In order for you to feel prepared for your international experience, UC International Programs requires all students that go abroad for any academic experience (study abroad, international co-op, international service-learning, etc) to attend a mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation.  During this pre-departure orientation you will learn important health and safety information so you know what you need to know before you go so you can have the best possible international experience. 

If you are studying abroad with a UC faculty-led program or group, contact your program director to see when your pre-departure orientation is scheduled.  If not, just contact us (link that to our global@uc.edu email) at least two weeks prior to your departure date to schedule your pre-departure orientation. 

This page will help you learn more about what our Pre-departure orientation entails, including information to purchase an International Student ID Card (ISIC), our emergency contact information, general travel websites, and you can even download a full copy of our Know Before You Go Pre-Departure Orientation Guide. 

Pre-Departure Orientation & Guide

Pre-departure Orientation is the process we use to help prepare students for their study abroad experience. The orientation addresses safety abroad, emergency procedures, and provides emergency contact information for both students and parents.

International Student ID Card (ISIC)

The International Student Identity Card is endorsed by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization or UNESCO. The International Student Identity Card or ISIC (pronounced, eye'zic) was initiated to give traveling students a document that would be readily accepted worldwide as proof of their student status.

Responsible Education Abroad

In study abroad, as in other settings, participants can have a major impact on their own health and safety through the decisions they make before and during their program and by their day-to-day choices and behaviors. These statements of good practice have been developed to provide guidance to students participating in Education Abroad programs.

Staying in Touch

Being in another country can be frustrating when it comes to staying in touch with family and friends. Here are a few tips.

Useful Web Sites

Find information about passports, visas, currency exchange, finding airline tickets, popular international magazines, travel advisories, world time zone information, and global climate information using these useful web sites.