Pre-Departure Orientations
Students accepted to participate in a direct, affiliate or exchange program are required to attend a pre-departure orientation during the semester before their travel, held on the last day of classes for spring (summer and fall students) and fall (for spring students). Students should reserve the time from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day.
Students accepted to participate in an SIUE Short-Term Faculty-Led Program or a School of Business program should consult their professor about their orientation process.
Pre-departure orientations typically cover:- Health and safety issues relevant to your study abroad program
- General and country/region-specific cultural issues
- Packing, money, and other pre-departure logistical matters
- SIUE administrative details related to study abroad
Travel Documents
Obtain a U.S. passport as soon as you decide to apply to study abroad. Processing can take 6-8 weeks or longer during peak travel season. Apply in person at selected post offices (e.g. Glen Carbon, IL), at federal or state courts of records, or at one of the passport agencies of the U.S. Department of State. You can get passport information from the U.S. State Department.
You may also need a student visa, depending on the destination country and the length of your stay. A visa is written permission from the government of that country to visit for a specific purpose such as study. The country-specific information page of the U.S. State Department has information on documentation needed to enter different countries. Also check with the embassies or consulates of the countries you plan to visit. The Study Abroad Office can provide assistance, but you are ultimately responsible for obtaining the appropriate documentation.
When should I apply for a passport?
Obtain a U.S. passport as soon as you decide to apply to study abroad. Processing takes 6-8 weeks or longer during peak travel season. Apply in person at selected post offices, at federal or state courts of records, or at one of the passport agencies of the U.S. Department of State.
Note that parents should have a valid passport as well, in case an emergency trip is needed.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
We strongly urge you to register with the U.S. Department of State using their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to a foreign country. Registration records information about your time abroad that the Department of State can use to help you in case of an emergency.
What should I do if I lose my passport?
If you lose your passport while abroad, you should notify your on-site director. You will also need to notify the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate that your passport has been lost or stolen. You should have kept a copy of your passport in a location separate from the original for this purpose. For additional information about replacing a lost or stolen passport, visit the U.S. Department of State web page regarding Lost or Stolen Passports.
Can I vote while abroad from outside the United States?
Yes, it’s easy! Go to fvap.gov, the official U.S. Government website for overseas absentee voting information, to start the process.
