get ready to go abroad
Most MIT programs assist you in preparing for your trip. Here is your "must do" list regardless of the program or destination:
- Apply for a passport NOW, you do not need to wait until you have a specific destination. U.S. passports are valid for 10 years and the application process takes months. U.S. Dept of State Passport website
- Obtain any necessary visas for the countries you will be visiting. U.S. Dept of State VISA website
- Once you have a specific destination, make a travel health appointment with MIT Medical to get the proper immunizations. Note that some immunizations need to be administered months before departure.
- If you live in an MIT residence hall or apartment (MIT Housing Office):
Undergraduates: If you are going abroad during the academic year, cancel your housing and fill out a housing request form to secure housing upon your return.
Graduate students: follow the termination and renewal process outlined in the Graduate Housing Guide
- If you receive financial aid and your experience abroad is financial-aid eligible, meet with your financial aid counselor to ensure you take all the necessary steps to apply your aid to your experience abroad
- If your MIT-sponsored travel is to a location that is designated on the MIT Travel Risks Categorization as having moderate, high, or highest risk, you need to fill out the Graduate and Undergraduate Student Travel Form
- For destinations that are not listed MIT Travel Risks Categorization under moderate, high or highest risk categories, fill out the Risk Acknowledge Form provided by the sponsoring program
- Familiarize yourself with important health and safety related websites:
- Center to Disease Control and Prevention info on travelers health and immunization information
- World Health Organization info on disease outbreaks and emergencies
- International Association of Medical Assistance to Travelers
- MIT International SOS Health Insurance
- MIT Emergency Website
- MIT Travel Risk Policy
- U.S. Dept of State info on travel warnings, advisories and consular information sheet