Skip Top Navigation
MenuSearchInformation For
Home/Academics/Education Abroad and Scholar Services/Preparing to Travel/Pre-Departure Orientation

Pre-Departure Orientation

In this section

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.

A woman with luggage rides up an escalator in an airport

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

May 29 at 12 p.m.
Online via Zoom

June 12 at 2 p.m.
Hybrid
Bayou building B2104 and online via Zoom

July 24 at 2 p.m.
Online via Zoom

Aug 28 at 5:30 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.

A man on a laptop, seated in an airport with luggage

Contact

  • Education Abroad

    Bayou Building B2123
    2700 Bay Area Blvd, Box 225
    Houston, TX 77058-1002

    Office Hours
    Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Please email or call for appointments.

    Phone: 281-283-2740
    Fax: 281-226-7038
    educationabroad@uhcl.edu