Amidst the excitement and the prospect of going abroad, please keep in mind the following important steps that must be followed between now and your departure.

Printable OAP Checklist

Download "OAP: Steps to Going Abroad" to keep track of everything you need to do to prepare for your experience abroad.

Passport

You must have a valid passport to travel abroad. If you already have a passport, check the expiration date now. It must be valid 6 months beyond the end of your program. If you need to apply for or renew your US passport, it may take as long as eight weeks, and a renewed passport will have a different number. UCSD Mail Services is the closest passport processing location. If you are not a US permanent resident, discuss with your advisor what paperwork you need to complete in order to re-enter the United States.

Apply for visa

• Check with your program sponsor about visa procedures.
• Check the country-specific information maintained by the U.S. State Department.
• Get more information from the embassy or consulate of your destination country

Obtain health insurance

Be sure to obtain health insurance for your time abroad if your program doesn't provide it.

Complete OAP paperwork

Make sure you have completed and submitted the following forms to the Programs Abroad Office by the end of the 7th week of the quarter before you plan to go abroad. You may pick up the forms from your advisor.

• Confirmation of Intent
• Academic Planning Form
• Waiver
• Consortium Agreement
• Readmission application (if you will be abroad for more than one quarter)
• Get and read the "Go!" booklet when you turn in your paperwork

Disability self-assessment form

If you need help making arrangements to accommodate a physical or mental disability, turn in a self-assessment form (pdf) to your OAP advisor.

OAP pre-departure letter

This mailing will remind you of your orientation dates and other important issues.

• OAP Pre-departure Letter for winter and spring departures (pdf)
• OAP Pre-departure Letter for summer and fall departures (pdf)

General orientation (Mandatory!)

Summer and fall departures will attend in Wednesday, April 29 at 5 pm Price Center Ballroom.
Winter and spring departures will attend in November.

Handouts:

• Program (pdf)
• OAP Notes (pdf)
• Go Global (pdf)

Country orientation (Mandatory!)

You can check the dates for your country's orientation on the calendar. You will also be notified by email of dates and times for your country.

Apply for financial aid

File the FAFSA by the March deadline and verify with the Financial Aid Office that they have received your Confirmation of Intent and Academic Planning Form.

Apply for scholarships

Don't forget to apply for Programs Abroad Office and outside scholarships. Each scholarship has a different deadline.

Register with the US State Department

Travel registration is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist you in case of an emergency.

WebReg

Bring your PID and PAC abroad with you to register for classes on TritonLink for the quarter you return to UCSD. We can't obtain your PAC number for you if lost; you must request it from the Registrar by mail or fax.