Augsburg Abroad - Pre-Departure Planning
After you have been admitted to a program, there are a number of important pre-departure forms to complete. While they may seem overwhelming to do -- especially while you finish your semester on-campus -- the forms are an important step for Augsburg Abroad and your program to make plans for your departure and study.
You will receive the Augsburg Abroad Pre-departure Packet to complete once you are admitted. Your program may also have additional pre-departure forms for you to complete.
Download the Pre-departure Checklist here
Passports
U.S. Citizens
If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one right away. You cannot apply for a visa (if required for your country of study) until you have a valid passport! Receiving a passport late can cause delay for visa applications and departure on your program.
If you already have a passport, be sure that it will be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date to the U.S. If not, you'll need to renew your passport now. Many airlines will not let you board, and some immigration officials may not let you enter their country on an almost expired passport.
To apply for or renew a U.S. passport or check passport processing times, visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/ or http://studentsabroad.state.gov.
To verify the status of your passport application, visit: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html
Non-U.S. Citizens (including Permanent Residents)
It is critical that you inform the Augsburg Abroad office as soon as possible if you are not a U.S. citizen. The visa processing timeline and/or visa requirements may differ depending on your nationality. Be sure to verify with the embassy or consulate of your country of study the specific requirements for your nationality.
Visas
Depending on your country of study, you may be required to obtain a visa. A visa is an official stamp placed in your passport that is issued by a foreign government and which formally allows you to visit. Check with your program and the nearest embassy or consulate of your country of study for the latest visa requirements and processing times.
To search for the nearest embassy or consulate for your country of study, visit: http://www.embassiesabroad.com/.
Registration
You will be registered at Augsburg during your term off-campus. Augsburg Abroad registers all students once they have submitted a Credit Agreement form by the stated deadline (not needed for International Partners students). Students on Center for Global Education and International Partners programs are registered by those programs.
Program Payment
Your program fees and costs will be charged directly to your Augsburg student account. A program invoice from Augsburg Abroad will be sent to you prior to your departure. You are responsible for paying the program balance minus your financial aid amount before you leave. Payment plans are not available.
Housing
If you wish to have Augsburg housing upon your return to campus:
- Go through the housing lottery if you are still waiting on acceptance from your program. Contact Cindy Rowe in the Residential Life office at x1488 or rowe@augsburg.edu for assistance.
- If you are returning spring semester, contact Cindy Rowe in the Residential Life office for forms to complete and assistance. These must be completed by November 1st at the latest in order to be considered.
Pre-Departure Orientation
Augsburg Abroad will notify you of the required pre-departure orientation session. There, we will discuss logistical issues related to your study abroad planning and introduce you to important cultural adjustment issues.
Graduation
If you will be a graduating senior accepted to study abroad, remember to apply for graduation before you leave or immediately upon your return. Contact the Registrar’s Office for assistance.
