Pre-Departure Orientation

Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation

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

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UHCL Education Abroad Pre-departure Orientation Sessions

November 10, 2025 at 12 p.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
Online via Zoom

November 12, 2025 at 12 p.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
Online via Zoom

November 18, 2025 at 12 p.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
Online via Zoom

November 20, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
Online via Zoom

December 3, 2025 at 12 p.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
Online via Zoom

December 8, 2025 at 1 p.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
Online via Zoom

December 17, 2025 at 12 p.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
Online via Zoom 

January 8, 2026 at 1 p.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
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.

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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.

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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.

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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.