Checklists

Once you’ve been accepted for entry into the exchange program and have been allocated to a host university, you’re ready to start the application process. The Global Opportunities team are available to help throughout this process.

• Attend a compulsory Acceptance Workshop run by the Global Opportunities team
• Receive confirmation that you’ve been nominated into your host university (may come from the Global Opportunities team UniSA, or it may come directly from the host)
• Submit your application for your exchange semester to your host university, including all relevant supporting documentation
• Complete a Course Approval Form, have it signed by your Program Director, and submit it to the Global Opportunities team
• Once you’ve received your letter of acceptance, make sure the Global Opportunities Team receives a copy (via email is fine)

Once you’ve been approved for participation in the program by UniSA Global Opportunities (and for short term exchange students, have been approved to apply for an exchange place with a partner university), you’re ready to start the application process. The Global Opportunities team are available to help throughout this process, and you will need to:

• Check the application requirements for the host and prepare accordingly (this may mean financial statements, health checks, personal references, etc.)
• Short term exchange only – Receive confirmation that you’ve been nominated to the host university (this may come from the Global Opportunities team at UniSA, or it may come directly from the host)
• Submit your application to your host, including all relevant supporting documentation
• Once you’ve received your letter of acceptance, make sure the Global Opportunities Team receives a copy (via email is fine)

Study Tours are generally arranged by the Academic Unit directly. Each tour group may have a specific set of application and pre-departure tasks. Make sure you follow any and all instructions given to you by the tour leader.

Passport and Visa

• If you don’t have a passport, head here to apply for one online immediately (for Australian citizens)
• Make sure your passport has at least six months validity after your planned date of return
• Apply for your visa (if applicable)
• Check visa requirements for any country you may be visiting or transiting through

UniSA Pre-Departure Tasks

• Complete UniSA’s online Pre-Departure Modules (these will be sent to you as part of your Pre-Departure tasks)
• Attend the mandatory Pre-Departure workshop (Semester Exchange students only)
• Complete the UniSA Business Travel Request (BTR) form
• Download the Healix International (Travel Risk Management Provider) Mobile App

Travel Arrangements

• Confirm travel (and health) insurance for the duration of your anticipated travel
• Investigate travel arrangements. Do not book your flights until you have your host acceptance and visa
• Make arrangements for temporary accommodation once you arrive
• Plan how you will get from the airport to your accommodation & pre-book if needed

Documents to Take with You

• Acceptance letter from your host university (if applicable)
• A list of important contact numbers in Australia and your host country (saved in your phone and also hard copy if possible)
• The phone number of the nearest Australian Embassy in your host country.
• Photocopies (and/or digital copies) of the ID and visa pages of your passport. Leave one copy of each at home and take one with you.
• Extra passport-sized photographs
• Copies of your airline tickets and itineraries
• Copies of your medical/vaccination documents (particularly if they were required for your visa application)
• Any prescriptions or support letters from your doctor
• Copies of all insurance policies - health, travel etc
• International Student ID Card

Packing Your Suitcase - Lightly!

• Check carry-on and check-in luggage restrictions with the airline
• Suitcase or large backpack and small daypack
• Medication, prescriptions, and first aid kit
• Toiletries and personal items
• Portable Charger
• Travel adapter (or two) and multi-outlet powerboard
• Camera and memory cards
• Climate-appropriate clothing, including one set of good clothes
• DO NOT agree to carry parcels for anyone

Money

• Prepare a budget for the duration of your time abroad
• Apply for ongoing Centrelink payments
• Notify your financial institution that you’ll be overseas
• Arrange how you’ll access your money
• Take a small amount of cash in local currency
• Apply for an OS-HELP loan (if eligible)

Health

• See a travel doctor for any vaccinations you may need at least two months before you leave
• Visit your doctor, dentist and optician for a check-up
• Confirm that your health insurance meets host requirements and covers any planned high-risk activities (e.g. scuba diving or skiing)
• Mental Health plan and/or strategies to cope (if relevant)

Tying up loose ends

• Arrange to store your belongings if needed, including your car
• If giving up a place in a rental, arrange for final inspections and return of bond
• Have your mail forwarded to someone you trust
• Notify gym/club that you’ll be overseas and suspend membership fees
• Advise utilities providers – gas, phone, electricity – of the date you will be leaving
• If leaving employment, be sure that your final pay amount is going into an account you can access
• Deal with any outstanding Medicare claims or unpaid bills
• Return UniSA library books and materials and pay any moneys due

Communication with home

• Update your contact details in the ‘my UniSA’ student portal
• Organise your local phone data set-up
• Organise how you’ll contact people back home
• Contact home as soon as you can and give your family and friends your new contact details
• Check your UniSA email and clear your inbox regularly while you’re away
• Share your exchange experiences on Instagram and tag the UniSA Instagram @unisaoverseas

Staying safe

• Download the Healix International (Travel Emergency Risk Management Service Provider) App
• Update your details in the Healix International (Travel Emergency Risk Management Service Provider) App
• Save emergency contact numbers in your phone and always keep the UniSA (and your host) emergency contact details with you
• Immediately report any incidents to your host university’s International Centre and any relevant local authorities. Follow this up by contacting the UniSA Global Opportunities Office as soon as you can
• Familiarise yourself with the security at your Host Institution or Mobility Experience Provider
• Consult with reliable people (i.e. friends or teachers) about the safety, what to look out for and regions/cities to avoid but don’t forget to also do your own research and be aware at all times

Settling In & Support

• Alert the Global Opportunities team if your courses have changed or are no longer available
• Attend any orientation or welcome events and activities
• Join a club, society or language exchange to meet new people
• Establish a routine and incorporate healthy daily practises
• Keep your career in mind and take up any professional experiences that are presented

Travel and Living

• Confirm your flight/s home and the airport check-in time
• Organise how you will get you and your luggage to the airport
• Re-check luggage and carry-on baggage requirements
• Check Australian customs requirements, in case some of your souvenirs are not allowed back into Australia
• If your accommodation requires inspection before you leave, try to arrange it for a day or two before you leave
• Pay any rent and other bills
• Change your contact in MyUniSA student portal back to your Australian address! This is extremely important for both Insurance and Graduation purposes

Grades and Credit

• Let the Global Opportunities Team know if you intend to graduate soon after returning home
• Arrange for your academic transcript to be sent to the UniSA Global Opportunities Team. If it is sent directly to you, forward a copy to the UniSA Global Opportunities Team.
• Complete your UniSA Returned Student Report
• Have your course recognised (either via credit or via a grade next to your enrolment). The Global Opportunities team will process this for you once all requirements are met