Pre-Departure Guide
This page is a resource to help you prepare for your study abroad program. We understand that you may have a lot of questions on your mind! The information below will answer many of them.
- If you have questions about how to make sure your credits transfer, please read these FAQs.
- Students and parents should read our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs. You’ll find a packing list, tons of tips, and what to plan for and what to expect when you study abroad.
- We also have a guidebook especially for parents: ASA Parent & Family Guidebook
- IMPORTANT: If you don’t have a passport yet, apply for one immediately by EXPEDITED SERVICE. If you have a passport, please check the expiration date. If it expires between now and 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad, you cannot travel with that passport and must have it renewed immediately.
Pre-Departure Guide - For All ASA Programs
ASA’s Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs is a MUST-READ! This guide is relevant to both students and parents and covers the following topics:
What to Pack (and what NOT to pack)
Money and Banking
Cell Phones
Voltage and Plug Adapters
Vaccinations
Bringing your Prescription Medication Abroad
Medical Care and Insurance
Culture Shock
Mental Health while Abroad
Safety
Site-Specific Pre-Departure Guides
These cover topics specific to each program location, such as Housing:
- Aberdeen, Scotland
- Aix-en-Provence, France
- Barcelona, Spain
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Dublin, Ireland (semester program)
- Dublin, Ireland (summer program)
- Florence, Italy
- London, England
- Madrid, Spain
- Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Newcastle, England (Newcastle University)
- Oxford, England
- Paros Island, Greece
- Rome, Italy
- San José, Costa Rica
- Sevilla, Spain
- Sorrento, Italy
- Viña del Mar, Chile
Parent & Family Guidebook
Parent and family support are a vital part of a successful study abroad experience. This guidebook addresses concerns that parents may have and offers best practices for helping launch their student on a life-changing experience! Explore ways parents can help students prepare and support them before, during, and after their study abroad experience. Click here for the Parent & Family Guidebook
Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Resources
At this link, you can find resources and support tailored to students from diverse backgrounds - first generation college students, racially and ethnically diverse students, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and more.
ASA Video Library
Check out ASA’s YouTube channel for helpful videos on a variety of topics, such as: Cell Phones, What to Pack, What NOT to Pack, Money, Jet Lag, Safety, and more.
Student Visa Information
(Applies To U.S. Passport Holders Only)
IMPORTANT! PLEASE DO NOT PLAN ANY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL DURING THE 3 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE START OF YOUR PROGRAM. IT COULD INTERFERE WITH YOUR VISA PROCESS. To get a visa, you typically have to leave your passport at the Consulate for 5-8 weeks.
- Argentina - Semester
- Argentina - Summer Programs - Visa is not required for U.S. passport holders attending program under 90 days
- Chile - Semester
- Chile - Summer Programs - Visa is not required for U.S. passport holders attending program under 90 days
- France – Semester
- France – Summer Programs – Visa is not required for U.S. passport holders attending program under 90 days
- Ireland - Semester or Academic Year at MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY
- Italy - Semester
- Italy – Summer Programs – Visa is not required for U.S. passport holders attending program under 90 days
- Netherlands - Semester
- The Netherlands - Summer Programs - Visa is not required for U.S. passport holders attending program under 90 days
- Spain - Semester or Academic Year
- Spain – Summer Programs – Visa is not required for U.S. passport holders attending program under 90 days
- United Kingdom - Semester Study, No Internship
- United Kingdom - Academic Year or Internship
*STUDENTS GOING TO SPAIN: ASA may be able to get your Student Visa FOR YOU if you live or study in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, or Vermont. Minimum number of sign-ups required. The additional fee for this service is $150. Full details will be sent to eligible students after they are accepted to the ASA program. If you do not live or study in the specific states listed above, you will need to apply for your visa on your own – ASA will send you detailed, helpful information about how to apply for your visa on your own after you are accepted.
Flight Booking Tips
Please wait to book a flight until you're accepted to the program and you receive an email from ASA with detailed arrival and departure instructions. This will ensure you don't miss any mandatory orientations, and help you arrive in time for our airport pick-up.
International Medical Insurance
(Included with all ASA Programs)
Financial Aid
Financial Aid Verification (FAV) If you’re planning to pay for the program with financial aid, please read our Financial Aid Guidelines
Download the Free Ultimate Study Abroad Roadmap!
Epic study abroad experiences don't just happen. To have a truly life-changing experience you need a plan - a roadmap. We can help.