Study Abroad Application Process: Pre-departure
Procedures for each study abroad program are different, so the information below is to provide general guidelines regarding the part of the study abroad process known as pre-departure.
Pre-Departure Orientation
All students must attend a Pre-Departure Orientation before they depart for their semester or year abroad. The purpose of this orientation is to prepare students for their study abroad experience in terms of both general information and program specific information.
- The orientation is held late in the semester before the end of classes.
- Students are notified of the date of the Pre-Departure Orientation in their acceptance letter from the Director of International Programs.
- If a pre-scheduled athletic or academic event prevents the student from attending, the student must notify the Director of International Programs in advance, to schedule a make-up session.
Acceptance Documents
Host Institutions have various acceptance letters and procedures. For details, see the Director of International Programs.
- All students will receive an official acceptance from the international program to which they are applying, either via e-mail or letter.
- Some programs require the student to "Respond to Offer," whereas others have no such form.
- Most programs provide housing information several weeks (longer during the summer) after they issue the official acceptance letter.
- The Official Letter of Acceptance issued by the host institution, is often needed by the student for their visa application.
- An Official Study Abroad or Embassy Letter is also issued by the Director of International Programs to assist the student in their visa application and Immigration/Customs at the port of entry.
Housing
All students will have their housing arrangements confirmed before departure. Student housing options are dependent on the program in which they are participating. Options include:
- On-campus residence halls (dormitories) or student apartments
- Off-campus apartments (flats)
- Host family or boarding house
Living on-campus (if an option) is strongly encouraged. Universities located in metropolitan areas often do not offer on-campus housing, so students are housed in apartments buildings located within convenient commuting distance to campus. Universities offering homestay opportunities to students are responsible for the screening of the host family. A request for a change in housing arrangements may be made should a student be placed in a housing or homestay situation they find to be unacceptable.
Visas
- Depending on the country to which you are going, there are various visa requirements. Visa requirements also differ depending on your country of citizenship.
- Some countries have electronic application systems (Australia), but most require a hard-copy application, photos, your passport, various other documents, including proof of financial support, and letters from WC and your host institution.
- Country specific visa application information will be provided by the International Programs office.
- Check the following website for visa information specific to your country of interest: http://www.embassy.org/embassies/.
- Visa application requirements can vary depending to which Consulate office you will be applying. Please be sure to check with the Consular office that covers your area of residence.
Documents
The following documents must be completed and returned to the International Office before the student leaves WC at the end of the semester:
- Fees and Expense sheet
- Course Information Sheet
- Two copies of passport signature/photo page spread (4 copies for students on UDEL programs)
- Copy of ISIC (International Student Identification Card)
The following documents must be returned to the International Office before the student departs for their study abroad program:
- Travel or flight information
- Any of the documents listed above not handed in before the end of the semester
Arrival Information
Details of arrival procedures will be supplied for each program. Some international offices provide airport pick up services for students, whereas other programs require students to arrive under their own arrangements (i.e. taxi, bus, train).