Education Abroad & Exchange - Before You Go

Studying abroad takes planning and organization. Please meet deadlines and be sure to ask your program advisor if you are unclear about forms and/or due dates.
Once you have been accepted to a program, please follow the checklist below to be ready to study abroad. Each program is different, so please consult your program advisor for more specifics.

Passport

If you don't have one already, apply for one as soon as possible. Passport Services. You can also pick up a form at the Amherst Center Post Office.

Financial Aid

All students who have loans, grants, waivers, or scholarships must attend ONE financial aid workshop before studying abroad.

Attend one Financial Aid Workshop
(dates will be posted online as well as in the Advising Center)
Submit the following to the Financial Aid Office at 255 Whitmore:
- Complete Budget Worksheet
- Estimate of Expenses
- Written estimate of airfare from travel agent or online travel website
- Copy of Acceptance Letter from IPO or Non-UMass program

Airline Tickets

Start researching flights so you can budget your money. STA Travel in the Campus Center offers student discounts. For good Internet resources, click here.

Apply for a Visa

Some countries require students to apply for a Visa. Check with your program advisor if you need to apply for a Visa.

Apply for Accommodations

In some programs, accommodations are separate and require a separate application. Be sure to check with your advisor if you need to apply for housing.

Arrange for Airport Pickup

Some universities arrange to have you picked up at the airport. Be sure to arrange this prior to your departure from the U.S.

Contact Info

Before leaving the U.S., make sure your family/friends have IPO contact information (phone, fax, address, email) as well as contact information at your international university.

UMass Housing

You need to withdraw your housing request for the semester/year you will be abroad, as well as apply for the semester you will return to UMass Amherst. Make sure you do this before the housing deadline, to avoid partial or no refund at all. Housing Services is located in 235 Whitmore, or call 413.545.2100 during normal business hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Last Semester Seniors

If you will be a last semester senior during your study abroad program, submit the "Senior Year in Absentia Form" to the Registrar's Office, 213 Whitmore, by the end of the semester.

UMass Programs

Pay Program Deposit to IPO

The deposit secures your spot in the study abroad program. The deposit is non-refundable, except in the unlikely event that you will be rejected from the overseas university.

UMass Amherst Forms to IPO:

All forms MUST be dropped off at 467 Hills South before the end of the semester in order to be "withdrawn on exchange."

Health Information Sheet
Dean of Students Release Form (signed)
Preliminary Registration Approval Form. Review with your academic advisor
Set up FERPA Waivers on SPIRE

Non-UMass Programs

In addition to the checklist listed above, you need to submit the following to IPO before you leave:

Non-UMass Conditions of Membership
Copy of Acceptance letter
Authorization to charge Education Abroad fee to your UMass Bursar's account