Preparing for Study Abroad

General Information Meetings
Throughout the academic year, general information meetings are conducted on the Tufts University campus for all students interested in studying abroad. Each meeting lasts about 40 minutes. The schedule for these meetings is listed here. It is mandatory for Tufts students to attend one of these meetings before studying abroad.

Program-Specific Information Meetings
Each year in the fall semester, an information meeting will be held for students interested in each of the Tufts Programs Abroad. In many cases, the resident directors visit the Tufts campus to talk to prospective applicants. Former participants and exchange students from the partner institution will also be present. These meetings will be announced on www.TuftsLife.com and the Calendar of Events on our website. Students are strongly urged to attend, in order to learn more about the countries and programs that interest them.

Study and Travel Abroad-related Websites
The following sites offer useful information to prepare you for your time abroad.
Glimpse
Lonely Planet
Abroad View Magazine
What's Up with Culture
U.S. Department of State- Travel Tips
U.S. Department of State- Students Abroad website
Transitions Abroad- Study Abroad

Student Evaluations
Each year, every Tufts student who has studied abroad is asked to fill out a program evaluation. These evaluations are on file in the resource library (and online through Abroad101.com), and students considering study abroad are urged to read them carefully. You can also talk to students who have recently returned from Tufts Programs Abroad; names and contact information of students are available in the Office of Tufts Programs Abroad.

Honors at Graduation
Students who think they might be eligible for degree honors at graduation (see Tufts Bulletin) should consider a Tufts program abroad. Grades earned on a Tufts program will count toward degree honors (cum laude, etc.); transfer credit will not.

Housing on the Tufts campus
Please read the Study Abroad Fact Sheet from the Office of Residential Life and Learning.

Health Issues and Study Abroad
Students who require ongoing medical care and those who take regular medications should read the Health and Study Abroad section.

Travel Agents
STA Travel offers comprehensive travel information and services especially for local-area college students. Contact them for information about their national and international branches:

STA Travel in Cambridge, MA:
65 Mt. Auburn Street
(617) 576-4623
For branches in other cities contact: STA Travel U.S.A.
(800) 781-4040
http://www.statravel.com

International Student ID Card (ISIC)
STA Travel can provide you with information about travel opportunities and obtaining an International Student ID. Check out their website or contact one of their many international branches.

Visas
In cases where a visa is required, e.g. study abroad in Australia, consult the program provider and/or the appropriate destination consulate office.

Passports
Applications for passports may be obtained and submitted at most local main post offices (e.g., Medford Square) or you may download an application at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html. It is recommended that applications for passports be made well in advance, but if you require a passport within fourteen days of travel, you may contact the Boston Passport Agency at: (877) 487-2778.

Graduate & Professional School Examinations
Admissions examinations for graduate and professional school are regularly administered abroad on the same dates as in the U.S.A. Students attending Tufts programs in the following cities can take the examinations in their city of foreign residence or a nearby location: