Program Dates
As you start to plan your participation in study abroad, you should know that you will be required to attend all program activities during the entire duration of your program. This means that you need to arrive on site no later than your program start date and depart no earlier than the departure date of your program. For instance, if your program runs from July 18 to August 15, you must arrive by July 18 and leave your program by the designated time on the last day of the program, August 15.

If you plan to travel in the region before and/or after your program period, make sure to make housing and traveling arrangements in advance. Also, make sure that you have a valid insurance policy for that period. Students participating on GEO programs will be covered for travel and sickness insurance 7 days before the program start date and 7 days after the departure date.

Consult the section called “Learn about the Location of Your Program” to find a list of resources that can help you to prepare for your experience abroad.

Booking Airfare
One of the most exciting parts of getting ready for a study abroad program, and often one of the most overwhelming, is purchasing airline tickets. You should not purchase a ticket before being accepted into your study abroad program. Your GEO advisor will send you an acceptance letter at that time, which will give you further instructions.

You will need to make your own travel plans to the site and determine the best flight for your budget and schedule. As you look into purchasing airfare, keep in mind that the best way to get a good deal is to shop around. See the link below for a few suggestions on travel and flights. This is a good starting point, but there are many other online resources for budget travel that you should research independently.

GEO strongly recommends that you purchase travel/trip insurance when you buy your ticket. Travel/trip insurance on airline tickets is generally available from the airline or travel agent at the time of purchase, and is relatively inexpensive. If unforeseen circumstances require you to change your plans after you have purchased your ticket, travel/trip insurance allows you to change your flight without incurring large cancellation or change fees and penalties. GEO is not responsible for the costs associated with changing or canceling your flight. Be sure to read the fine print for each policy before purchasing, to ensure you understand it fully.

Travel and Flight Advice:  http://geo.uoregon.edu/scholarships/travel-flight-advice  

Travel / Personal Property Insurance
GEO strongly encourages you to obtain insurance to protect against theft and/or damage to your personal belongings for the period of time you will be abroad. Most programs do not provide insurance for your possessions. Your rental insurance or your family’s homeowner’s may provide coverage.