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Getting Ready to Study Abroad

  1. Please check to make sure you have completed all of the documents on VIA-TRM such as your Course Equivalency Form, your Participation Agreement, your Cost of Attendance, your Emergency Contact List and so on.

  2. Double check the visa requirements for the country you are traveling to. Make sure you have the necessary visa documents. You are welcome to make an appointment with the Study Abroad Office but ultimately it is the student’s responsibility to secure the appropriate visa documents.

  3. Review recommended vaccinations. Visit the CDC Travelers’ Health website to check which vaccinations may be recommended for your destination.

  4. Locate healthcare providers abroad. Use the BCBS provider finder on their app to search for healthcare professionals worldwide.

  5. Understand local safety precautions. Research drinking water safety, common scams, and other potential risks at your destination.

  6. Familiarize yourself with cultural expectations. Learn about local customs, social norms, and appropriate behaviors to help you interact respectfully with the local community.

  7. Register on Via Travel at https://www.via-trm.com/

    1. Log in with your UNCA email.
    2. Click on the My Travel tab in the main navigation menu.
    3. Select My Plans and click + Create New Plan.
    4. Fill out the required general fields. Give your plan a clear, relevant title (ex. Spain Study Abroad Fall 2027) and click Save New Plan.

  8. Register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service offered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs for U.S. citizens and nationals who are traveling or living abroad.

    1. Visit the official Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) website.
    2. Create an account and fill in your personal information, including: name, email address, a secure password and one or two forms of authentication.
    3. Click on enroll and input your time abroad and add your personal information, document details and travel plans.
    4. Confirm and view your travel plans.

  9. Contact the Office of Study Abroad with any additional questions about how to prepare for your study abroad experience.