Preparing for Study Abroad: Information and Resources

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 required 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
Abroad View Magazine
What's Up with Culture
Let's Go
Lonely Planet
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 provide feedback on their experience. Student evaluations are available through Abroad101.com and in the Dowling Hall resource library. 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. Disclaimer: As with other sites supporting user-generated content, Abroad101 publishes student feedback on study abroad programs that are strictly the individual views and experiences of those students. Neither Tufts University nor the Office of Programs Abroad claims responsibility for the views expressed by these students or for the language used to express such views. Please bear in mind that experiences will vary by student according to his or her preparation and/or goals. Please also note that Abroad101 publishes student feedback on a wide range of study abroad programs, some of which are not on Tufts' recommended list. The Office of Programs Abroad reminds Tufts students to consult the recommended list before researching programs.

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.

Health Issues and Study Abroad
Students who require ongoing physical and mental health care and those who take medications on a regular basis should read the Health and Study Abroad section in the FAQs.

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:

Travel Resources

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
STA-Cambridge website
For branches in other cities contact: STA Travel U.S.A.
(800) 781-4040

International Student ID Card (ISIC)
STA Travel can provide you with information about obtaining an International Student ID, which allows access to special discounts on travel, accommodations, sightseeing, and shopping abroad. Check out STA's website or contact one of their many international branches for more information.

Visas
In many cases, a visa will be required by the host country in order for you to undertake a course of study there. Consult the study abroad program provider and then, if necessary, the host country's consulate office. Further information regarding visas can be found here.

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.

"Students Abroad" Website
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs manages a website which provides a wide range of information and resources for student travelers abroad.