Getting Ready to Leave for Study Abroad: The Stanford Student Checklist
Students with dreams of combining international travel with furthering their education will find the perfect solution if they happen to be enrolled at Stanford University. The Bing Overseas Studies Program was designed specifically to introduce and encourage its students to explore the world around them within an academic setting.
The first step towards getting involved in the Bing Overseas Studies Program is to set up an appointment with one of the program advisors. Then of course there are the requirements that must be met, followed by completing the application process and paying for the trip. Once a student has chosen their destination and receives the green light, it’s just a matter of time before making the transition from “home” to the host country.
Australia is one of the popular choices Stanford students in the study abroad program get to pick from. With wonderful weather, a multicultural society, plenty of attractions and a naturally breathtaking environment, foreign exchange students may find it difficult to go back home. Those that have never been to Australia would be better served by doing research to figure out how to prepare for the journey and their stay, especially when it comes to clothing and personal items that are appropriate for the season.
Living in Australia during the summer months means exposure to excessive heat. The good thing about this—as far as packing goes—is that students will have a much easier time fitting clothing items that don’t take up much space in their suitcases (shorts, dresses, t-shirts, sandals, hats, etc.). Planning on visiting hot spots like Jervis Bay ? Then be prepared to invest in plenty of sunscreen. The UV rays are at its strongest in Australia due to the thinning of the ozone layer in this part of the world, calling for the most diligent sun care.
The attention to sun care is also important when opting for locations like Batemans Bay . Although there are villages and other trails students could explore aside from its coastline beaches, any time spent outdoors in direct sunlight calls for protection from sunburn and increased risk for skin cancer. The same goes for trips to Wollongong, known for its laundry list of water sports like sailing, fishing, water skiing and canoeing.
However, before students get to this part of the trip, there are some important checklist items that need to be crossed off before leaving campus. First and foremost, participants in the Bing Overseas Studies Program must have a valid passport and are responsible for booking their own flights and other related travel arrangements.
Students living in the dorms must complete and submit a special form, stating their absence from the housing facilities for the term, as well as inform advisors and professors of their plans to study abroad. Any bills/payments due to the university need to be paid in full before leaving and students will also want to double check that their vaccinations are up to date in order to be cleared to travel and enter another country.