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Where to Start - Students

Students are at the heart of our organization and inspire us daily with their commitment to becoming global citizens. Most of the pre-departure preparation, emails, and tasks will be exchanged between USAC and the student. Direct communication prepares the student to handle their international journey with independence and adaptability.

The student is responsible for informing their family and supporters about the details of the process. While their responsibilities may seem daunting, the USAC process provides students with room to nurture their confidence and problem-solving skills.

Students’ academic responsibilities will be mostly the same once they’re abroad, but anticipate that they will need time to adjust to the local culture.

Student role
  • Stay organized with pre-departure tasks, forms, and processes.
  • Ask questions of USAC program advisors and staff when clarification is needed.
  • Meet USAC, consulate, and university deadlines.
  • Complete all USAC pre-departure tasks before going abroad.
Student and home university role
  • Discuss student’s goals and expectations for study abroad.
  • Work together on home university requirements to study abroad (if applicable).
  • Review student’s academic requirements and choose study abroad course options with home university advisor.
  • Discuss student’s financial situation (billing, financial aid, scholarships, etc.) with home university study abroad office and/or financial aid office.
Student and family and supporters role
  • Discuss the student’s goals, plans, and needs.
  • Discuss financial planning.
  • Set a schedule to review pre-departure needs.
  • Plan extracurricular trips, outings, and adventures.
  • Shop and pack for traveling and living overseas.
  • Create a communication plan for keeping in touch while abroad.
Student and USAC role
  • Discuss the expectations of students and USAC.
  • Review course selections to ensure minimum requirements are met.
  • Understand what payments need to be made to USAC vs. their home university.
  • Work through the USAC program onboarding process together.
Everyone's role
  • Let the student lead the communication.
  • Anticipate challenges and solutions to culture shock.
  • Have a successful study abroad experience!