Pre-departure Planning

Passport

Apply for a passport immediately. If you already have a passport, be sure to check the expiration date. It must be valid until six months AFTER your program end date. Passport application form are available at the U.S. State Department website. If this is your first passport, you can download the application on-line, but you will need to apply in person at a passport acceptance facility.

Visa

Depending on the country and the duration of your study abroad program, you may need to obtain a visa. You can find out if you need a visa by looking through the U.S. State Department's Country Specific Information, or by visiting IAS.

Health Issues

All study abroad students are required to have comprehensive international health and medical insurance. Many third-party providers include international health insurance as part of the program cost. All other students will be enrolled in UMW's international health insurance. To read more about why international health insurance is required and what your domestic poilcy may not cover overseas, please visit the U.S. State Department's Students Abroad website.

Students should familiarize themselves with conditions that could affect their health. The most useful source for health information is the Centers For Disease Control website.

Flight Arrangements

IAS does not serve as a travel agency. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation, unless they are participating on a program with a group flight. Students are expected to arrive at their study abroad location the day the program begins.