Study Abroad Checklist
- Application form
- Letters of recommendation (if required)
- Personal Statement (if required)
- Interview with International Education Center (if required)
- University application (if required)
- Language evaluation (if required)
- Course Approval Form
- Application fee or program deposit
- Pay for insurance if on exchange or non-GC program ($30 a month)
- Passport application
- Visa application (if required)
- Flight and travel arrangements (if not included in program)
- Clear all holds!! (financial, academic and otherwise!)
- Register for courses
- Make realistic budget for time abroad
- Read the study abroad handbook and orientation materials
- Learn about where you are going and the educational system of your host country
- Talk to previous study abroad students
- Talk to international students from the country to which you are planning to travel
- Speak with professors and other adults who are interested in, have traveled to, or have conducted research on the country(s) you will be visiting
- Write the consulate or tourist bureau of the country for free information
- Look to travel guides and the internet (Lonely Planet or Rick Steves is highly recommended for many regions of the world)
- Make copies of ALL important documents (visa, passport, traveler's checks, etc.)
- Keep two copies in different locations with you while traveling (give one to your program director, if you are on faculty-led study program) and leave one copy at home with parents or trusted friend)
- Inform parents and/or trusted friend of travel arrangements to and from country
- Inform others of travel plans while abroad
- Take photos of home, family, friends, and Georgia College
- Prepare to be an ambassador of Georgia College, the state of Georgia and the United States
- Arrange to have mail held or forwarded to parents or trusted friend
