Pre-Departure Checklist

Read the Study Abroad Handbook

Download (pdf)

Register with the Reves Center 

All students going abroad MUST register with the Global Education Office at Reves Center to maintain active student status. If you are going on a W&M summer, winter, exchange or sponsored program, your online application is your registration.  If you are going on a Third Party program you must register by the following deadlines:

• For Summer, fall, and academic year study abroad - April 1 
• For Spring study abroad - November 1

The registration process includes the following:

• Completing all of the online questionnaires 
• Paying the required fee to the Global Education Office at Reves Center (If you decide not to study abroad or are not accepted into your program, we will withdraw your registration and refund the fee.)
• Submitting all of the material documents to the Reves Center

Obtain/Renew Your Passport and Apply for a Visa, If Needed 

At least four months before your departure, obtain or renew your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return to the U.S., so you will need to renew if yours is nearing expiration. Also, know the visa requirements and follow the instructions on the embassy website of your host county.

Obtain Transfer Credit Pre-Approval  

Work with academic departments to ensure that you will get credit for the courses you take abroad.  Some academic departments only grant post-approval, so students are encouraged to plan ahead and discuss course interests with faculty early.  Allow at least 2 weeks for faculty approval.   Credit approval is NOT required by the registration or application deadline. 

Clear any Holds on Your Record 

Check myWM  to find out if there are any holds on your record. Your account must be clear of any holds and outstanding bills before you study abroad. Holds on your record prevent you from being classified as "study away" in PATH; unclassified time away from the College can result in you losing your status as a current student.

Declare Your Major if Over 54 Credits 

Students who have not yet declared a major should consider declaring before going abroad for a semester; a hold will be placed on any undeclared student's record if s/he reaches 54 credits while abroad-thereby rendering him/her unable to register for the following semester's classes. Majors cannot be declared from abroad.

Check with the Student Accountability & Restorative Practices 

Check with the Student Accountability & Restorative Practices office if you are on academic, disciplinary, or judicial probation. Students on academic, disciplinary, or judicial probation or suspension may not study abroad unless granted approval by the Student Accountability & Restorative Practices office. Students are required to report any changes in academic, disciplinary, or judicial status to the Global Education Office at the Reves Center, which may impact their ability to participate in a study abroad program.

Confirm Your Health Coverage 

Check with your current health insurance provider about coverage while abroad.  We encourage you to retain any health insurance you currently have, even if you are required by W&M or your university abroad to register for their health insurance.   If you have questions about the W&M student health coverage, contact Trista Sikes, Student Insurance Coordinator at the Student Health Center at (757) 221-2978.  

Supplemental health insurance is mandatory and provided through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). This cost is included in the cost or registration fee for W&M summer, La Plata, Sevilla, Oxford, and Beijing semester programs.  For students not on these programs, the cost will be billed directly to the student's account during the billing cycles they are abroad. CISI insurance includes coverage for a medical reunion, evacuation, and other emergency situations that may not be covered by your primary insurance but is necessary while abroad.

All students should make an appointment at the W&M Student Health Center BEFORE going abroad to make sure all immunizations are up-to-date.

Confirm Personal Property Insurance Coverage 

The College is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage to property resulting from fire, theft, or casualty while studying abroad. It is strongly recommended that personal property insurance be obtained by each student for his or her belongings.  Renter's insurance is offered by most major insurance companies; some companies actually offer the option of a rider on a homeowner's policy to cover the belongings of students away at college. We recommend that you contact your current insurance provider to examine your options and check to see if the policy covers claims made outside of the US. Below is a list of two companies that specifically cater to college students studying in the US and abroad.

• CSI Insurance Agency, Inc.  
• Worth Ave. Group 

Attend Pre-Departure Orientation 

Learn as much as you can about your destination - the more prepared you are, the better your experience will be! Pre-Departure Orientation sessions are offered each semester.  For summer and fall study abroad, orientation will be held early to mid-April; for winter and spring study abroad, orientation will be held early to mid-November. 

Make Housing Arrangements for Your Return

Procedures for making housing arrangements vary depending on when you will be abroad. Read more about Registering for W&M Housing for information on room reservation deposits, proxies, the selection process, and storage information.

What to Pack

You don't need to pack as much as you think you do. Typically one suitcase and one carry-on is plenty. Remember, you may need to carry your luggage through airports, public transportation, up and down stairs, and across unevent pavements. 

Be sure to pack your most important items in your carry-on in the event your check luggage is lost or delayed. Passport, visa documentation, medications, laptops, and valuables should always be in your carry-on.

Try to stick to packing lists provided by your program. Do research of what locals tend to wear, or not wear, in your host country. For example, some countries may restrict camouflage to active duty military members or athletic wear may not be appropriate outside of a gym setting. You'll also want to research the weather for your entire program. The weather you arrive in may be drastically different than the weather you will depart from. 

Resources:

• IES Abroad - Study Abroad Packing
• Tortuga Backpacks - Your Study Abroad Packing List

Staying in Touch

Students are expected to have access to international calling and data on their cell phones. In the event of an emergency, you must be reachable by your program and it is unlikely that you will be sitting with access to free WiFi at the moment you need assistance. There are several options available to students. 

• You can use your current cell phone carrier's international plan. While this is often the most expensive option, it is also typically the easiest and may be preferred for those attending short term programs. You'll want to check availability, coverage locations, and pricing prior to departure to ensure this option works for you.
• Some students may opt to purchase a local SIM card once they've arrived in their host country. While this is often the most affordable avenue, it does require some research ahead of departure. Ask your program or research popular cell phone carriers for your host country and what is required to sign. You'll also want to make sure you cell phone is unlocked and able to accept a new external SIM card. You will have a new number during your time in country, and be sure to save your original SIM card somewhere safe for your return.
• A newer option becoming more popular is to purchase an eSIM. This can be done online ahead of departure. As this is a relatively new option, there may be limitations to where these eSIM cards can be used. Again, you'll want to confirm that your cell phone is unlocked and can accept and eSIM. You can learn more about eSIMs here.