Before (Pre-Departure)
I've decided to do an education abroad and away program and/or I've just applied for an education abroad and away program...now what?
This section has been designed to guide you through the various requirements you need to complete between making the decision to study abroad and getting on the plane to fly to your chosen destination. In this section you can find information on the following topics:
You will also be provided with pre-departure information on Health and Safety Abroad, Academics and Logistics, and Packing, Airports and Immigration Logistics through your online application with our office in the box labeled "Learning Content".
All students participating in Faculty-Led, Exchange, Spanish Language Abroad, and Education Abroad and Away Partner Programs are required to attend a Pre-Departure Orientation run by our office in October/November for spring semester programs, or March/April for summer, fall, and academic year programs. (Some faculty led programs may host their own pre-departure orientation). Attendance to a Pre-Departure Orientation is mandatory. Please watch our Newsfeed for exact orientation dates. Applicants will also receive email notices from our office announcing the orientation date, time and location. Finally, flyers with the orientation information will be posted around campus as well.
Why do we have to attend?
Pre-Departure Orientation provides an opportunity for applicants to meet other Minnesota State Mankato students going abroad or going to the same city/country/region. It also serves as a place to swap contact information for coordinating travel and to get advice from Minnesota State Mankato students who have already studied abroad. Finally, at the pre-departure orientation, Center for Global Engagement staff will share information on how to have a successful education abroad and away experience - from getting through airport security to making sure your credits transfer back properly to Minnesota State Mankato. Pre-Departure Orientations are a great opportunity to ask any additional or last-minute questions regarding your study abroad process.
