Here is a list of items to consider when preparing to leave the Law School for a semester abroad. This list is not exhaustive, and we welcome your input and ideas. For additional information, check the student handbook, Read This First.
Law School Requirements
- Ask for Audit of Credits & Requirements - Necessary so students know the status of credits earned and requirements satisfied before studying abroad. Good opportunity to discuss how UW Law School will treat credits and specific courses taken at host institution. See Law School Registrar (Room 5107.) Understand whether you will need to fill out a re-entry form and how to get your transcripts sent to the UW Law School, if necessary.
- Assess Financial Aid Needs - UW Law School Financial Aid office may recommend adjustments to financial aid to cover expenses beyond host institution's tuition, fees and related costs, such as travel.
- Purchase Mandatory Health Insurance
- Arrange to purchase mandatory health insurance plan from the Global Legal Studies Center.
- Course approval - Get the courses you plan to take abroad approved by the program director.
- Finally, check with Sumudu Atapattu, Associate Director, Global Legal Studies Center, whether you have completed all administrative requirements prior to departure.
Personal Checklist
- Obtain U.S. Passport: Necessary for all
students studying and traveling abroad.
- Obtain Visa, if Required: A Visa may
be necessary. Information about Visas is available through the consulate
of the country of destination. Sumudu Atapattu, Associate Director, GLS, provides a letter to the relevant Embassy/Consulate so be sure to obtain this before you apply for the visa.
- Check on Necessary Inoculations and Immunizations:
Countries may require proof of certain inoculations and/or immunizations,
or health status before permitting entry. The Travel Clinic located
in the UW Student Health Center can provide information about these
requirements and can administer the inoculations.
- Update Health Information: Having a
complete list of allergies or special health conditions and getting
prescriptions filled before travel can prevent unnecessary medical
emergencies abroad.
- Appoint Power of Attorney: A person
with temporary Power of Attorney is needed to assist with banking
transactions, financial aid, loans and financial emergencies.
- Assess Banking Needs: Check whether
bank or credit union offers special services to accommodate banking
needs while the student is out of the country, get information about
exchange rates for American dollars and purchase travelers' checks,
if advisable.
- Purchase Airline Tickets: Early planning
and purchase of airline tickets and early hotel reservations, if necessary
on arrival, can reduce costs.
- Consider Purchase of International Student
Id Card: May be good for securing discounts on travel, museum
or other costs.
- Make List of Emergency Contacts: Keep list
on person and provide to a person in U.S. and host institution.
- Locate List of English Speaking Doctors Abroad:
Information available from the International Association for Medical
Assistance to Travelers directory at www.iamat.org or [718] 754-4883.
- Make Photocopies of Important Documents:
Extra copies of the passport, visa, other forms of identification,
and important phone numbers and e-mail addresses can be very helpful
in emergencies.
- Learn About Electrical Voltage System for Host
Country: Determines whether adapters are needed for small electrical
appliances.
- Purchase Appropriate Gifts: Taking a collection of small gifts characteristic of the U.S. or the Midwest can smooth the way.
Have a great trip!
