Pre-Departure

Pre-Departure Orientation:

If you are a student traveling on a university approved and/or funded trip it is required that you attend a pre-departure orientation session. This orientation is designed to help you in your personal, academic and administrative preparation for a successful trip abroad and it covers many important topics such as risk management, the International Travel Registry, Emergency Contact cards, dealing with culture shock, liability waivers and more. You will be asked to attend a pre-departure orientation in good time prior to your departure by the International Student and Study Abroad Centre.

Preparing to Go Guides & Pre-Departure Checklist:

Our Preparing to Go Guides offer valuable information to assist you in planning for your trip. They also provide advice on how to deal with culture shock and make the most out of your time abroad. After reading the Preparing to Go Guides, use the Pre-Departure Checklist to help you get ready for your trip abroad.

Preparing to Go Guides:

Preparing to Go Guide - is a great source of information for everyone who is planning on studying overseas.

Preparing to Go Guide - for all Study Abroad Students

To complement the general Preparing to Go Guide above, select your program-specific guide from the following list:

Pre-Departure Checklist:

Visit the Canadian Government Traveler's Checklist to help start planning your trip!

Things to consider before departing:

The key to smart traveling is to plan ahead. Make sure you have considered the following things before departing.

Passport and Travel Documents:

Make sure your passport is valid at least for the duration of your trip and 6 months after the estimated return date to Canada. You may also need additional travel documents to enter or stay in your destination country. Check our Preparing to Go Guides and voyage.gc.ca for more information about passports and country-specific visa requirements.

Travel Insurance:

It is very important that you get a travel insurance for your trip. Insurance can protect you and your belongings from the unexpected costs that may occur in case of an injury, illness or loss of your belongings. Read the Preparing to Go Guides for more information and get yourself protected.

Luggage:

Each airline has different rules and regulations. Many airlines have restrictions on the weight and number of luggage you can check-in. Become familiar with the airlines you are traveling with before your departure date to avoid any delays or additional fees.

Money:

Make sure you know how to access your money abroad and consider different options available to you. Be aware that the most common payment options in Canada are not always the best ways to carry money overseas.

Prescriptions and Medication:

It is a good idea to carry any medical records and prescriptions with you and in their original packages. This can help you at customs in and out of the country and in case you have to refill your prescription overseas. For more information about medication, refer to our Preparing to Go Guide - for all Study Abroad Students.

Useful Resources:

To get Essential Information for Canadian Travelers 2011/2012 read Bon Voyage, But... This booklet is provided to you by the Canadian Government and it offers valuable advice on what Canadian citizens should do if an emergency arises while traveling abroad.
Travel Cuts is a Travel Agency that specializes in Student Travels and is located on campus (Room 125, upper Place Riel, Phone: 306-975-3722, Email: Saskatoon@travelcuts.com). Travel Cuts can help you with travel planning, getting your ISIC (International Student Identity Card), find student deals on Rail passes, working abroad and volunteering abroad. Travel Cuts is not affiliated with the U of S.
The Public Health Agency of Canada provides information about different ways of staying healthy while overseas. Their resources include lists of suggested immunizations, up-to-date Travel Health Notices, and other health related information.
The International Travel Centre, brought to you by the Saskatoon Health Region, provides advice on travel medicine and vaccinations to protect you during your trip.

- Go Abroad