Pre-Departure for Exchange and Study Abroad
Congratulations on being accepted into the RMIT University Outbound Mobility Program (ie Exchange or Study Abroad).
Each semester, the Education Abroad Office runs a Pre-departure session at the City campus.
Attendance at this session is compulsory. Students will find the relevant session details in their offer letter.
This session will help prepare students for their overseas experience, and advise of the next steps in the process.
The Education Abroad Office staff wish you a safe and amazing trip. Please keep in touch as we would love to hear about your adventures - eao@rmit.edu.au.
Pre-departure CHECKLIST 2013
- Check your ‘Letter of Offer’ from the host institution - Check that dates, courses and number of semesters are correct, if there are any problems contact the Education Abroad Office (EAO) immediately.
- Accept your offer (if applicable) - Ensure you accept your offer at your host institution and complete all forms they require.
- Passport - Apply for a passport or renew your current passport if the expiry date is less than six months after your program ends or when you plan to leave. For more information, visit www.passports.gov.au.
- Visa - Contact the relevant Embassy or Consulate to apply for the correct visa or entry permit for your exchange.
- International students - You will require a letter from the Education Abroad Office to take to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). www.immi.gov.au.
- Purchase airline ticket - Once you have accepted your offer at the host institution and obtained your visa, book your return flights.
- Insurance - Submit RMIT International Student Mobility Insurance details form ($130 for up to 180 days or $195 for up to 365) or organise your own insurance.
- Accommodation - Organise your accommodation for host country. If you are looking for accommodation when you arrive in your host country, make sure you book temporary accommodation for at least two weeks from arrival.
- Enrolment - Ensure your RMIT enrolment is correct. All Undergraduate and Postgraduate students should be enrolled in outbound exchange codes. Take your Mobility Confirmation Letter to your School to obtain these codes.
- International SOS (iSOS) - Download your membership card, mobile app and country report from the iSOS portal, available from the Travel Advice section of the Education Abroad (Outbound students) webpage. Our member number is 12ACPA000012.
- Organise money - Organise enough money to cover expenses for the first week upon arrival. Check that you can use your Australian ATM cards overseas to access all accounts. Notify your bank that you will be overseas.
- Centrelink - If in receipt of Centrelink payments, take your Mobility Confirmation Letter to a Centrelink office to apply for payments to continue when overseas.
- OS-HELP loan - You can still apply for an OS-HELP loan, please download the application form from the Financial support options section on the EAO Website.
- Mobile phone - Activate global roaming for mobile phone.
- Driver’s license - If you intend to drive while abroad you may need to obtain an international driving permit (IDP). These are available from RACV. Visit www.racv.com.au to see if you will need an IDP.
- Doctor and dental - Before you leave Australia visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up, and to enquire about any recommended vaccinations. If on medications obtain a letter from your Doctor outlining why you need the medication and ensure you have enough prescriptions to cover you for the length of your overseas stay. Keep any medicines in their original packaging.
- Taxation - If you will be away through the end of the financial year, check with the Australian Taxation Office if you are required to complete any tax returns before you depart. www.ato.gov.au.
- Luggage - Check luggage allowance (maximum weight and number of items for check-in and carry-on) with your airline. Check with customs what you can and can not take into the country.
- Electrical - Check what the power source is at your host country and purchase an adaptor specific for that country.
- Register with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - you can do this on-line at www.smartraveller.gov.au.
- Important documents to take in your hand luggage
- airline tickets
- passport
- any relevant visa documents
- letter of Acceptance from host institution
- International SOS membership card
- Most up to date academic transcripts
- information on airport pick up service if applicable
- accommodation details
- emergency contact details e.g. relatives, friends, RMIT Education Abroad Office, Host Institution Exchange Office details).
- medical record (including blood type, medication details, and prescriptions if required)
It is important that you have all these documents with you throughout your stay overseas. We suggest that you put a second copy of each in your suitcase and leave a third copy at home with your family.
Student Mobility Advisors
Tel: + 61 3 9925 3947
Europe: Christine Sullivan
christine.sullivan@rmit.edu.au
Asia Pacific: Sandy Choolun
sandhya.choolun@rmit.edu.au
North America: Kate Rintoul
kate.rintoul@rmit.edu.au