Once Approved
Once students have been accepted by the host institution, they will start the application process with them. Meanwhile, other steps are needed or recommended.
Mandatory Orientations
A successful semester abroad is dependent upon adequate preparation. You will participate in a series of mandatory orientations during the semester prior to education abroad program. These orientations will address issues of academic, cultural, logistical, financial, and personal preparation, as well as health and safety.
Soon after being accepted into the program, students will receive an invitation to attend the First Mandatory Orientation.
The Second Mandatory Orientation will be scheduled about three months prior your departure. Before attending the orientation, please review the Travel tips webpage.
Housing Arrangements
Please complete and follow the instructions provided by the host institution for applying for your Housing Arrangements. Types of accommodation will vary from one location to another, wether it be a university dormitory, apartment, hotel. camp, or with a private family.
Before you go abroad, make sure that you have canceled your local housing contracts. This process can take a long time, you might need to find sub-leasers.
Flight Itinerary
Search for Airfare and upload your Flight Itinerary to your Texas State Exchange Program Application. We recommend that you purchase flight insurance in case you need to cancel or change your flight.
*Note: do not purchase your tickets until you have been officially admitted by the host institution
Recommendations
International Student Identity Card
For students planning to participate in an education abroad program, it is recommended to have the International Student Identity Card (ISIC).
STEP Registration
We recommend that you register for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) with the U.S. Department of State. It is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Student Visa
Once you receive your Official Acceptance Letter from your host institution, start applying for your Student Visa.
You might need to request two letters from the Texas State Education Abroad Coordinator:
- Reciprocal Exchange Program Enrollment Verification
- International Travel Coverage
A visa is the official authorization given by the government of your host country that will allow you to enter into their territory.
- There are different types of visa requirements depending on your destination, your country of origin, purpose of travel, length of your stay, etc.
- Most long-term education abroad programs require a student visa. It is important to contact the embassy or general consulate of your country of destination to inquire about specific visa requirements as early as possible.
- Visas may take months to be issued an it is recommended to apply for it as soon as you receive the Official Acceptance Letter from the host institution.
- Non-US students must contact the International Students and Scholars Services office to inquire about the requirements for leaving the USA due to their participation in an education abroad program. Failure to do so may result in denial of re-entry to the USA.
- Please note that Education Abroad cannot assist students with obtaining their visas - this is entirely the student's responsibility. However, the Education Abroad staff can assist students with locating the consulate/embassy information upon students' request, as well as providing necessary documentation for consulate purposes such as confirmation of the Reciprocal Exchange Program Enrollment and International Insurance Coverage.