ISEP Specific
Enroll in required ISEP health insurance.
Make sure you have a copy of the Institutional Information Sheet (IIS) for your host institution. Ask your ISEP Coordinator if you need a copy. Be sure to take this document with you abroad!
Check out the Photos and Essay from past students, use the ISEP Facebook to contact ISEP Ambassadors, and ask your Coordinator for contact info for students who've been abroad.
Use the online Country Handbook for your host country to learn about the education system, daily life, visas, and culture. There are also great links to other references provided.
Read the ISEP Student Handbook for all the information, benefits, requirements, and resources you need.
Read the information sent to you from your host institution thoroughly. There may be additional steps you need to follow such as completing housing or class registration forms.
Logistics
Make sure your passport is valid for six months past the end of your
program.
Make a photocopy of your passport and pack it with your luggage. This
can help later if your passport is lost or stolen and you need to get
a replacement.
Apply for a visa if needed. This can be a very lengthy process, so do
not wait!
Register at your home country's Embassy so they know you're abroad.
U.S. students can do this online.
Make multiple copies of travel documents.
Share your travel arrangements with your family and your host institution,
and make sure you know where to go once you arrive at the airport or
station.
Memorize the address and telephone number of your residence abroad.
Write down important phone numbers from home-- your study abroad office,
relatives, etc. Swap information with your emergency contacts.
Set up a power of attorney so a parent or relative can help with finances
or emergencies.
If possible, register to obtain absentee ballots so you can vote in
your home country’s elections while abroad.
Make sure that your family or guardians at home are aware of your wishes
in the case of serious injury or death while you are away.
Establish how you will pay your bills for school and personal affairs
while you are away.
Purchase a calling card so you can call home.
Host Country Specifics
Make your own Personalize Study Abroad Handbook.
Purchase a guidebook about your host country to read and bring with
you. See the Resources section of the ISEP
Country Handbook.
Research the cost of living and quality of life in your host country.
Learn the location of your home country’s embassy in your host
country.
Research the postal services in your host country-- cost, efficiency,
etc.
Mental Packing
Define and write down your goals for your ISEP experience.
Practice speaking, reading, and writing in your host country’s
language. Look up and learn vocabulary that you will specifically need
for a university setting.
Familiarize yourself with the customs, social norms, and laws of the
host country and other countries you will be visiting.
Understand that you will be viewed as a representative of your home
country, and prepare yourself accordingly. Be especially aware of current
events and political news.
Finally, be prepared for culture shock!
You are about to immerse yourself in a culture that will in many ways
be completely unlike your own. Have confidence that you will be able
to adjust and adapt to the new culture, but remember that it takes time.
Be patient with yourself and others during this process.