Classes ended more than a month ago for Diana Thomas, a junior in marketing, but she is still busy doing research and working on papers. Thomas spent July filling out, filing and double-checking paperwork.
She is making sure everything is in order for Aug. 25 when she departs for Italy to study for fall quarter. Thomas is one of many Ohio State students who take advantage of the opportunities to experience and travel to other countries through study abroad programs.
There are many preparations that students need to make before they embark on their travels outside of the country. Students should start gathering information about programs early.
"We try to encourage students who are interested in studying abroad to start looking as freshman," said Grace Johnson, study abroad assistant director.
Early planning helps students prepare financially and academically, she said.
"I would say students should start looking into programs at least a year in advance to make sure their finances are in order," said Karen Sobul, program coordinator for the OSU foreign language center.
The cost of studying abroad depends on the length and program a student chooses. On average the cost of studying abroad for a semester is $9,000 plus the cost of plane tickets and spending money. Looking into programs early allows students to see what resources are available, such as fellowships and grants.
"They may think they can't afford to study abroad, but they just have not taken the time to look," said Sobul.
All students traveling abroad are required to have a passport and should apply early. Because of new government regulations for people traveling to Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean, the wait time for passports has increased. Some students traveling abroad this summer did not anticipate how long it would take.
"This summer several students cut the deadline pretty close," said Rachel Sanabria, academic adviser and departmental coordinator for study abroad.
She said one student did not receive her passport until two days before she left.
Students are advised to apply for passports even if they are not traveling anytime soon.
"Students should go ahead and get their passport ahead of time, even if they are just thinking about studying abroad, so they won't feel rushed," Sobul said.
In addition to passports, some countries require students to have a visa. To obtain a visa students must have a passport. To apply for a visa students go through a consulate or the embassy. The amount of time it takes to be approved for a visa depends on the country a student is visiting but usually takes about three to six weeks, Sobul said.
In the months before departing, students should make sure they have everything in order.
"We give all students a study-abroad booklet, which includes a pre-departure checklist," Johnson said.
The checklist includes many of the things Thomas has been doing this past month.
"I have been trying to get everything ready for when I leave," Thomas said, "Like making sure my classes will transfer, I have a contact list in cases of emergencies and that I will have the right healthcare I need when living in Italy."
Also, Thomas said she thinks her camera will be the most important item she brings with her.
As far as what else she should bring, other students and administrators say an open mind is most important.
"The No. 1 thing to bring with you when studying abroad is an open mind," said Jocyline Wantsala, a senior in speech and hearing science.
"You never know what you will see or be faced with once you leave the OSU bubble," she said.
Katie Swanson can be reached at swanson.148@osu.edu.
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