All students are required to attend a pre-departure orientation prior to leaving the USD campus. These pre-departure meeting dates and times are provided to students upon acceptance to the program. Information provided in these meetings includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Academics
- Activities/Excursions
- Arrival information
- Health & Safety
- Housing
- Program Logistics & Expectations
For questions regarding pre-departure orientations, please contact a USD Study Abroad Advisor.
In order to participate in a study abroad program, all students must have a valid passport. Passports should be valid for up to 6 months after the scheduled date of return from abroad. Students are advised to check their passport validity as soon as possible to ensure their passport is valid through this extended date. Those who have a passport that will expire prior to this extended date will need to obtain a new passport.
Obtaining a Passport
Students who do not have a passport or if their passport will expire prior to the extended date (see above), they should apply for a passport immediately. There are two recommended ways to obtain a passport:
Through an Authorized Passport Acceptance Facility
Students have the option to apply for a new passport through an authorized passport acceptance facility. For instructions on how to apply, visit the U.S. Department of State website. Before applying for a new passport through an authorized passport acceptance facility, students should first check the date of when they will need to have their valid passport in-hand. Students must have a valid passport in-hand at the time they apply for a visa. Based on this timeline, students may need to expedite their passport when applying through an authorized passport acceptance facility (for an additional fee).
Passport processing times can be found on the U.S. Department of State website. Be sure to check for processing times and plan to apply as early as possible.
Through a Department of State Passport Agency
Students who need to obtain their passport in less than 2-3 weeks are highly encouraged to apply at a local Department of State Passport Agency. Applying at a passport agency is an expedited service where passports can be generated in 5 days or less. The closest passport agencies are in downtown San Diego and in Los Angeles. Students need to make an appointment through the automated system (24 hours/7 days) by calling 1-877-487-2778 FREE.
Currently, passport agency processing is available only to those with international travel plans within 72 hours (3 business days).
Outgoing Students Going Abroad
Visa regulations vary from country to country. Visa requirements are based on each country's specific regulations and will vary depending on your citizenship. Your study abroad advisor will share visa information with you after you have been officially accepted to a program.
When applying for a student visa, materials must be presented to the consulate with jurisdiction over your USD or permanent address. In most cases, this needs to be done in person.
It is YOUR responsibility to ensure that you have the most recent information regarding student visa requirements for the consulate under whose jurisdiction you reside. Visa requirements are subject to change and may differ from consulate to consulate.
VISAS FOR SEMESTER PROGRAMS: Students studying abroad for a semester or longer are required to obtain a student visa. NOTE: U.S. citizens going to Ireland do not need student visas.
VISAS FOR SHORT-TERM (INTERSESSION/SUMMER) PROGRAMS: If you are not a U.S. citizen you MAY be required to obtain a visa to participate in a short-term program. For NON-U.S. CITIZENS: Please refer to the consulate website for the country where you will be studying to determine if you will need a student or tourist visa.
NOTE: If you appear at a consulate without all materials in order, you may be turned away. Remember, there is no legal right to a visa.
The USD International Center facilitates visas for students participating in the USD Madrid Semester Program. For information pertaining visas for the USD Madrid program, please contact the International Center.
Because checked bags may be lost/delayed, be sure to pack a few changes of clothes in your carry-on luggage. If your luggage is delayed, you will have enough clothing to last while you wait for your bags to arrive. As you prepare for departure, please keep the following in mind:
Luggage
- Be sure to check with your airline carrier regarding weight allowances for your carry-on and checked luggage
- One weekend bag for Travel Seminar (for USD Madrid Semester) and other overnight excursions
- Do not bring more than two checked bags - airlines now charge fees for checked luggage so be sure to verify if your airline has a luggage fee
Documents
- Passport (Verify your passport is valid for up to six months after return from term abroad)
- Airline ticket/confirmation information
- Arrival instructions (Provided by USD-what to do upon arrival, how to arrive to program housing)
- Housing information (address, phone number, map)
- University ID card
- Drivers license
- ACE/EuropAssist ID card
- Photocopies of documents (passports, front and back of debit/credit cards) - make a second set of copies and leave them with a friend or family member in the US
Clothing
- Clothing for layering- tank tops, shirts, sweaters, pants, shorts, skirts (depending on climate)
- General- socks, undergarments
- Comfortable walking shoes (note: high heels are not recommended)
- Flip-flops or slippers (it is not appropriate to walk around your home stay barefoot)
- Rain jacket
- Jacket or coat (depending on climate)
- Bathing suit (depending on climate)
- Scarves (depending on climate)
- Workout attire (if desired)
- Business attire (this may be required for guest speakers or company visits)
- Nice outfits for going out
Electronics
- Laptop & Charger
- Smartphone from US such as iphone or Droid (many students use these devices on wifi)
- Voltage converter
- Plug adapter
- USB drive
- Headphones
- Camera
- MP3/iPod
- Hair dryer (Note: Many students purchase a hairdryer upon arrival)
Academics
- Course textbook/reader (if applicable)
- Course materials (notebook, pens/pencils, etc.)
Wellness
- Medications to last you the entire trip (in original bottles with prescription labels)
- Copy of all prescriptions
- Vitamins
- Hand sanitizer/wipes
- Over the counter medications (Advil/Tylenol, Pepto Bismol, Cold & Flu medication)
- Mini first aid kit
Miscellaneous
- Purse with zipper to close
- Re-usable water bottle
- Ziplock bags
- Laundry detergent
- Umbrella
- Alarm clock (if not using cell phone)