Step 7: Pre-Departure

You're on your way to Study Abroad! Now, get started on the pre-departure process! Review important resources on our website related to everything from academics to culture, passports/visas, health and safety and more. 

Feel free to share these resources with your parent/guardian.

Program Specific Pre-Departure Guides

Course Approval Database

General Education Credit

Passports/Visas/Flights

Health and Safety

Identity Abroad

Parent Resources

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Login to GVSU Study Abroad Application Portal

This page walks you through the steps to get your study abroad classes approved for GVSU credit. It explains how to use the Course Equivalency Database, request new approvals, and ensure your courses fit into your degree plan. 

Course Approval Database

Pre-Approved Course Equivalencies

This page explains which General Education courses you can get credit for while studying abroad and how they can count toward your degree. It's a great resource to help you figure out how stay on track academically while studying abroad —be sure to read it as you plan your study abroad journey.

General Education Credit

All students will need a passport to study abroad. If you are unsure if your program requires that you obtain a visa or purchase your own flight, that will be explained in the resource linked below.

Depending on the type of program you choose, you may have additional help outside of PIC with your visa. In the end, it is your responsibility to be prepared and to obtain your passport and visa for your program.

Learn more on our resource below, which directs students based on the host country for their program.

Passport, Visas, and Flights Guide

Before you go abroad, it’s essential to understand how to stay safe and healthy while you're away and how you can prepare for this before you go. This page provides important information about health insurance, emergency procedures, travel alerts, and steps GVSU takes to support your well-being overseas. Reviewing this page will help you prepare for a safe, informed, and successful experience abroad.

This information is vital, so be intentional as you review the Health and Safety resources.

Health and Safety Abroad

This page offers resources and insights to help you navigate your study abroad experience through the lens of your race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and more. It’s designed to help you feel informed as you prepare to live and learn in a different culture.

Identity Abroad

If your parent's have questions, feel free to share any part of the website with them, but especially the:

Parent Guide to Study Abroad 

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