After Acceptance

Congratulations, you've been accepted to go abroad! We're excited to help you prepare for the journey ahead. Prior to departure, you'll attend meetings and complete forms online.

Pre-departure Steps

1.  Commit to program by deadline. By committing to a program, the student is responsible for ALL program costs and deposits (CGE fees, program fees, etc.) even if they withdraw at a later date. TIP: If you have any questions about committing and what it means, please talk to your CGE advisor BEFORE committing to the program.
2. Complete the Health Forms packet (found in your online application) by deadline given. TIP: Don't wait till the last minute to complete this! The forms are free to complete at the Student Wellness Center [SWC], but they do fill up fast. If the SWC is full, you will have to complete the forms through another facility and pay for the service.
3. Begin looking for email confirmation to purchase your flight. Once your flight is purchased, submit your itinerary to your TTU Study Abroad application. You've heard this a lot by now, but DO NOT purchase your flight or book any personal travel until instructed to do so by your CGE advisor or program provider. TIP: Try to book flights with layovers longer than 2 hours. This gives your bags more time to get to your connecting flight and gives you more time in case of a delay.
4. Attend TTU Study Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation AND the CGE Send-Off Seminar. TIP: Both of these events are REQUIRED in order to study abroad. Be on the lookout for emails about these events. Set reminders once the event dates are confirmed.
5. Begin familiarizing yourself with the culture of your host country. This should include language, customs, food, and things to do in your new surroundings. TIP: Want to make the most of your free time abroad? Make a bucket list of the places you most want to visit and don't forget to start a "study abroad budget" Check with friends on the program to see if they have similar places of interest. Also, remember to be flexible. You plans may need to change for unexpected events.
6. If you take any medication, make sure have enough to last the duration of your program. Many drugs legal in the USA are not available in other countries. Make sure all medicine stays in it's original prescription container with your name on it. TIP: Contact your doctor in advance to make sure there will be no issues getting the medicine you need for the duration of your program. Sometimes this can take longer if your health insurance needs to be involved.
7. Make sure to notify any banks or credit card companies you intend on using abroad. Let them know your travel dates and locations. TIP: Try to use credit cards with no international transaction fees. Also, check with your bank on their international ATM fees. Sometimes they may wave a few if you ask.
8. Make sure to buy any textbooks or required supplies for your program. Your professor should notify you what is required and if it is available in your host country after the Send-Off Seminar. TIP: Buy materials found only at TTU before the semester ends. Some materials are specific to TTU and can only be purchased around campus.
9. Make a packing list so you don't forget anything you need. Trust us, pack as light as you can. You will want to bring stuff home from your trip. Pack only what you can carry and remember to bring a backpack for weekend travel. TIP: We have a Pinterest account with tons of resources on packing for different locations. There's even photo tip boards to help you get the best, most social media worthy photos guaranteed to make all your friends jealous.
10. Pack your carry-on bag. Include passport, airline ticket, emergency contact information, address and telephone numbers of destination contacts, change of clothes, toothpaste and brush, local currency and anything else you may need the first few days. TIP: It sucks, but luggage gets lost sometimes. If you have some extra room in your carry-on, pack a few additional outfits. This will save you from having to buy new clothes (or wear the same ones) until your luggage arrives.