- What is covered at the program pre-departure orientations?
- I don’t have a passport, what should I do?
- When should I purchase my airfare?
- I have never left the United States nor have I flown on a plane. Will other students be on my flight?
- Do I have to make my own travel arrangements?
- Will there be someone to meet me at the airport?
- Where am I going to live?
- Can I arrive early or stay later than the program dates?
- How should I pack for my program?
- How do I register for classes?
What is covered at the program pre-departure orientations?
Most pre-departure orientations will be an overview of the program, payment schedules and policies, course registration in Howdy and other administrative issues. Often, faculty members will be present at the pre-departure meetings and will discuss the course requirements, in-country program details and their expectations as faculty while students are abroad, and they will also be available for questions.
I don’t have a passport. What should I do?
Texas A&M University has a passport facility on campus, which can help you with obtaining a passport for the first time as a U.S. citizen.
When should I purchase my airfare?
We ask that you do not purchase any airfare until you have been contacted by our office with specific flight information. Our office will send this information to students in time for them to purchase airfare.
I have never left the United States, nor have I flown on a plane. Will other students be on my flight?
We have quite a few first-time travelers and that is okay! Students will meet each other at pre-departure orientations and will have a chance to find air travel where they can be on the same flight. Often, students in the same program will coordinate with their peers for arrival and departure schedules that allow them to use taxis, airport shuttles, trains or other modes of transportation together. Our office is always happy to help students look for flights, but we do not endorse any particular airline. We can look at flight options to ensure students arrive during the time frame they are given at their mandatory orientations.
Do I have to make my own travel arrangements?
In most cases, you will have the flexibility to arrange your own airfare. Students are provided with arrival and departure dates as well as information on where they should plan to arrive for their program. We typically give students this information prior to or shortly after program orientations.
Will there be someone to meet me at the airport?
It depends on the program and how the logistics are set up. Some programs will have transportation prearranged on the arrival and departure dates and others will not. This information is covered at the mandatory pre-departure orientations. Oftentimes students on the same program will coordinate with their peers for arrival and departure schedules that allow them to use taxis, airport shuttles, trains or other modes of transportation together.
It depends on the program. Some programs are in partner university dorms, or in hotels or hostels procured through our office. Program lodging is included in the program price. The majority of programs do not allow students to set up their own lodging since they travel as a group. Semester exchanges may offer different accommodation experiences depending on the partner university.
Can I arrive early or stay later than the program dates?
Students are welcome to arrive early to a country or stay later after the program ends depending on entry and exit requirements. Our office does not make travel arrangements for students outside of the program start and end dates. Students should note that our office is not responsible in any way for students before or after our programs while abroad.
How should I pack for my program?
We will address what you should bring with you at your mandatory program orientation. Orientation slides will be posted to your Education Abroad portal on your “Documents” tab.
How do I register for classes?
Registration should be the same process as registering for courses on campus. Sometimes the courses may not open in Howdy during early registration. Students will be notified of the course number when it becomes available.