Preparing to Leave? Here's what you need to do:

• Complete the MANDATORY Blackboard Study Abroad
  Pre-departure Quiz.
1. Log into Northwestern’s Course Management System to enter the Study Abroad Pre-departure Quiz site.
2. Take the quiz (as many times as necessary) and score a passing grade of 90%.
• Attend the MANDATORY Pre-departure Orientation and submit your two required pre-departure forms at this meeting. Note: You will not receive official approval from Northwestern to study abroad unless you submit these forms. If you are going abroad for Spring quarter only on a Northwestern-run program administered by the Office of International Program Development, do not attend the general Pre-departure Orientation. You will attend a specific orientation run by IPD. They will contact you directly regarding the date and time.
• Read through the pre-departure information that your program sends you and take it with you abroad, along with Northwestern's Pre-departure Handbook. This important handbook offers tips and information on preparing for life abroad: packing, obtaining or renewing a passport, financial preparations, information on cultural adjustment, health and safety issues abroad, and much, much more!  We strongly recommend that you read this guide before departing and bring a copy with you so you can refer to it throughout your time abroad.  Please click here to download this guide now!
• Do not register yourself for classes at Northwestern for the term you’ll be abroad. The Study Abroad Office will register you for a study abroad placeholder course so you can retain your full-time status as an NU student.
• Make arrangements to get any necessary immunizations from Northwestern Travel Health Services or your doctor. Some require multiple visits over a period of a few months. For details, see Northwestern University Travel Health Services.
• Change your password via the Web to ensure that your NetID remains active the entire time you are abroad. (Passwords need to be changed every four months). You can do this by clicking here. Don't forget to write your password down so you don't forget it!
• If you have a non-Northwestern email account, forward all of your incoming mail to your Northwestern email account. You can do this here.
• Change your Ph information to your permanent/parent's address, so that offices on campus will send any important materials to this address. You can do this here.
• Pay any outstanding fees you may have from Student Accounts, Student Loans, or the library. If you don't, there will be a hold placed on your registration and you won't be able to register for Northwestern courses from abroad.
• Make two copies of your visa, passport, and other important documents. Keep one copy for yourself, and give another copy to your parents. It is important to have these on file in case you lose the originals!
• If you have questions about obtaining a student visa, contact your program office.
• Continue learning about your study abroad location. The more knowledgeable and prepared you are, the more you'll learn. Some suggestions:
• Email returnees (their names are on our program pages, or you can contact your program)
• Take a returnee out to coffee, courtesy of the Study Abroad Office! Stop by and pick up some vouchers (limited quantity available).
• Keep learning about your study abroad destination and about international events by attending study abroad events or other events on campus or in the community. See our calendar for some ideas.

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