Once you have completed the application processes for both the study abroad program or university and the OIE, you must also complete the following pre-departure requirements prior to studying abroad.
Prepare to Go
Get Info on Financial Aid
If you are on Financial Aid, speak with the Financial Aid Office to complete the Financial Aid Study Abroad Supplement and to understand how your financial aid package will be adjusted for your study abroad experience
Cancel Housing
Cancel your housing for the term that you will be studying abroad by completing the Housing Cancellation Form. Please visit the Studying Abroad section of the Dean of Students Office webpage for more information.
Waive Student Health Fee & (if applicable) Student Health Insurance Plan
You will be automatically charged for the Harvard University Student Health Fee and Student Health Insurance Plan. Please submit the Student Health Fee waiver by the deadlines listed here to avoid this unecessary expense during your term abroad.
Harvard College requires that students are covered by health insurance while studying for degree credit out of residence. If you will be waiving the Harvard University Student Health Insurance Plan in favor of another insurance plan that will cover you abroad, you must complete the Student Health Insurance Plan waiver by the deadlines listed here.
Pre-departure Requirements
Schedule your in-person OIE Pre-departure Orientation
You will receive an email with several scheduling options. Be sure to select one and participate during the session or you will be required to schedule an individual session with the OIE.
Health and Safety Pre-departure Requirements
Before you begin
- Review Harvard College Travel Policy
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Review your destination’s Travel Risk Rating
Review additional COVID-19 Travel Requirements related to pre-travel preparation, in-country advice, and post travel activities
Travel Requirements
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Harvard GSS Online Orientation
- This online module should take approximately 45 minutes. You will have completed this once you reach the “Certificate of Completion” screen at the end of the module.
- Submit screenshot of the certificate to cnardozzi@fas.harvard.edu.
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Obtain Health Clearance
- Complete this at least 30 days in advance of your program start date.
- Follow instructions for obtaining Health Clearance electronically, outlined on page 1 of the health clearance packet. Once cleared, please submit a screenshot of the message clearing you to cnardozzi@fas.harvard.edu.
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Register your travel in International SOS MyTrips
- Register your itinerary and contact information with International SOS MyTrips. This can be tentative information if you haven't purchased your flight. Submit a screenshot of your registered travel to cnardozzi@fas.harvard.edu.
- Update your itinerary once you book your flight and confirm your accommodations; remember to update your travel details as they change (weekend travel, lodging, transportation, etc.).
- Download the International SOS Assistance App on your mobile device. You will be able to “check-in” to a location if you're there for less than 24-hours and receive country-specific information sent to you.
If traveling to Elevated Risk Regions
In addition to the Health and Safety Requirements listed above, if you are traveling to an Elevated Risk Region, you must also complete the following requirements
- Submit Travel Safety Questionnaire and Schedule a Consultation with a member of the International Safety & Security Team (if needed). Submit screenshot of "TSQ received email" to cnardozzi@fas.harvard.edu.
- Attend Elevated Risk orientation (open to all, but required for students traveling to elevated risk regions)
Prior Term Registration
Students participating in term-time study abroad will need to follow the prior term registration timeline from abroad. Keep in mind that registration periods will open and close in Eastern Standard Time (EST) with no exceptions, so please plan accordingly and be mindful of time zone differences.
Please note that cancelling your study abroad plans after the Harvard College prior-term registration period has ended will result in you registering for courses during the add/drop period at the start of the following Harvard semester. Please reach out to the Registrar’s Office, your Resident Dean, or the Office of International Education if you have questions.