Preparing for your experience abroad can seem daunting - but rest assured that we are here to help and support you on every step of the process! This page provides a broad overview of the process; detailed information is provided to accepted students. If you ever have any questions, please visit our walk-in hours (offered both in-person and via Zoom), send us an email at program.manager@temple.edu, or set up an individual advising appointment to discuss your questions and concerns. Details about our advising hours are available here.
Pre-departure Preparations
Once you are accepted into your program, we give you access to a Canvas site with lots of information about how to prepare for your term(s) abroad. The Canvas site provides logistical information about:
- Program dates & deadlines
- Flight booking instructions
- Mandatory and optional workshops and sessions
- Academics & Course registration
- Visas
- Housing
- Understanding your finances
- Billing
- Budgeting for your time abroad
- Financial aid and scholarships
- Travel & arrival instructions (as applicable)
It also provides crucial information about other ways you need to prepare for your time abroad, including:
- Health
- how to prepare to stay healthy abroad
- medication & traveling with medication
- how to get access local health services
- cultural differences related to healthcare in your host country
- Navigating your identity abroad
- Cultural preparation and resources
- Disability considerations and resources in your host country
Pre-departure Orientation
We host required in-person or hybrid pre-departure orientation for all students going abroad.
Passports and Visas
A valid passport is required for all programs. Visas are required for most semester programs, and some summer programs. Please read more about passports, visas, and how we will support students with the visa process.
Travel
- You will make your own travel arrangements to and from your program location. For Temple Rome, Temple Japan, Temple in Spain and all faculty-led summer programs we provide flight booking instructions, including details about where and when to arrive.
- All students are required to arrive on time and be present for the duration of the program, which means from the official program start date until the official program end date. The on-site orientation is crucial to be successful on your program, and students are not allowed to arrive late.
Housing
If you are studying at Temple Rome, Temple Japan, Temple in Spain, or on a Temple faculty-led program, we will provide information about housing arrangements. To secure housing, you need to sign the housing policies & agreement and submit the non-refundable program deposit by the deadline provided. If you are studying on an exchange program or an external program, housing options vary, and your host institution or program will share details specific to the program.
On-site Orientation and Support
After you arrive in your host city the on-site program staff will facilitate an on-site orientation. The duration and topics will vary, but they typically include:
- Introductions to the faculty, staff and resources of the program
- A tour of the facilities and neighborhood
- Cultural norms and expectations
- Review of health and safety matters and emergency procedures
- Cultural activities/excursions
- Immigration procedures (as applicable)
- Dorm/homestay orientation (as applicable)
Details about on-site orientation are provided to accepted students before departure.
International Travel Medical Insurance & Health and Safety Support
All program participants will be covered by international travel medical insurance and have access to 24/7 global assistance. Visit our Health and Safety page to learn more about how you can do to prepare for a safe and successful experience, and how we support your health and safety abroad.