Program checklist
Assumption University, Thailand
Study Abroad Checklist
DEADLINES:
Fall and Year Programs:
Early Application Deadline: November 6, 2009 ($50 discount for early applicants)
Final Application Deadline: February 12, 2010
Paperwork Deadline: March 22, 2010
Mandatory Orientation*: Saturday, April 3, 2010, 8:00 am – 3 pm, Curris Center Theatre.
*An exemption to attend the all-program session of orientation may be requested IF you have attended a study abroad orientation or participated in study abroad within the last 24 months. You MUST complete an Orientation Exemption Request to be excused from the mandatory session. All students who are excused from the all program orientation will still be required to attend the program-specific orientation session. If you do not attend the mandatory orientation, you will not be permitted to participate in any study abroad program. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Parents and/or spouses are welcome to attend.
ALL LATE PAPERWORK WILL INCUR A $10 FEE PER ITEM PER DAY.
Step 1
To apply, complete the following and send to the Study Abroad Office, 165 Woods Hall.
- MSU Study Abroad Application
- 2x2 Photo
The Study Abroad Office can take your photo digitally when you submit your application. If you choose to submit your own photo, it must be attached to your MSU application and must show your full face without a hat or sunglasses. Please write your name on the back of the photo and DO NOT staple or tape it to your application.
Walgreens provides a 15% discount on passport photos. At the Photo Counter, let them know you are part of MSU Study Abroad and provide our phone number, 809-2277, to receive the discount. - Faculty Reference Release
- Faculty Reference
- MSU Transcript – this must be sent directly to the SA Office from the Registrar’s Office
- Essay
The 2-page maximum, typed essay should address the following: Why did you choose this program? What international travel/study experience have you had? Why is this program useful to your professional or academic goals? What do you expect to gain from your experience on this program? - $100 Non-Refundable Application Fee
Step 2
After notification of acceptance, you will be REQUIRED to complete the following and return it to the Study Abroad Office:
- AU Application, 2 passport-sized photos
- Anticipated Evaluation of Credit
You MUST see the requirements for this document before completing it. - Medical Information Form
All information provided on the Medical Information Form is used in the Study Abroad Office to better serve you in an emergency. Please voluntarily provide complete and accurate medical information so we can better assist you. If you need to request accommodations for a disability, please complete the Accommodations Request Form. Also check the resources in Step 3 for considerations for study abroad. - International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
Please print the application. Your program fees cover the cost of this card, which is your mandatory insurance. Take a completed application to the KIIS Office, 312 Faculty Hall with a photo to receive your card. You will not have to pay extra for the card. If you would like details on the benefits offered or prefer to complete the online application and order directly through ISIC, you may do so here. If you choose to order online MSU will not cover or reimburse you for the cost of the ISIC. - Release Form
This form must be notarized by a Notary Public. The Institute for International Studies secretary is a notary and is available to notarize this form for you. - Disciplinary History
This form must be taken to the Student Affairs Office, Ordway Hall, for completion and returned directly to the SA Office. You CANNOT deliver this form to the SA Office. - Handbook Confirmation
You can find the handbook confirmation at the end of the Study Abroad Handbook. This form must be signed and returned to the Study Abroad Office confirming that you have read, understand, and agree to abide by all rules and regulations in the Study Abroad Handbook and any program supplementary material provided by the MSU Study Abroad Office of the Institute for International Studies. - Flight Itinerary
Your detailed flight itinerary must include ALL flight information both traveling TO and FROM your program site: any and all flight numbers, airlines, times and cities. This can be emailed or provided in hard copy. - 3 Copies of Passport Signature Page – 2 for AU, 1 for MSU
After you receive your passport, sign the page above your picture page. Make a copy of these pages or bring the passport into the SA Office to have a copy made. Keep a copy for your parents as well. This cannot be faxed!
For details on how to apply for a passport, go here.
Walgreens provides a 15% discount on passport photos. At the Photo Counter, let them know you are part of MSU Study Abroad and provide our phone number, 809-2277, to receive the discount. - Thailand Visa Application, 2 passport-sized photos
- $164 Visa Fee Payable to MSU
See Item Descriptions below to Determine Which of These Items Applies to You:
- Bio Sheet (Optional)
This brag sheet is sent by MSU to your hometown newspaper so that you can be recognized in your community for what you are doing abroad. Many students submit a photo with the form. - Housing Exemption Form
If you are living on campus now and will live on campus when you return from your study abroad program, you need to complete a Housing Exemption Form for the semester you will be away. This allows your housing deposit to be held and applied to your future semester. If you do not complete this form, but do plan to live on campus, your housing deposit will be returned to you and you will have to re-apply to the MSU housing office for a space when you return. - MSU Scholarship Hours Exemption Request
All students who receive an MSU scholarship that requires semester service hours will not be required to complete these service hours during study abroad IF you complete the exemption request. Turn this into the SA Office for processing on your behalf.
This is a checklist of what you MUST complete for MSU in order to participate in your study abroad program. Failure to complete the required items could result in an inability to gain credit for your program, a lack of availability of your Federal Financial Aid, a lack of housing available at MSU upon your return, or even dismissal from the program.
Step 3
- Attend the mandatory study abroad orientation. See the dates above highlighted in red for the appropriate date and time.
- Resources:
- Program Handbook
- MSU Student Life Handbook & Policies As an MSU student, you are bound to the MSU student life policies in addition to the study abroad and host institution policies.
- OSAC: Overseas Security Advisory Council Find country and region-specific reports on safety and security, terrorism, current travel warnings and warden messages.
- Students Abroad The Department of State's site for students studying abroad. Get info on your passport, travel safety, health and much more.
- Country Specific Information U.S. Department of State online publications by country filled with information you should read prior to departure, including safety, health and embassy information.
- Registration with U.S. Embassy Every participant in a study abroad program is required to register with the U.S. Embassy prior to departure. It is easy and takes only 5 minutes.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) All participants should read the CDC online publication for your host country. This information contains recommended vaccines, health and safety information specific to your host country.
- World Health Organization 2007 Report on Main Health Risks for Travelers
- Kwintessential Cross Cultural Solutions These guides are country-specific and include details on social etiquette, customs, and demographics.
- Considerations for Participants with Disabilities Includes resources for participants with disabilities and what you should consider when travelling internationally.
- Medication Tip Sheet What to consider when travelling abroad with medications.
