Knowing the right questions to ask your student can be a great way to begin. Click these topics below to get started!
Passport
“Let’s check your passport; it might need to be renewed. Is your passport in date? Does it expire less than 6 months after your program ends?” or “Have you applied for your passport? We might need to pay for expedited service if your program starts in less than three months.” “Did you know that UA has a passport facility on campus?”
Visit the EA Website to learn about how to apply and UA resources.
Student Visa
“Does the country where you are studying require a visa? If so, have you attended the Visa Research Session?”
The Education Abroad Office offers weekly Visa Workshops. Check the UA calendar to see when the next one it scheduled!
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To-Do Documents
“How is your Study Abroad checklist going? Is there anything left to do?”
- Your advisor has these available in their office. Schedule an appointment with them to get started.
Credit Transfer Approval
“Have you talked with your Academic and Education Abroad Advisor about getting credit for the classes you will be taking abroad? Have they approved the study abroad program you’re interested in? Did you check out the steps on the EA Website for course equivalency?”
- The EA office has weekly course equivalency workshops. Check the UA Calendar to see when the next is scheduled.
Program Information
“Have you received any updates from your program director/affiliate/host university?”
- Be sure to stay connected with your program’s leaders. This may mean checking their website, sending emails, or attending in person meetings with your UA Faculty-Led program director.
Financial Obligations
“Have you thought about how to pay for the program? Have you looked at the cost of flights? Will financial aid or scholarships cover any of the cost? Do you know when the final payment is due?”
- Having a plan and a budget no matter what your situation is helps everyone to feel better while preparing to go abroad. Visit the Financing Study Abroad section of our website to learn more.
S.T.E.P (For U.S. Citizens)
“Have you registered in the U.S. State Department’s S.T.E.P./Smart Traveler Enrollment Program? It’s an easy way to get updates and stay connected with friends, family, and the U.S. Embassy if there’s an emergency.”
- Visit the U.S. State Department’s website to get registered!
Money Matters
“Have you worked out a budget for your time abroad? Can I send you money with you are studying abroad? Do you know the exchange rate or if there are ATM fees? Are you setting aside money for unexpected expenses, such as seeing a doctor or other emergencies? Do you need to complete a budget form for EA?”
- The Education Abroad office offers a weekly workshop to help answer all your questions about money abroad. Check the UA Calendar to see when the next one is scheduled.
Housing
“What types of housing are offered? Have you started the process to find housing? Have you submitted your housing preferences? Do you have the address or location of your accommodations?”
- Take time to research what options you have for your program. Visit our blogs to hear what other students have said about their personal experiences with housing abroad.
Health and Well-Being
“Do you need to visit the doctor before you leave? Do you need any vaccinations? Do you need to have your medication(s) refilled? Do you have copies of your prescriptions, passport, accounts, and passwords? Please leave me copies so I can help you if needed.”
- The CDC website is a great place to start to learn about how you need to medically prepare to go abroad.
Loose Ends
“Have you taken care of any and all personal business in Tuscaloosa?”
- Be sure that you have taken care of your housing obligations in Tuscaloosa. You will likely need to be advised for the following semester while abroad, be sure to give your academic advisor a heads up.
Safety
“Did you read the UA Code of Student Conduct? I want you want to have fun but also make good decisions. Have you checked out the Health & Safety tips? Remember to do some research on your host country so you understand what’s going on there.”
- The Education Abroad website has a great list of resources that can help you prepare for any situation while abroad.
Communication in Country
“Can you get a phone there to call us? Have you downloaded any communication apps (such as Viber, WhatsApp, WeChat, Skype, Line, KakaoTalk or GroupMe)? Have you made a communication plan for day-to-day and also in emergencies? WiFi may not be available when we want to talk, do you have a backup plan?”
- Visit the Apple App store or the GooglePlay store in order to download these apps and others that you find out about while preparing to go abroad.