Before You Leave

  • Review these travel abroad resources
  • Register with the U-M Student Travel Registry. This is required for all University-related travel.
  • See if U-M has any travel warnings/restrictions or the U.S State Department has any travel advisories for the country/countries you are visiting.
  • Meet with a general academic advisor and/or your concentration advisor to see how your study abroad program will fit in with your program of study at U-M.
    • If you’ll need to register for classes for the next term while abroad, contact the Registrar’s Office in regards to obtaining a registration date for classes for the next U-M semester after you return.
  • Consider terminating any housing/meal contracts and leave a forwarding address.
  • Obtain a passport and ensure it will be valid for at least 6 months beyond the expected stay abroad
    • Take a photocopy of the signature and photo page of your passport, visa, and other important documents for ease in replacing them if lost or stolen. Email this to yourself and pack a copy in a secure place separate from your passport.
    • Leave a photocopy of these items with a close friend or family member who could send it to you in case of emergency.
  • Check with your program and/or the consulate of your host country to see if you will need to apply for a student visa.
  • Purchase U-M Travel Abroad Health Insurance (included when studying abroad through a U-M program, but also recommended for non-UM programs).