The pre-departure process starts when students make plans regarding their program choice and course approval requests. Students should begin doing research regarding the culture, language, and history of their host city, country, and program as early as possible. Consulting returned students, faculty, and CGE staff is a useful part of this process.
The formal pre-departure process begins with the mandatory Pre-departure Orientation which occurs 3-4 weeks after the application deadline. During this Orientation, students will be briefed on academic policies, housing arrangements on campus, health and safety, mental health, and student conduct expectations. Most students will also meet with a representative of their program and returned students.
The orientation process often will include webinars, video, or group chats with the program provider that will occur in the week prior to departure. Through this students should begin making arrangements for their visa or residence permit
Orientation continues when students arrive in their host country with an on-site orientation to their program, their host city, and host country.
Pre-Departure Information
It is essential that you take the time to familiarize yourself with these three categories and their subsequent information prior to study abroad departure. This will help you prepare for these experiences when you are going through it.
In addition to the mandatory CGE Pre-departure Orientation you will participate in the semester before you will go abroad, here are some additional resources that will help you prepare for your semester abroad.
What’s Up With Culture (Online Cultural Training Resource for Study Abroad)