Steps to Study Abroad Workshops 1. Attend one of many study abroad workshops offered each quarter. http://www.evergreen.edu/advising/Workshops/advisingworkshops.htm 2. Research programs of interest in the catalog and through the website. 3. Schedule an appointment with the Coordinator of International Programs to discuss specific interests. [email protected] or 360-867-6312 4. Confirm your country of interest is not on the U.S. State Department Travel Warning list. http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html 5. Confirm you are medically permitted to enter the country. Some countries restrict entry of persons with HIV, SARS, TB, etc., or require clearance tests. Academic Programs 1. Determine whether you can realistically participate in the overseas portion of the program. Will you do alternative work while here, or plan to enroll in another program? 2. Complete any in-program application and medical forms for the program. 3. Adhere closely to any required deadlines for steps in the process. 4. Pay all application fees, deposits, and final payments by the required deadlines. 5. Pay close attention to passport, visa, and immunization requirements. 6. Attend all pre-departure orientation meetings. Approved Partner Programs 1. Know your application deadlines. The sooner you apply, the more choices you have. 2. Complete application on-line or using paper forms. Bring a copy to the Coordinator for your Evergreen file. 3. If your partner program requires an Approval Form, bring this to the Coordinator to complete. 4. Send official, sealed transcripts from Evergreen and other schools. Allow two weeks or more for Evergreen transcripts. These cost $1.00 a page up to $10.00. 5. Obtain and send any required faculty letters of recommendation. Faculty sometimes send these directly. 6. Visualize your acceptance letter! Individual Learning Contracts 1. Formulate your ideas for an academic learning contract through your own research, and discussions with faculty, academic advisors, staff, and peers. Contracts range from 2 to 16 credits. 2. Consider incorporating language institutes or other short term study programs into your contract as Subcontractors. These can provide structure in study, housing and community. 3. Simultaneously seek out an appropriate faculty sponsor for your contract. Utilize past faculty you’ve had, faculty recommendations, the quarterlyContract Pool, and the Faculty by Subject Directory to identify the best individual. 4. Complete the Individual Learning Contract Form. 5. Meet with faculty and/or an academic advisor for possible revisions. 6. Obtain needed signatures only after all needed revisions are made. 7. Visit the Dean of International Studies in the Academic Deans Office to discuss and obtain final approval of your contract. Bring your completed contract and Travel Waiver. See Registering below. 8. Of course, begin making arrangements for travel, housing, books, passports, visas, and immunizations as soon as your decision is firm. Internship Contracts 1. Research possible internship placements overseas through faculty and personal connections, internet resources, International Programs resources, the Evergreen CODA database, and peer experiences. 2. Contact overseas directors of organizations to discuss internship possibilities. Be sure to get names, titles, address, phone, and e-mail information, and to clarify roles and responsibilities. 3. Consider adding academic study components to your internship contract to enhance your preparation and learning. 4. Complete the Internship Contract Form 5. Continue with Steps 3 through 8 under Learning Contracts above Passports 1. Obtain passport photos. If you will need photos for other purposes, such as student ID’s for discounts, it’s worth it to get extras at the same time. Photoland on campus, Kit’s Camera, Kinkos all have passport photo services. 2. New passports cost $97 and can take 4 to 6 weeks. Renewal passports cost $67 and can take from 4 to 6 weeks. For expedited service, add $60 to receive a passport within 2 weeks. (Updated 1-1-06) 3. Passport applications are available at the U.S. Post Office, 900 Jefferson St, or Thurston County Clerk’s Office, 2000 Lakeridge Ave. 4. Current passports must be valid 6 months beyond your entry date to another country. 5. Complete passport regulations are available at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/. 6. After 12-31-06 all travelers to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, and Mexico will need a passport for entry and re-entry via air travel. 7. After 12-31-07 all travelers to Canada and Mexico will need a passport for entry and re-entry via land crossings and sea arrival. Visas 1. You may or may not need a visa for the length or type of study you are planning. 2. Understand visa requirements according to the U.S. State Department Consular Information Pages: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html 3. Understand visas requirements according to embassy websites: http://www.escapeartist.com/embassy1/embassy1.htm4. Once accepted into a consortium program or an Evergreen academic program, you will be aided by staff in securing visas. Observe timelines closely. 5. Visas can take up to a month to obtain. 6. Independent agencies can sometimes expedite the process for a fee, though there is no guarantee of success. 7. Some countries require a negative HIV test as part of the visa application process. 8. Visa regulations are undergoing dramatic changes worldwide due to homeland security concerns. Please check embassy websites often for visa updates.Financial Aid 1. To apply for financial aid, speak with the Financial Aid Office, or research the steps on the web: http://www.evergreen.edu/financialaid/howtoapply.htm 2. If you already have financial aid, you may apply for additional loan support due to the extra expenses associated with study abroad. 3. Complete an Additional Expenses Form at least 6-8 weeks in advance. 4. Include a letter of explanation. 5. Include documentation of your approval to participate in a study abroad program. 6. Include web-based or other documentation of expenses, selecting estimates slightly above average to account for inflation. For academic programs, this may be on file in Financial Aid. 7. Consider airfare, in-country transportation, tuition costs, books, supplies, admission fees for field trips, passport and visa costs,