Student Checklist

This checklist supplements materials that will be given to you throughout the application, admissions, and orientation process. Please read all
materials that are given to you to obtain details. This list is not intended to provide such details.

ADVANCED PLANNING

• Check our programs page and sites listed on brochures and handouts.
• Visit the OSA Resource Area, 108 International Center
• Obtain brochure from OSA, adviser, or faculty
• Attend Study Abroad Fair (September and January)
• Attend informational sessions held throughout semester and advertised in State News
• Meet with faculty leader, OSA coordinator, and/or academic adviser to discuss your plans, including courses of interest and possible equivalencies

APPLYING TO A PROGRAM

• Obtain an application packet at OSA or on the Web
• Submit completed and signed application forms
• Obtain and carefully read the Application portion of the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be given to you when you turn in your application
• Prepare to receive and pay your bill for the $100 application fee
• If you are on Financial Aid, make sure 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)
• 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

PRE-DEPARTURE PREPARATION
Once you have received official notice of your acceptance from OSA, sign and return the Student Health Authorization Form, Decision Form and Statement of Responsibility to the Office of Study Abroad, 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 airline bill
• Visit Olin Health Travel Clinic three months before departure to obtain information on immunization requirements
• Inquire from 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
• Attend the OSA general Orientation Meeting
• Check the State Department 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 a bill for your tuition and fees or instructional fees
• Purchase any textbooks or materials needed before departure
• Plan a budget and obtain sufficient funds to cover expenses while abroad. Ensure that these funds are either accessible from abroad (credit card, ATM) or can be carried with you (traveler’s checks)
• Inform your family or friends of where and how you can be reached while abroad

PARTICIPATION AND BEYOND!

• Participate in program and have a great experience!
• Submit program evaluation to designated group leader or to OSA
• Attend re-entry session sponsored by OSA
• Submit a "Tale from Abroad"
• Consider all the ways to continue your international experience (foreign language, write articles, development of web materials, etc.)