Pre-Departure Orientation
Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation
All UHCL students (undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral) approved and committed for an education abroad program must attend a mandatory pre-departure orientation during the semester prior to the education abroad program.
Preparation is critical to students having a healthy and safe experience while abroad. The pre-departure orientation prepares you for some of the issues you may face while abroad and provides you the opportunity to meet with others going abroad.
Pre-Departure Orientation is only for students who have been accepted and committed to an education abroad program.
Examples of general topics covered include:
- Planning for departure
- Health, Safety, and Security
- Physical and Mental Health
- Immigration
- Social media and website dos and don'ts abroad
- Travel Packing and Logistics
- Cultural Adjustment
- Financial Considerations
- Identity Abroad
- Important UHCL procedures, such as enrollment, credits, transcripts, and UHCL Code of Conduct
- Guest speakers, when available, such as UHCL education abroad alums, current UHCL exchange students from foreign destinations, or host institutions.
- Q&A
UHCL Education Abroad Pre-departure Orientation Sessions
March 17, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Hybrid: Online via Zoom and in-person (Bayou Building, Room 1302)
March 20, 2025 at 12 p.m.
Online via Zoom
March 25, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Online via Zoom
March 28, 2025 at 12 p.m.
Online via Zoom
April 3, 2025 at 12 p.m.
Online via Zoom
April 7, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Hybrid: Online via Zoom and in-person (Bayou Building, Room 1302)
April 21, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Hybrid: Online via Zoom and in-person (Bayou Building, Room 1302)
April 23, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
Online via Zoom
May 5, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Online via Zoom
May 14, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Special Accommodations
Any person needing an accommodation for a disability in order to participate should contact Education Abroad at 281-283-2740 or educationabroad@uhcl.edu to arrange for the accommodation.
Site-Specific Orientation
Some education abroad programs require program-specific, pre-departure orientations in addition to the mandatory pre-departure orientation. This requirement applies to all UHCL faculty-led programs. Check with your program director or education abroad to ensure you attend the appropriate pre-departure orientation.
On-site Orientation
Most education abroad programs and exchanges provide on-site orientations with in-country staff or program directors. Ensure you arrive at your program destination in time for the on-site orientation. These orientations serve to introduce you to the new environment, help you adjust to your new home, and provide on-site resources and support.
Resources
U.S. Department of State Country-Specific Information - The U.S. government's information page on every country worldwide.
U.S. Department of Justice FBI Student Travel Resource (PDF) - Safety and Security for U.S. Students Traveling Abroad.