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Getting Started

Pre-Departure Orientation

Preparing for your study abroad experience is an essential step in the journey. Accepted students will receive important pre‑departure information from Dickinson and their program provider. Please read all materials carefully and complete all required steps on time. To remain eligible to study abroad, students must complete all pre‑departure requirements.

In-Person Pre-Departure Orientation Workshop

All students are required to attend an in-person Pre-Departure Orientation Workshop during the semester before their program begins.

Topics include:

  • Health, safety, insurance, and well-being abroad
  • Navigating identity in different cultural contexts
  • Insight and advice from returned study abroad students

This workshop serves as a foundational orientation to ensure students are informed, prepared, and supported prior to departure. 

Pre-Departure Resources

Brightspace Pre-departure Orientation Course

All study abroad/away students have access to a Brightspace resource page that includes:

  • Health, safety, and well‑being guidance
  • Academic and financial information
  • General pre‑departure checklists and support materials

Students on Dickinson programs will also use Brightspace for program‑specific items such as visa guidance, packing lists, arrival information, academic details, and key contacts.

WorldKind Interactive Modules

Dickinson has partnered with WorldKind Academy to provide an online orientation module that complements the in-person workshop. The Traveler Trainer Program (TTP) is an interactive, scenario‑based eLearning course covering:

  • Health, safety, and security fundamentals

  • Insurance information

  • Practical skills for navigating international travel

Each module includes a downloadable workbook for students to note personal needs, goals, and plans. This online component allows students to learn at their own pace and reinforce key safety and wellness information before departure.

Program-Specific Orientation

Dickinson Programs

Students enrolled in Dickinson programs will attend a pre-departure meeting where they will receive detailed, program-specific information about:

  • Arrival and travel logistics
  • Housing
  • Course registration and academic expectations
  • Additional program guidelines

Students studying in Argentina, Cameroon, Czech Republic, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Italy (Italian Studies and European Studies), Ireland, Japan (Nagoya and Akita), New Zealand, and Spain will also be enrolled in a program-specific Brightspace course with further details tailored to their program.

Partner Programs

Students on partner programs will participate in program‑specific pre‑departure orientations provided by their study abroad provider. These details may be shared via a handbook, application portal, or program website.