Double-check that you have:

1. been accepted by the program and confirmed your participation, and
2. received a letter of approval for off-campus studies from the Carleton OCS office.

• If you receive financial aid, notify the Office of Student Financial Services and provide the Business Office with billing schedules and addresses for non-Carleton programs.

• Attend pre-departure meetings and talk to students who have been on your program.

• Read the pre-departure manual from your specific program.

• Designate academic proxy and meet with your adviser to discuss courses for your return, if you will not be able to register on-line.

• Register your proxy for housing with Res Life before you leave campus.

• Pay all your bills and library fees.

• Get the International Student ID card at the OCS office, if needed.

• Pick up a S/CR/NC card from the Registrar's office before departure (if intending to "scrunch”).  Return it before the program's last day of classes.

• Update your passport. If necessary, get a visa. Be sure that one of your parents or guardians has a valid passport.

• Visit a travel clinic, complete health assessment form (if required), and get any required immunizations.

• Get extra glasses or contacts, solution, etc., and prescription medications (with documentation, if necessary).

• Find out about your health insurance coverage and buy travel insurance, if necessary

• Fortify your bank account, inform your bank that you will be travelling, and confirm that you can use your ATM card in your destination country.  Get a credit card, set aside some emergency cash to take with you. Credit cards or ATM cards based on a checking (not savings) account.

• Check that your camera works (or learn how to use it) and stock up on memory cards and batteries.

• Purchase an international cell phone or calling card to stay in touch with friends and family or set up a Skype account.