Center for International Studies : St. Cloud State University

Pre-departure Orientation

Pre-Departure Orientation is mandatory for all study abroad participants not only because we go over essential information for travel and safety on the program, but also because we fill out paperwork needed to start other processes such as the visa process, study abroad financial aid process, registration, etc.

If you need to recap the information please see the D2L site. You will need to requesting permission for access by emailling studyabroad@stcloudstate.edu.

This is perhaps one of the most important days of preparation prior to leaving on your program. This is a mandatory session by the university. The reason this is mandatory is because we need to ensure that all students receive the information necessary to be safe, healthy and secure on their program as well as to fill out the necessary paperwork which is more efficient in a large group.

Please invite your parents so that they hear the same information as you.

The morning consists of a combined session for all groups departing the following semester. The afternoon consists of meeting with your individual group and the faculty director, if there is one, as well as students who have gone on the program previously. THIS IS THE TIME TO ASK QUESTIONS!!!

Reminders

Be sure about your finances. Schedule an appointment to meet with financial aid right after orientation.
We start to schedule airline tickets, tour companies, etc as soon as the deadline passes, by the time pre-departure orientation begins you may be responsible financially for some program costs. Be sure whoever is assisting in payment understands the payment policies.

Planning for Study Abroad

Academics and Registration
Your Academic Approval form is important for determining course credit coming back from abroad. Without that form Records and Registration cannot award credit for your courses abroad.

Registration is currently a manual process which is why you fill out a registration form. Please be sure you do not have a business hold. If the course needs special permission or is not a current course in the course catalog, you will need to fill out an Approval Form – Individual Study, located on the Records and Registration website. You will need the professor, department chair, and the dean’s signatures on this form. This form then needs to be brought to the Study Abroad Office for processing of special study abroad codes.
Health, Safety and Security
This section discusses the importance of Health, Safety and Security. H1N1 Flu information and Emergency protocol is included
Insurance
There are different types of insurance. Health insurance to cover you overseas is mandatory. But there are other types of insurance to consider. This section will help you decide what additional insurance you may want to purchase
Staying Connected
How to stay connected to the St. Cloud State campus and to your family while abroad.
Travel Information
Information about passports, visas, and travel discount information.

St. Cloud State University

Center for International Studies - Invest in global education.

Pre-departure Orientation

Reminders

Planning for Study Abroad

Study Abroad (contact information)

	A-Z Index \| News \| Library \| Technology \| Support St. Cloud State \| St. Cloud State University Home Admissions Academics Student Life About SCSU Athletics Alumni & Friends Center for International Studies - Invest in global education. The Center for International Studies Future Students Current Students and Visiting Scholars Study Abroad Opportunities Welcome Programs Application Process Costs, Aid and Scholarships Orientation & Planning Information Health, Safety & Security Insurance Staying Connected Travel Information Policies Parents & Families Former Study Abroad Students Faculty Resources Questions & Answers Pre-departure Orientation Pre-Departure Orientation is mandatory for all study abroad participants not only because we go over essential information for travel and safety on the program, but also because we fill out paperwork needed to start other processes such as the visa process, study abroad financial aid process, registration, etc. If you need to recap the information please see the D2L site. You will need to requesting permission for access by emailling studyabroad@stcloudstate.edu. This is perhaps one of the most important days of preparation prior to leaving on your program. This is a mandatory session by the university. The reason this is mandatory is because we need to ensure that all students receive the information necessary to be safe, healthy and secure on their program as well as to fill out the necessary paperwork which is more efficient in a large group. Please invite your parents so that they hear the same information as you. The morning consists of a combined session for all groups departing the following semester. The afternoon consists of meeting with your individual group and the faculty director, if there is one, as well as students who have gone on the program previously. THIS IS THE TIME TO ASK QUESTIONS!!! Reminders Be sure about your finances. Schedule an appointment to meet with financial aid right after orientation. We start to schedule airline tickets, tour companies, etc as soon as the deadline passes, by the time pre-departure orientation begins you may be responsible financially for some program costs. Be sure whoever is assisting in payment understands the payment policies. Planning for Study Abroad Academics and Registration Your Academic Approval form is important for determining course credit coming back from abroad. Without that form Records and Registration cannot award credit for your courses abroad. Registration is currently a manual process which is why you fill out a registration form. Please be sure you do not have a business hold. If the course needs special permission or is not a current course in the course catalog, you will need to fill out an Approval Form – Individual Study, located on the Records and Registration website. You will need the professor, department chair, and the dean’s signatures on this form. This form then needs to be brought to the Study Abroad Office for processing of special study abroad codes. Health, Safety and Security This section discusses the importance of Health, Safety and Security. H1N1 Flu information and Emergency protocol is included Insurance There are different types of insurance. Health insurance to cover you overseas is mandatory. But there are other types of insurance to consider. This section will help you decide what additional insurance you may want to purchase Staying Connected How to stay connected to the St. Cloud State campus and to your family while abroad. Travel Information Information about passports, visas, and travel discount information. Study Abroad (contact information) 720 4th Avenue South - St. Cloud, Minnesota 56301-4498 Page Revised: 10/06/2009 Phone: (320) 308-4287 © 2009 St. Cloud State University Site Map \| Map & Directions \| Contact SCSU \| Accreditations St. Cloud State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer. St. Cloud State University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.