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9 to 12 months before:
- contact a study abroad placement advisor
to collect information on individual
programs and scholarships
- speak to your academic advisor about
credit transfer requirements
- ask for recommendation letters (if needed)
- gather your transcripts
- apply for the program and a scholarship
(CV and motivation letter are usually
compulsory)
6 to 9 months before:
- apply for a passport and visa (if needed)
- apply for a credit card (useful all over the
world)
- apply for an International Student Identity
Card [ISIC] (useful for discounts at
museum, rail passes, etc.)
- as a German student apply for Auslands-
Bafög (even if you do not receive
InlandsBafög, you may receive Auslands-
Bafög)
- apply at the university
3 to 6 months before:
- after receiving your letter of acceptance,
book a flight or other means of transport
- apply for accommodation
- prepare a learning agreement (has to be
signed by your home university and your
host university)
- get an International Health Insurance (if
needed)
- cancel your rental contract
- check the date of expiry on your ID
(otherwise, apply for a new one)
- apply for leave of absence, refund of
semester fee at the student service and the
student council (if possible at your
university)
1 to 3 months before:
- get vaccinations and immunizations (if
needed)
- stock up on any prescription drugs you
take (have your doctor’s note authorizing
their use)
- stock up on other drugs in case you
become ill or on contact lenses if needed
- schedule a final meeting with your
academic advisor to address final concerns
- consider giving Power of Attorney to your
parents or guarding for financial and legal
matters
- plan your return, your stay at your home
university, your accommodation, etc.
1 to 2 weeks before:
- get an international mobile phone or
international phone card (if yours is not
working in your host country)
- make copies of all important documents
(ID, passport, visa, credit cards, flight
tickets, Student ID, driver’s license)
- exchange money
- confirm your flight
- buy one power adapter/voltage converter
(if needed)
- educate yourself about local customs,
current events and laws
- start packing
Studying Abroad Checklist
by Jessica Rzepka
Picture: The University of Toledo