Resources for Students About to Go
A successful study abroad program takes planning.
All RIT students studying abroad are required to attend a Bon Voyage pre-departure meeting covering important health and safety information. The RIT Education Abroad office will contact students with upcoming Bon Voyage dates.
In addition, these resources and videos will help you prepare for travel:
The RIT Library offers an information guide for study abroad with tips for accessing the RIT Library while abroad, resources for researching your host country, and language learning.
The U.S. Department of State has essential information for student travelers, including the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which offers the most current information about the country you will be traveling to as well as Travel Warnings or Travel Alerts and resources for American citizens during emergencies.
The study abroad office offers a series of videos on culture shock, safety, transportation, banking, and packing.
Your Health
Study abroad, as with any major life change, can heighten pre-existing medical, mental health, or personal issues or contribute to new ones. Local culture, customs, and practices may not have/provide the support systems you might be accustomed to in the U.S. It is your responsibility to consider how you will manage your health and wellness abroad.
Personal Safety
Studying abroad will expose you to all kinds of new and exciting experiences, but you must exercise caution to be as safe as possible while overseas. Before traveling, you should become familiar with local laws, how to avoid travel scams, and understand RIT's emergency response plan.
Identity and Diversity
Other cultures may value diversity differently, and diversity may be more or less embraced in the culture you will be living in. It's important to do some research beforehand to understand how your host culture values diverse characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc.