Go Abroad | Preparing to go | Preparing to go checklist

Preparing to go checklist

This is not an exhaustive list, but before you depart for your international experience, you should consider the following:

Attend all relevant pre-departure sessions
Check the validity of your Passport (most countries require minimum 6 months validity after your placement end date)
Research the relevant visa requirements as early as possible
Complete all your My Placement application requirements
Research the housing provision at your destination and make sure that you meet any deadlines for applying. Make sure that you have somewhere booked for the first few nights at least before you leave
Research the entry requirements for your Country
Know how/when/where to register with the host university or employer and any orientation details
Sign up for the FCDO Travel alerts.
Sign up for AIG travel alerts

Complete your Student Finance paperwork to inform them that you will be going abroad and confirm your term/contract dates
Give Student Finance permission to discuss your student finance with a trusted relative or friend
Inform your bank that you are going abroad
If you are going for a year you might wish to explore the option of opening a bank account overseas
Speak to your current mobile phone provider about international calls
Consider how you will manage your money whilst you are abroad and plan for contingencies/emergencies
Consider whether you need to take additional insurance if you are travelling after your period abroad ends
Make your travel arrangements and book flexible tickets where possibe
Set out a budget for your time abroad - factor in all your costs, avoiding all non-refundable costs until you have final travel approval and have received your visa

Make sure that you have a check-up with both your dentist, and your optician if relevant, before you leave for your period abroad
Work through the ‘Health Needs Assessment’ requirement on My Placement and take the necessary actions identified.
If you have any health condition, however mild, you must secure confirmation of Fitness to Travel (FTT) from a medical health professional.
Apply for a student GHIC card (For students traveling to Europe only).
If you have any additional support needs speak to your Placement Coordinator or DASS
Obtain supplies of any prescribed medication (including contraception) you may need for your time abroad and a letter from your doctor to carry with you explaining the nature and purpose of the medication
Update your emergency contact details on the Student System via MyManchester
Create a contact list with details of those you may need to contact in an emergency and provide a copy to your family/ emergency contact at home
Download the Insurance App (AIG Travel Assistance App), so that you have all the details in the event of an emergency.

Ensure you understand any academic requirements and how you will be assessed
Ensure that you have a list of approved courses that your AEA has signed off - check that you have enough credits and that they are at an appropriate level?
Plan to have back up courses in case courses are full or cancelled

Create a folder with copies of important documents such as your passport and Visa, driving licence; credit/debit cards; any medical prescriptions for medicines you are carrying and relying on; any confirmation letters/invitations for your placement. Leave a copy of this and your travel literary with your family/ emergency contact person. Scan a copy of these documents and email a secure/encrypted copy to yourself so you can access these online from anywhere in the world via the internet
Register for a postal or proxy vote

Look out for invitations (usually end April) to apply for the Global Ambassador scheme (only applicable to students on a study abroad exchange organised by the Placements and International Programmes Office).