK programs will be held in April. Orientation for Spring programs will be held in November.
Wooster’s orientation is designed to prepare students for a successful experience abroad and covers topics including:
- Health and safety abroad
- Cultural adjustment
- Travel logistics
- Academic expectations
- Emergency procedures
- International health insurance
- Communication while abroad
- Returning to Wooster
Many study abroad providers also require students to complete additional pre-departure orientations or training.
Passports & Visas
It is the student’s sole responsibility to obtain and maintain all travel documentation required to enter, remain in, and return from their host destination. This includes, but is not limited to, a valid passport, student visa (if required), and any other immigration or entry documents required by the host country.
Students are responsible for:
- Ensuring their passport is valid for the period required by their destination country (many countries require at least six months of validity beyond the planned return date).
- Determining whether a student visa or other travel authorization is required for their program.
- Applying for and obtaining all required visas and immigration documents before departure.
- Allowing sufficient time for passport and visa processing, which may take several weeks or months.
While many study abroad providers offer general information about visa requirements, the Global Engagement Office cannot obtain passports or visas on a student’s behalf and cannot provide immigration or visa advising. Students are responsible for following the requirements established by the host country’s embassy or consulate and ensuring they have the appropriate documentation prior to travel.
Students who fail to obtain the required travel documentation may be unable to participate in their study abroad program, and any resulting financial penalties are the responsibility of the student.
International Students must also speak with the International Student Services Office to ensure that they have the necessary documentation to re-enter the United States following their program abroad.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Enrolling is free, quick, and easy, and it can keep you up to date in what’s going on in your host country.
Enroll in STEP before you go!
Packing
Packing for study abroad requires careful planning. Consider your destination’s climate, cultural norms, and available amenities when deciding what to bring.
We recommend packing:
- Prescription medications in their original containers
- Copies of important travel documents
- Appropriate clothing for the local climate and culture
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Electrical adapters or converters, if needed
- Any required academic materials
Avoid overpacking. Many everyday items can be purchased after arrival, and you’ll likely want extra space for items you bring home.
Additionally, it is recommended that you limit the number of valuable items that you bring including electronics, jewelry, heirlooms, or sentimental items as these may make you a target for theft.
Health and Wellness Abroad
Maintaining your physical and mental health is an important part of a successful study abroad experience. Before departure, students are encouraged to schedule routine medical and dental appointments, discuss any ongoing health concerns with their healthcare provider, and familiarize themselves with the medical resources and support services available through their study abroad program.
If you have a disability, chronic medical condition, mental health concern, or other accommodation needs, we encourage you to discuss these with the Global Engagement Office and your study abroad provider as early as possible. Early planning helps ensure appropriate support and accommodations can be arranged when available.
International Health Insurance
All students participating in approved study abroad programs are required to maintain international health insurance that meets College requirements.
Many study abroad providers include health insurance as part of their program. When adequate coverage is not provided, the Global Engagement Office will enroll students in the College’s international health insurance plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions (formerly GeoBlue). All students participating in TREKs and in independent research abroad are required to be covered under this plan regardless of whether they maintain a seperate personal policy. Policies will be effective for the duration of the program with two days before and two days after included for travel.
The cost of coverage is equal to roughly $20 per week and will be billed to the student’s Wooster account unless being sponsored by another campus unit. This charge is included in TREK program fees.
International health insurance provides important benefits, including:
- Medical care abroad
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Repatriation services
- Prescriptions medications
- 24-hour emergency assistance
Students should review their coverage before departure and carry their insurance information with them at all times while abroad.
Vaccinations & Medications
Students are responsible for understanding and meeting any health requirements associated with their study abroad program and host destination.
Before departure, students should:
- Review any required or recommended vaccinations for their destination.
- Schedule a travel health appointment well in advance if recommended for their destination.
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date.
- Consult with their healthcare provider regarding any ongoing medical conditions or health concerns.
Students who take prescription medications should also plan ahead by:
- Bringing an adequate supply of medication for the duration of their program, when possible.
- Keeping medications in their original, labeled containers.
- Carrying copies of prescriptions and any necessary medical documentation.
- Confirming that their medications are legal and permitted in their host country, as some medications commonly prescribed in the United States may be restricted or prohibited abroad.
Students are responsible for obtaining any required vaccinations, prescriptions, and medical documentation before departure. The Global Engagement Office cannot provide medical advice or determine vaccination or medication requirements. Students should consult their healthcare provider and review the entry requirements established by their host country before traveling.
Health Provider Form
This form may be required as part of your post-decision documents. This is to be completed by a licensed medical professional: GEO-Health-Care-Provider-Form-Fillable-PDF-1.pdf
Health and Safety
The health and safety of our students is a shared responsibility between students, program providers, and The College of Wooster.
Students are expected to:
- Follow all local laws and program policies.
- Exercise good judgment and make responsible decisions.
- Stay informed about local conditions and travel advisories.
