Pre-Departure Workshops

Get ready to go abroad by attending a pre-departure workshop to get tips, tricks, and support before you embark on an adventure overseas. Information from each workshop will be added after the event.

 

Image Group of UO students posing in front of a body of water in Oviedo, Spain
Unpacking Budgeting Abroad: How to Make Your Money Last
Image Group of Students on a boat exploring the Amazon river with a guide

Learn tips and tricks to budgeting for traveling abroad as a student. This workshop will review subjects such as study abroad or GlobalWorks internship budgets, to understand what is and is not covered, how exchange works across different countries and currencies, and how to find the hidden costs of traveling.

Date: Monday April 15 (Week 3)

Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m. 

Location: McKenzie Hall 240A

Contacts: Quinne Hauth and Sarah Pearson


Sample Budget Worksheet 

Program: Journalism in London, summer 2024

Days abroad: 35

Currency: British Pound (£)

Exchange rate: 1.25

Expense title description local currency cost exchange rate USD unit cost Unit total Notes
Fixed              
Ticket for Cabaret Cheapest seat £50 1.25 $62.50 1 $62.50  
Ticket for Six Better seat £70 1.25 $87.50 1 $87.50  
Dinner at Ottolenghi Entreé & drink £63 1.25 $78.75 1 $78.75  
Flight to Paris Luton     $200 1 $200  
Paris airport Uber Euros €50 1.1 $55 1 $55  
London airport Uber   £75 1.25 $93.75 1 $93.75  
Ticket to Louvre Euros €17 1.1 $18.70 1 $18.70  
Boat ride on Seine Euros €20 1.1 $22 1 $22  
Eiffel Tower ticket Euros €20 1.1 $22 1 $22  
TOTAL           $640.20  
Variable              
Meals Breakfast paid by GEO   1.25   35 $1,500 $42.86 = £39.42/day
Other     1.25   35 $450 Hygiene products, souvenirs, etc. 
Paris hostel Euros €40 1.1 $44 3 $132  
Breakfast in Paris Euros €8 1.1 $8.80 3 $26.40  
Night out Euros €30 1.1 $22 2 $66  
TOTAL           $2,174.40  
Grand total           $2,814.60 $865 over GEO budget

 Download a blank budget worksheet

 

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Navigating Mental Wellness Abroad
Image Student hiking on a trail in Segovia Spain

During this presentation, you will learn about common challenges students face and discover self-care strategies and best practices for wellness. You'll also hear from former students who have studied abroad as they share their experiences.

Date: Tuesday, April 23 (Week 4)

Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Location: Peterson 102

Contacts: Ryan Loughrey and Alyssa Červenka

Download the PowerPoint presentation for navigating mental wellness abroad

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Unpacking Race, Ethnicity, and Identity Abroad
Image People dressed in traditional Andean clothing dancing in a parade

Join us for an interactive conversation about student identities in global context. A panel of study abroad alumni will reflect on their experiences navigating and expressing intersecting identities while abroad.

Date: Wednesday, May 1 (Week 5)

Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Location: Anstett 193

Contacts: Courtney Brost and Luis Ruiz

 

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First Time Travelers: Tips for Planning, Packing, and Winging It!
Image two students digging in an excavation site in Barbados

Embark on your first international trip with confidence! This session is designed to equip you with packing tips, strategies to soothe first-time travel jitters, and inspirational tales from fellow Ducks who've recently completed their maiden voyages with success. While good planning is key to easing pre-travel anxiety, it's also important to embrace the unexpected - often the source of memorable adventures.

Date: Monday, May 6 (Week 6)

Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m.

