Pre-Departure Matters

Congratulations on being nominated/selected for an EAP program! You are on the verge of an experience of a lifetime. In order to participate in EAP, there are still many details that need to be completed before your departure. In the months to come you will continue to work with our office and your EAP advisor as well as the Universitywide Office of EAP (UOEAP). UOEAP will be sending you packets (via our office) with forms to complete from your host university, visa information and program details.

EAP Pre-Departure Checklist (pdf)
The EAP Pre-Departure Checklist will help you keep track of all your pre-departure items and deadlines.

On-Campus Matters

1. Apply for Financial Aid If you are planning to apply for financial aid, file the FAFSA by the March deadline (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov).
   
2. Complete the EAP Health Clearance You will need to complete your health clearance in order to participate in EAP. Some countries also require a Student Health Services Travel Clinic appointment. Do not delay scheduling your appointment!
   
   
3. Attend two mandatory Pre-Departure Orientations
   You are required to complete both of these orientations:

• General Pre-Departure orientation:
  You will be notified by your EAP advisor in your selection letter the date of your general pre-departure orientation. The general orientation will cover the following topics: culture shock, student code of conduct, academic issues, financial issues, and health and safety information.
   
• Country Pre-Departure orientation:
  The country orientation will allow you to meet the other students in your program and speak with returnees. The country orientation will cover all the details of your program and will ensure that all of your questions are answered

Pre-Departure Resources

• Scholarships
• General Guide
• Country Guides
  

Helpful UOEAP Links

• Safety
  
• Health
• EAP Health Insurance:
  
• Logistics:
  Find out about documentation, student travel cards, communication while abroad, packing, shipping etc…
• Housing:
  Check out the EAP Housing Board where you can advertise your room for subletting while you are abroad, secure housing for your return from EAP, and connect with other EAP participants from your campus to find roommates.
• Student Welfare:
  Read up on Gender issues, Sexual Orientation issues, cross-cultural adjustment etc…

Read up on your country

Please help correct the stereotype of the “ignorant American” by acquainting yourself with your new host city, country and culture before you arrive. In your country guide is a list of recommended books to help assist you in this process.

• Find your country guide online
• Lonely Plant Country Guides

Prepare for Culture Shock

What’s Up With Culture is an online cultural training resource for study abroad students. Module 1 will help prepare you for the rollercoaster of emotions you will experience as you immerse yourself in a new environment. Enjoy the ride!

• What Is Up With Culture?: http://www3.uop.edu/sis/culture/index.htm

Passport:
Apply for a new or renewed US passport see: http://travel.state.gov

If you do not have a passport, order it now! If you already have a passport, check the expiration date now. It must fall after the completion of the EAP program, and some countries require passports to be valid an additional 3 to 6 months after EAP. Information from your valid passport may be necessary several times before you depart. A renewed passport will have a different number. It can take as long as 8 weeks to get a new or renewed passport, so do not delay!