Pre-Departure Checklist:

1. Visit Financial Aid to arrange for transfer of all applicable grants and loans.
2. Visit Admissions to discuss transfer of study abroad credits to UMass Boston when you return.
3. Make an appointment with the study abroad coordinator for an exit interview.
4. As of January 23, 2007, EVERYONE, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda must have a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or Alien Registration Card.
5. For safety, carry traveler’s checks (record numbers and keep the information separate from the traveler’s checks), credit card for emergency use, and an international calling card.
6. If you don’t speak the language of the country you’ll be living in, study a few basics before you go. Get a pocket-sized phrasebook and two-way dictionary to carry with you. Learn the phonetics of the language so you can pronounce words and phrases reasonably well. Memorize a handful of must-have phrases: various greetings and leave-takings as well as please, thank you, where are the toilets, do you have any..., how much is/are.., etc.
7. Don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure, curiosity, openness, sense of humor, flexibility, and readiness for the unexpected. And don’t forget to have fun!

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