Location: Mills International Center (EMU Mezzanine)

Contacts: Patrick McMurdo and Bernice Krakani

 


Before You Leave

Packing Tips

  • Pack Light:
    • Emphasize the importance of minimalism to leave space for souvenirs.
  • Three-Bag System:
    • A small backpack for daily use, a carry-on for valuables and essentials (more below), and a checked suitcase (optional for shorter trips) under 50 lbs.
  • Electrical Appliances:
    • Limit these and check compatibility with local systems; consider buying locally if needed.
  • Clothing:
    • Research the climate and local dress codes (don’t overthink it!) Opt for layering and versatility, and prioritize comfortable walking shoes. Limit to three pairs of shoes.
  • Gifts:
    • For homestay guests, bring a small, meaningful gift that represents your background.
  • Journaling:
    • Encourage daily entries to capture experiences, feelings, and growth. Writing down your thoughts and feelings about this exciting time will prove invaluable to you later as you look back upon how much you have grown and changed.

Packing Your Carry-On

  • All prescription and over the counter medications.
  • Anything valuable (jewelry, laptops, tablets).
  • Extra clothes.
  • Important documents.
  • Make multiple copies of all your important documents that you plan to travel with, including passport, drivers license, student ID, visa documents, debit cards and credit cards. Give 1 copy to someone you are close to (parents, roommate, siblings) for safekeeping and another in a safe space once you reach your destination. Include a list of important phone numbers: local police, debit and credit card, nearest US Embassy, etc.
  • Information regarding your destination.
  • Phone/laptop chargers.
  • Some toiletries (Note: Airlines restrict liquids to 3oz. or under).
  • Empty water bottle that you can fill up once past security.

Smart Phone Travel Apps

  • FlightTrack- follows flight paths and detailed info including departure gates and delays.
  • XE Currency- currency converter.
  • Packing Pro- helps you pack the essentials.
  • Tipulator- calculate the appropriate amount to tip wherever you are in the world.
  • Skyscanner- for booking flights.
  • Hostelworld- for booking budget hotels and hostels.
  • PinPin ATM finder- helps you find ATMS in over 220 countries.

Final Tips

  • Planning: Make lists, copy essential documents, and keep all important items in your carry-on.
  • Packing: Packing is more of an art than a science. Practice to see what works best for you and try not to overthink it.
  • Winging It: It's okay if things aren't perfect. Travel can take you out of your comfort zone, which is part of the adventure.

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Career Readiness: Experience Abroad like a STAR
Image Two students wearing a lab coat throwing an O in Spain

Learn to effectively collect and articulate your study/intern abroad experience through the STARR method! Through this workshop, you will learn to collect and articulate your study abroad stories in a manner that highlights your unique talents and experiences, enhancing your marketability in the job market. By practicing the STARR method, you will gain valuable tools to confidently showcase your strengths and stand out in future job applications and interviews.

Date: Tuesday, May 14 (Week 7)

Time: 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Location: Peterson 102

Contacts: Yfang Zhang

RSVP to Career Readiness

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OUT and About: Navigating LGBTQ+ Experiences Abroad
Image A person dressed in a mardi gras style costume celebrating pride month in London

 

Get ready to set out on your own international adventure with "OUT and About: Navigating LGBTQ+ Experiences Abroad"! Hear from your queer peers at our alumni panel where we'll explore the colorful journey of studying abroad as part of the LGBTQ+ community. From discovering queer-friendly destinations to overcoming cultural barriers, our panelists will share their adventures, challenges, and triumphs. Whether you're dreaming of your next international escapade or gearing up for your own study abroad adventure, this lively discussion promises to inspire, inform, and celebrate the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ students exploring the world. 

Date: Wednesday, May 22 (Week 8)

Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Location: Oregon Hall 490

Contacts: Kim Eitner and Drew York

RSVP to OUT and About

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GEO Mixer
Image A UO student posing on the edge of a cliff against a backdrop of mountains and a sunset with his arms spread open

Come meet other students going abroad, talk with GEO program coordinators and alumni about what to expect, and participate in activities like: 

  • GeoGuessr competition (winning team gets Amazon gift cards!) 
  • Outdoor lawn games 
  • Popsicles 
  • Bracelet & lanyard making 
  • & more! 

Date: Thursday, May 23 (Week 8)

Time: 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Location: Tykeson Commons

Contacts: Drew York

 

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