Next Steps (Group Programs)

Processing time for non-expedited passports can take up to 8 weeks after your application is submitted, but processing time for expedited passports is considerably quicker. For more information about passports, please visit the Department of State passport page, for estimated processing times, please visit the Department of State application processing times page.

Login to PackAbroad to watch the online pre-departure orientation videos to help you best prepare for your upcoming experience abroad.

Payment for program costs will be due according to the payment deadline. Be sure to review the program budget sheet to better understand billable and non-billable program expenses. Make your payment through MyPack Portal.

**Students going on Poole Global study abroad programs should reach out to Poole Global for their specific payment deadlines.**

All students receiving aid (except those on Prague programs) must complete the Enrollment Agreement Form. Review the funding section for more information on financial aid.

Students need to login to the study abroad application system to submit post-acceptance materials by the required deadlines. Some materials include a participant agreement, health history, and emergency contact information. Failure to complete these final forms by the deadline may jeopardize participation.

Some students will receive recommended flight details from the program director. Students will be individually responsible to purchase their tickets, but should wait to purchase their airfare until after confirmation from the program director.

Though the Study Abroad Office does not endorse any travel agency, here are some agencies students have used in the past to purchase their tickets: Student Universe, Beeline Travel, World Travel Service.

Students are encouraged to consider purchasing trip cancellation/interruption insurance when purchasing their airfare; compare coverages through sites such as squaremouth.com or travelguard.com.

Students participating in NC State group programs will self-register starting mid-November (spring break) and mid-March (summer). The Study Abroad Office will contact you with specific registration details after the final commitment deadline.

• Visit the NC State Travel Clinic to obtain any necessary immunizations, including the COVID-19 vaccine + current booster if you have not already done so
• Review information from the Center for Disease Control and U.S. Department of State on host country
• Review Mental Health Wellness Abroad checklist
• Plan for any prescription medications you may need on-site and find a pharmacy and hospital abroad – GeoBlue can help!

• Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
• Download and register with the AlertTraveler app
• Check out Country Profiles in GeoBlue and Alert Traveler app
• Let your coordinator know if you have any concerns related to diversity abroad

PackAbroad Ambassadors, current NC State students who studied abroad previously, are ready and eager to connect with other students about studying abroad.

• Inform bank/credit card of travel dates
• Look into possible cell phone plans while abroad. Make arrangements with your US provider, or look into purchasing a SIM card (if your phone is unlocked), or pay-as-you-go phone in the host country.
• Set up a Power of Attorney
• Make copies of important documents
• Add alternative email in PackAbroad
• Update itinerary in PackAbroad

Your program director may have a packing list. You can also check out these tips or find a wide variety of packing advice online.

• Review arrival details from your Program Director and determine if you need to make arrangements to get to your housing from the airport.
• Withdraw some cash in the local currency at the ATM in the airport when you arrive.
• Create a communication plan with your family and friends. Let them know when you have arrived (and how often they might expect to hear from you).

• Create a blog
• Tag us in your posts on Instagram (@ncstatestudyabroad, #PackAbroad)