HCC Study Abroad Program Checklist

- Be at least 18 years old at the time of travel
- Have earned at least 6 college-level credits prior to the anticipated travel date
- Have a 2.0 GPA at the application deadline date
- Have completed the course prerequisite prior to the study abroad term (if applicable)

- Please visit the program Description for additional program specific requirements

____ Make sure you meet the required GPA and eligibility status to receive the international co-curricular award. Note: You do NOT need to complete a separate application for scholarship eligibility. Verify that you meet the scholarship eligibility requirements listed below. If you do not meet these requirements, you can still enroll in the program at full cost.

- Apply by the deadline date to get the full scholarship amount
- Be a degree-seeking student at Hillsborough Community College (Dual Enrollment and Transient Students do not qualify for an award)
- Be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours at the time of application

- In order to retain your scholarship after enrolling, you must meet all course and attendance requirements, obtain a grade of C or better and complete a scholarship project in collaboration with the CIE office.
§ Must attend all pre-departure orientations
§ Must complete a re-entry project by the set deadline

____ Ask questions (faculty lead, study abroad advisor, academic advisor, financial aid, students returned from study abroad, parents)

____ Understand Payment Dates and deadlines - It is extremely important that you plan your finances accordingly for study abroad. Make note of the program deposit and final payment deadline dates and be sure that you will have the funds to pay on time. If you do not pay by the established payment deadlines, you will be dropped from the program with no refund. If you drop after the deposit payment is made, you will still be responsible for the entire cost of the program and you will lose the scholarship.

____ Apply for or renew your passport (if necessary)*

*A NOTE ABOUT VISAS: Some countries require visas for U.S. and non-U.S. passport holders**. You MUST have a passport in order to obtain the visa. It is important to note that not all visas are approved, and you are applying at your own risk.

**A NOTE ABOUT NON-U.S. CITIZENS: Before you apply, verify if you need a visa for your destination country(ies) by visiting the following link: www.visahq.com. If you are at HCC on an F-1 visa, you must meet with an international advisor to see if there are any travel restrictions on your visa.

3 - 4 months ahead

____ Apply to program by completing the application in full

You will need your HCC ID number, an electronic copy of your passport to upload, a cumulative GPA, and an essay.

____ Submit the Application Fee of $200 at your campus bursar's office by the application deadline date in order to be considered for the full scholarship amount. This is a NON-REFUNDABLE fee. You will only get a refund if 1.) you are NOT accepted into the program; or 2.) the program is cancelled.

____ Submit the Program Fee at your campus bursar’s office by the specified deadline.

1 - 3 months ahead

____ Attend scheduled pre-Departure Orientation(s)

____ Confirm that you have submitted all necessary forms and program documentation

____ Verify that you are registered for the course and arrange tuition payment

____ Obtain your travel medical insurance document from the Center for International Education

____ Talk with your Physician about

1.) medical issues (CDC recommendations for immunizations, prescriptions, mental health, etc.) http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx

2.) Refill prescriptions and obtain written authorization from your Physician for any prescriptions you will be taking abroad and any relevant health conditions for prescribed medications.

____ Purchase any over-the-counter health and hygiene products that may not be available in your host country (check with your program to make sure they are legal)

____ Make sure you have a suggested packing list for your program, including culturally appropriate clothing and household items you may need

____ Learn more about your destination: http://www.countryreports.org/index.htm

____ Look at local news online from your host country: http://www.nettizen.com/newspaper/

____ Make sure you have a credit card and debit card which can be utilized overseas, contact your financial institutions and inform them that you will be out of the country for an extended time

____ Learn about cultural transition adjustment: http://globalscholar.us/

____ Explore options/costs for using phone service to and from your host country

1 week ahead

____ Make several photocopies of all important documents, tickets, travel passes (leave one copy with a responsible family member and pack one copy separate from your carry-on items)

____ Prepare a small travel file to hold your important documents: passport, plane ticket, insurance, emergency contact numbers, medical records, directions for when you arrive in your host country, name and phone number of program coordinator

____ Make sure you know your airline luggage and carry-on restrictions

____ Look at local news online from your host country (http://www.nettizen.com/newspaper/)

____ After packing, walk in and out of the house with all your luggage to make sure you can handle your luggage on your own (if you cannot, you have packed too much)

____ Re-confirm airline and arrival transportation arrangements

____ Compile a list of emergency, program and friend contacts (phone numbers, email, mailing address)

____ Check the local weather of your host city to make sure you dress appropriate for the weather

____ Register your travel plans with the U.S. State Department: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/

Departure Day

____ Make sure you have appropriately sized carry-on items, void of liquids and prohibited carry-on items

____ Carry-on necessities:

- passport

- airline ticket / e-ticket confirmation

- travel medical insurance card / emergency contact information

- address and phone number for destination

- prescription medication

- one change of clothes

- credit card

- at least $200 cash

____ Arrive at the airport at least TWO HOURS before your scheduled departure time

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