Published on Brock University (http://www.brocku.ca)
After Admission
Please note that the checklist below is intended as a guide only and should be used accordingly.
Research, research, research!
- Attend the pre-departure session hosted by International Services
- Read everything you can about the country you will be visiting and the school you will be studying at. You can find some basic information on our Partner Schools Information page, as well as on your school’s website. Other useful links include World Travel Guide.
- Talk to a Brock student who has previously gone to the same school on exchange
Host School Application
- Each school’s application process is different – make sure you meet the deadlines for applying for studies there
- Apply for residence if applicable, or other accommodation
- Receive and make copies of your Letter of Acceptance and Residence confirmation (if applicable)
Travel Details
- Obtain a student visa or other entry document
- Make your travel arrangements - book your flight, travel insurance, airport pick-up, etc.
- Check with your parents’ insurance company – it may cover your accommodation while overseas
Academic Details
- Submit your Course Approval Form to the Exchange Coordinator and register for courses at your host school
- Register in Brock courses for the semester before/after your exchange
Banking Details
- Pay Brock tuition as usual
- Apply for all the scholarships/bursaries you can! Read the SAFA Exchange website for more details.
- Sign a Power of Attorney form with someone you trust so they can pick up your OSAP loan from Brock on your behalf. (Form available on the SAFA Exchange website)
- Inform your banking / credit card companies of the time you will be out of the country
- Make a budget for your time away and arrange for emergency funds
- Arrange a bank draft to transfer your funds to a financial institution in the destination country or find out if you can use your current debit/credit cards while there
- Check to see if your bank has a partnership with banks in your host country (i.e. Scotiabank has a partnership with BNP in France, and Barclays in the UK and Spain)
Health and Safety Details
- Check with your host school to see if they have a mandatory insurance program. If not, ensure that your health insurance covers you beyond the basics that OHIP covers.
- Make sure your immunizations are up to date. Check the Public Health Agency of Canada for country-specific health considerations.
- Carry enough of your prescription medication with you to last you while away
- Know the name, address, and phone number of both the international office at your host institution and the nearest Canadian consulate
Don't Forget to Pack
- Backpack lock
- Bike lock (so you can lock your bag when on trains/in hostels)
- Convertors/Adapters
- Money belt
- Umbrella
- Look into where the tourism office is in each city you go to - you can usually get free city maps there
- Information needed in case your cards are lost/stolen so you can contact the right people
- Travel pillow (great for those train rides, but not necessary)
- Mini first aid kit
- Mini sewing kit
- Advil, etc
- Student ID (you may be able to get discounts when traveling)
- Travel towel (the kind made for backpacking - they are small and dry fast)
- Check the water situation in your host country. You way want to bring a Brita filter that goes right on the tap
- Pack light - you'll bring home more than you expect!
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