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Pre-Departure Resources

Congratulations on being accepted to your study abroad program! You can now start with your pre-departure preparations, which include post-acceptance requirements from DU and likely other items from your study abroad program.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Required Items:

  • Make sure your passport is valid until at least six months after your program ends. If you do not have a passport, apply for one immediately.
  • If you receive financial aid (including DU institutional aid), please verify with the Financial Aid Office how your aid package will pay out while you are abroad.
  • Apply for your student visa, if necessary.
  • Attend your region-specific study abroad pre-departure orientation session.
  • Complete the required online pre-departure survey at the following URL: https://taurus.cair.du.edu/ir/cgs2pre/.
  • Submit to the Study Abroad Office the following forms:
  • Once you know your abroad address and phone number (likely once you arrive abroad), change your temporary address and phone number in MyWeb. If you move, please change your temporary address accordingly.
  • Create a personal record on www.internationalsos.com and upload a copy of your passport. You may also want to take a copy with you (kept separately from the original) and leave a copy with your family.

Recommended Items:

  • If you want to live on-campus upon your return from abroad, complete a housing application at www.du.edu/housing .
  • Speak with your family about a contingency plan for emergencies.
  • Create a Personal Travel Record and Emergency Contact Record via the International SOS website: www.internationalsos.com
  • Write your academic advisor's contact details in the Appendix of your Study Abroad Handbook.
  • Check myWeb to make sure that the Registrar's Office has your correct permanent address for billing as well as your emergency contact information.
  • Sign your FAFSA for the next academic year, if necessary. This application MUST be signed by the student and not a power of attorney or parent.
  • Consider appointing a Power of Attorney for legal and financial matters.
  • Arrange to have your income taxes filed if you will be abroad during tax season.
  • Refer to http://studentsabroad.state.gov/ for information about absentee voting.