THINGS TO DO BEFORE GOING ABROAD
Before you can board a plane and start your study
abroad adventure, there are some formalities you will
need to take care of. The earlier you start thinking
about the things you need, the smoother your preparations
will go. This list will help you consider some of
the things you will have to do.
Obtaining a Visa
Upon receipt of the form I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-
2019 (for J-1 exchange students) you can apply for your
student visa. It is wise to schedule an appointment with
the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country as soon
as possible as sometimes there are no appointments
available for weeks. You should also give yourself some
time to prepare for your visit to the U.S. embassy or
consulate. Visa procedures vary from country to country.
Make sure to check the website of the embassy or
consulate in your country to find out what documents you need to bring. Document
you certainly need include: (1) a current, valid passport; (2) your I-20 or DS-2019
form; (3) evidence of financial support for the duration of time you will spend in the
US; (4) proof that you have a permanent residence outside the US; (5) one or more
passport pictures meeting U.S. requirements; (6) a nonimmigrant visa application.
Medical Insurance
HWS Colleges require that all students buy the medical insurance provided by
the colleges. All J-1 student-visa holders (that is, all exchange students) are also
required by U.S. law to have their own medical insurance. While F-2 students are
covered by the Colleges medical insurance you might nevertheless consider buying
additional medical coverage.
Important Documents
You need to bring all important documents relating to your legal, medical, and academic
history with you. Such documents might include medical and dental records,
certificates of immunizations, information about medical conditions and treatments,
prescriptions for medication and eyeglasses or contact lenses, and official transcripts
from secondary school and college. Make sure you photocopy all documents and
leave some copies with a person you trust in your home country. It is also helpful to
translate these documents into English before you leave your home country.