#  Prepare to Go 

 



##  Prepare to Go 

 

 

       ![A smiling person in a yellow shirt poses on a rooftop with a city skyline and a colorful mural in the background.](/sites/g/files/omnuum9021/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-09/bey_kayla_2025_brasil1_0.jpg?itok=gdmYsRqL) 

 

 



 

 



 

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##  Coordinate with the Financial Aid Office 

If you are on Financial Aid, speak with the [Financial Aid Office](https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/additional-funding-procedures/study-abroad) to complete the [Financial Aid Study Abroad Supplement](https://finaid.college.harvard.edu/manage/login?realm=&r=/register/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 semester you will be studying abroad by completing the [Housing Cancellation Form](https://dso.college.harvard.edu/leaving-and-returning). Where applicable, you will also need to submit the [Returning Student Application](https://dso.college.harvard.edu/leaving-and-returning) for the semester following your study abroad experience. The Housing Office recommends completing this step at the same time you cancel your housing.



 

##  Waive Student Health Fee & Student Health Insurance Plan (if applicable) 

You will be automatically charged for the Harvard University Student Health Fee and Student Health Insurance Plan. Please submit the [Student Health Fee](https://hushp.harvard.edu/waiver-eligibility-application) waiver by the published deadlines to avoid this unnecessary expense during your term abroad.

Harvard College requires that students be covered by health insurance while studying abroad. If you will be using another insurance plan that will cover you while abroad and waiving the Harvard University Student Health Insurance Plan, you must complete the [Student Health Insurance Plan](https://hushp.harvard.edu/waiver-eligibility-application) waiver by the published deadlines.



 

##  Complete Pre-Departure Requirements 

 





###    Schedule Your In-Person OIE Pre-Departure Orientation  expand\_more  

 

You are required to attend an in-person orientation at the OIE before studying abroad. Once you receive the email with scheduling options, select the time that best works with your schedule. If you miss this session, you will be required to schedule an individual makeup session at a later date.



 

 

 



###    Health and Safety Pre-Departure Requirements  expand\_more  

 

There are a number of health and safety requirements which must be completed prior to studying abroad.

- To get started:
    - Log into the University's [health and safety pre-departure portal](https://predeparture.fas.harvard.edu/)
    - Follow the steps to create a new trip
    - Complete all requirements
- Be sure to upload the correct documentation for that specific requirement only. 
    - If you are traveling to an Elevated Risk region, be sure you have completed the additional requirements listed.
        
        Your courses abroad will not be reviewed until all health and safety requirements have been completed and uploaded correctly. If you have questions or difficulties with this process, please reach out to [Daphne Maramaldi](mailto:dmaramal@fas.harvard.edu) or [Camila Nardozzi](mailto:cnardozzi@fas.harvard.edu).



 

 

 



 

 

 

 

##  Complete Prior Term Registration 

Students studying abroad for a semester will need to follow the prior term registration timeline from abroad. Keep in mind that [registration periods](https://registrar.fas.harvard.edu/calendars) 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](https://registrar.fas.harvard.edu/calendars) 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.