Go

These resources are primarily for students planning to do a semester or summer provider program off-campus, though there are also helpful suggestions for students planning to do a May, June, or July term program. Students planning for a May, June, or July term should check in with their faculty leader for specific preparations for their program.

PREPARE TO GO

You’ve completed your applications and have been accepted into your off-campus study program. Now’s the time to prepare for your trip and head out.

ATTEND ORIENTATION SESSIONS

First, all students who study off-campus through Hope College are required to attend a mandatory orientation as scheduled by the Center for Global Engagement. You will receive information about date, time, and location via email after you have been approved to study off-campus. 

Many providers provide a virtual orientation prior to leaving for your program. All programs will host an on-site orientation once you arrive in your host city. You will receive more detailed information from your program about its orientation once you have been accepted.

CHECK THAT YOUR PASSPORT IS UP TO DATE

Your passport should be valid for up to six months after your travel dates. If your passport will expire soon, or if you don't yet have a passport, we recommend applying as soon as possible. Passports can take up to 11 weeks to process. For more information about how to apply for a passport or renew your passport, visit the City of Holland’s website or the US State Department website.

CHECK IF YOU NEED A VISA

Your program provider will advise you about visa requirements. Be sure to read all the material your program sends you. If you have questions about visa requirements, contact your program.

READ THE OFF-CAMPUS STUDY HANDBOOK

The Off-Campus Study Handbook provides information to help you prepare for your experience off-campus. The handbook is reviewed with you during the required Off-Campus Study orientation session. A link to this handbook is also shared with a parent/guardian that you identify.

COMPLETE REMAINING REQUIREMENTS IN TRAVEL.HOPE.EDU

Now that you've been approved to study abroad, log back onto your application in travel.hope.edu and complete the remaining requirements. You will be unable to officially register for your program until this is complete.

PREPARE A BUDGET

Preparing a budget in advance helps ensure you have a productive and worry-free trip off-campus. Make sure you understand how the finances and billing for your off-campus program will work. Take a look at our budget worksheet for guidance to make sure you are well-prepared.

CHECK YOUR HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

The Hope Health Center is here to assist you in preparing for your trip! Visit the Hope Health Clinic Travel Information page for more details and how you should prepare. 

If you have questions about vaccines and immunizations, you can complete the “Travel Report Request” in your patient portal under the Forms Tab. A nurse will provide you with a detailed travel report and notify you of what immunizations you may be in need of.

If you are in need of a physical for your program, the Health Clinic can fill out your physical form (appointments available on a limited basis). Please note that your HopeHealth insurance will not cover the cost of the physical; payment is expected upfront. 

Do you take prescription or over-the-counter medications? If so, check to see if those medications are legal in your host country. For example, some ADD medications are not legal in other countries. Research your medications and consult your doctor if you need to make another plan. It’s recommended to bring enough of your medications to last the full length of your program. Work with your doctor and pharmacist to get the right supply.

FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOUR PROVIDER

Once you've been accepted by your program provider to study off-campus, it is vital that you read all materials they send you and respond to their requests in a timely manner. Your provider will give you information about applying for a student visa (if needed), selecting courses and housing, paying your program deposit, and arranging your arrival in the host city.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

• US State Department Travel Resources: Learn about your travel destination, and read tips for health and safety abroad.
• Notary Information: 
• If you need a notary for your visa application, there are a few staff members on campus who are notaries and can notarize a document for you. Reach out to them to set up an appointment.
• Cameron Butler in Business Services 
• Kristen Kernstock in the Registrar’s Office
• Holli Overbeek in Business Services 
• You can also reach out to your local bank branch or postal service to see if they have notary services (often for a small fee), or you can use the State of Michigan Notary Public online search tool to find a notary. 
• Remember:
• A valid photo ID is required for all signing parties (ex: driver's license or passport).
• Do not sign documents before your appointment. Handwritten signatures must be witnessed.

PREPARE TO STUDY

CHOOSE YOUR COURSES

Students must maintain their status as a full time student by taking 12-18 credits during their semester off-campus. Most students take 15–16 credit hours. Students usually take a variety of courses including some that will meet Anchor Plan and elective requirements, as well as courses specific to their major and minor.

GET COURSE APPROVALS

Credits you earn off-campus count as Hope College credits and appear on your transcript. To make sure your credits are counted for the appropriate major, minor, or Anchor Plan requirements, complete the Course Approval Form through the Registrar’s Office. 

• For major/minor credit, be sure to talk to the appropriate advisor to find equivalent courses. The Course Approval Form will need to be signed by the department chairperson from your academic department. 
• For Anchor Plan credit, this form should be signed by the Registrar. 

Many program providers have course syllabi available on their websites, and we encourage you to share the course syllabi with your faculty as you get course approvals.

DOUBLE-UP CREDITS IF YOU CAN

Some courses taken off-campus may count towards both your Anchor Plan requirement and your major/minor. This is most common for students earning a double major or minor in a second language. For example, if you study in Paris and take an art history course that’s taught in French, the course could meet the Human Creative Perspectives requirement for the Anchor Plan AND count toward a major or minor in French.

PREPARE FOR THE EXPERIENCE

RESEARCH YOUR DESTINATION

Read up on your new home away from home. Knowing about your host country’s culture, history, politics, food, language, and customs will allow you to appreciate your experience even more. Not only will it help you prepare for your time off-campus, but it will display a sense of awareness and intentionality when you arrive in your new city.

PACK

You will be given a packing list from your program provider. Think about what you should bring with you and what you should purchase in-country. For example, if there are specific beauty products you use or natural hair care products,bring enough to last for your whole program. Keep in mind what the weather will be like throughout your semester and pack appropriately for all seasons!

READ ABOUT OTHER’S EXPERIENCES

Take a look at what other students are experiencing off-campus on the Hope Off-Campus Study Student blog. Perhaps you’ll get ideas for your own semester! You’ll be able to learn from other students’ joys and pains as they navigate a new place.

THINK ABOUT YOUR IDENTITY

Your identity is made up of your race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic background, religion, and so much more. You may be perceived differently in another cultural context. Check out these helpful resources to think about how your identity impacts your experience off-campus:

• CIEE: City-Specific Resources
• IES Abroad: Social Identity Resources and Country-Specific Resources
• SIT Study Abroad: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources
• TEAN: Student Identity and Support

SOAK IT IN

While you’re off-campus, be sure to think of these things:

HAVE AN OPEN MIND

Be open to new experiences! Say yes and step outside of your comfort zone. Make sure to fully immerse yourself in your new country — this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

PRIORITIZE MENTAL HEALTH

Keep up the same healthy habits you use at home when it comes to exercise, sleep, and eating healthy. Take time for yourself and stay connected to people back home. If you are struggling, reach out to your program provider for local resources (even destinations abroad have English-speaking counselors).

GET INVOLVED

Are you in choir or orchestra? Do you love to hike, workout, or find the flow in yoga? Perhaps you’re passionate about urban gardening? Find local clubs and organizations that allow you to meet others who share your passions and interests.

PREPARE TO RETURN

As your trip winds down, be prepared for reverse culture shock and know it might take some adjusting to get used to life back at home. Make sure to look ahead to our Reflect page and think about your role as an off-campus study returnee.

PREPARE FOR NEXT SEMESTER

Don’t forget to register for next semester’s courses or set up housing! Make sure you’re all set for arrival back on Hope’s campus after your off-campus study program. You can find more information about how to do this in the Off-Campus Study Handbook.