Pre-departure planning

Student Checklist

This checklist supplements information that will be provided throughout the application, admission, and orientation process.

Check the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) programs page and sites listed on brochures and handouts
Visit the OSA Resource Room in 108 International Center
Obtain a program information sheet from OSA, your adviser, or your program leader
Attend the Study Abroad Fair (each September)
Attend information meetings held throughout the semester and advertised in The State News
Meet with your program leader, OSA coordinator, and/or academic adviser to discuss your plans, including courses of interest and possible equivalencies

Review the information required for your selected program (essay, health information, emergency contact numbers, etc) and begin the online application
Prepare to receive and pay your bill for the $100 application fee
If you are on Financial Aid, make sure that you have submitted a current FAFSA (your study abroad costs and financial aid request will automatically be given to the MSU Office of Financial Aid)
Plan a budget and determine whether or not you will have sufficient funds to cover expenses prior to departure and while abroad
If you have a 3.0 GPA or higher, turn in your study abroad scholarship application
Wait for notice regarding the acceptance status of your application

Once you have received official notice of your acceptance from OSA, complete and submit the online Decision Form and proceed with the following:

Apply for a passport (this can take 4-6 weeks)
Prepare to receive and pay your bill for the $200 deposit
Make flight arrangements and be prepared to pay the airline bill
Review pre-departure health preparations at least three months prior to departure
Ask a travel agent or country consular office(s) about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit, and follow instructions in a timely manner
Prepare to receive and pay your bill for the program balance (approximately two months before departure)
Attend your country/program-specific orientation
Complete the OSA online orientation
Check the U.S. Department of State website regularly between now and your departure for information related to safety in the countries you plan to visit
Enroll in your courses through the usual on-campus enrollment process or as instructed by OSA
Prepare to receive and pay your bill for your tuition and fees or instructional fees
Purchase any textbooks or materials needed before departure
Inform your family or friends where and how you can be reached while abroad

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