- Maintain communication with their program and emergency contacts.
- Follow guidance provided by the College and their study abroad provider during emergencies.
The Global Engagement Office continuously monitors world events that may affect study abroad programs and works closely with program providers and international risk management partners to assess potential health, safety, and security concerns.
Emergency Assistance
If you experience an emergency while abroad:
- Seek from local sources: Contact local emergency services if immediate assistance is needed.
- Rely on your host institution: Notify your study abroad program or host institution.
- Contact GEO: Contact the Global Engagement Office as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Notify your emergency contact.
The College maintains emergency response procedures to support students abroad and works closely with program providers and institutional insurance contacts to respond to health, safety, and security concerns.
Situational Awareness
Personal safety should always be a top concern, no matter where you are in the world.
Here are some Dos to stay safe:
- Maintain an awareness of your surroundings
- Avoid high risk activities.
- Travel and walk in groups.
- Heed posted signs and precautions.
- Ask the locals if there are parts of town or establishments that you should avoid.
- Keep your money, credit cards, and important documents hidden.
- Beware of pickpockets.
And Don’ts:
- Don’t draw unwanted attention to yourself.
- Don’t carry large amounts of money.
- Don’t wear conspicuous clothing or expensive jewelry.
Motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents and drowning are among the top causes for injury or death for traveler
Identities Abroad
Studying abroad offers the opportunity to experience new cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. At the same time, cultural attitudes, social norms, and legal protections can vary significantly from those in the United States. As you prepare for your program, it’s important to consider how different aspects of your identity may influence your experience abroad.
Students are encouraged to reflect on how factors such as the following may shape their time in another country:
- Race and ethnicity
- Nationality and citizenship
- Gender identity and expression
- Sexual orientation
- Religion or spirituality
- Disability and accessibility needs
- Physical and mental health
- Socioeconomic background
- First-generation college student status
Learning about your host country’s cultural norms, laws, and available support services before departure can help you prepare for a successful experience abroad. We encourage students to discuss any questions or concerns with the Global Engagement Office during the planning process. We can help connect you with program providers, campus resources, and information specific to your destination.
Every student’s experience abroad is unique. While your identity may present new opportunities, challenges, or perspectives, thoughtful preparation and open communication can help you navigate your experience with confidence.
Mental Health
Studying abroad is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be emotionally challenging. Living in a new country, adapting to a different culture, navigating unfamiliar systems, and being away from your usual support network can contribute to stress, homesickness, culture shock, or feelings of isolation.
Before departure, students should take time to consider their mental and emotional well-being and develop a plan for managing their health while abroad. If you currently receive mental health care, we encourage you to speak with your provider about your plans to study abroad and discuss strategies for maintaining your care while overseas.
Students should also:
- Research the mental health resources available through their study abroad program or host institution.
- Understand how their international health insurance covers mental health services.
- Discuss any ongoing mental health concerns with their study abroad provider, if appropriate.
- Develop a support plan for staying connected with family, friends, and other members of their support network while abroad.
It is important to recognize that mental health services, cultural attitudes toward mental health, and access to counseling or psychiatric care may differ significantly from those in the United States. Students should familiarize themselves with the resources available before departure and seek assistance early if they are experiencing challenges while abroad.
The Global Engagement Office is committed to supporting students throughout their study abroad experience. While GEO does not provide counseling services, we can help connect students with appropriate campus resources, study abroad providers, and emergency support when needed.
Culture Shock
Adjusting to a new culture is a normal part of the study abroad experience. While many students quickly become excited about their new surroundings, it is also common to experience challenges as you adapt to unfamiliar customs, social norms, languages, and daily routines. This process, often referred to as culture shock, is a natural response to living in a new environment.
Culture shock may affect students differently and can include feelings of:
- Homesickness or loneliness
- Frustration or confusion
- Anxiety or stress
- Fatigue or difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or changes in mood
Many students experience culture shock in stages. You may initially feel excitement about your new surroundings, followed by a period of adjustment as you encounter cultural differences. Over time, most students become more comfortable navigating their new environment and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of their host culture.
There are several strategies that can help ease the transition, including:
- Keeping an open mind and being patient with yourself.
- Participating in local activities and engaging with your host community.
- Establishing a daily routine.
- Staying connected with family and friends while avoiding the temptation to compare every experience to home.
- Talking with program staff, faculty, or other students if you are struggling.
- Seeking support early if feelings of stress or homesickness begin to interfere with your well-being.
Remember that experiencing culture shock does not mean you are having a “bad” study abroad experience—it is often an important part of the personal growth that comes from living in another culture. If you find yourself struggling, know that support is available through your study abroad program, host institution, and the Global Engagement Office
Questions?
If you have questions about preparing for study abroad, travel documentation, health requirements, international insurance, or safety resources, contact the Global Engagement Office. We’re here to help you prepare for a safe and successful experience abroad.