The following is a suggested list of activities that you should consider. You will need to add and prioritize accordingly. PLEASE NOTE: The information below is provided as a general resource and should not be considered a conclusive. It represents general
considerations for students preparing for fieldwork abroad. Students must review all of the information available via the Queen’s University International Centre at
http://www.quic.queensu.ca/Default.asp as well as the information made available
from the Government of Canada at http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories. Citizenship
It you don’t already have a passport you will need to apply for one. Ensure you have a passport that is valid until at least one month after your return date. Processing for a passport can vary widely so make sure that you complete this early if you need to. Arrange for appropriate visas (the process may take several months). Determine if you are able to study and work or whether each requires a separate visa. Obtain the address of the Canadian Embassy or Consulate nearest your residence overseas. What do you know about Canada? Review current affairs and be prepared to be a cultural ambassador for your country, Canada.
Academic/Identity
Make photocopies of all necessary academic documents as well as other key documents e.g. identity cards, birth certificate, passport, plane tickets, prescriptions, visas etc.
Prior to your departure, obtain the E‐mail address, mailing address, telephone and fax numbers of the International Office and/or academic advisor at your host university.
Financial
Investigate anything related to financial aid/funding that is relevant to your own circumstances. Can you continue with your current aid programme when you are overseas e.g. OSAP?
Clear any debts. (eg. library, parking, rent, etc.)
Be sure to plan ahead for filing your income tax if you will be out of the Country at the time when personal returns are due.
Arrange a Power of Attorney for someone you trust to make bank deposits and transfers, pay credit card bills and carry out other legal matters.
Bring cash ($US and local currency), traveller’s cheques ($US), and credit cards (optional). Check into your financial institutions policy for the use of Interac/debit in other countries; there may be extra fees and you should be aware of how they calculate currency exchange rate(s). Health
Health and Accident Insurance are your responsibility. Consider what supplemental coverage you require or is required? Adequate insurance can make the difference between an enjoyable experience and a nightmare. Baggage and trip cancellation insurance is often a wise precaution.
Visit your family physician or Health, Counselling and Disability Services on campus to determine the vaccinations required for your destination and to develop your immunization schedule (begin at least three months ahead if bound for Asia, Africa or Latin America). Make sure to take sufficient prescription medications for the time that you are away. Carry spare glasses, lens prescriptions and sun screen. Make sure that you get a checkup done by your physician and your dentist if required before you leave. You will be subject to the
Find out the laws regarding the consumption of alcohol and/or substances; it is your responsibility to find out and abide by all regulations and/or laws in the Country you visit. Ensure that your emergency contact information is accessible, reliable and well documented. Travel
Determine your mailing address overseas before you go. Perhaps it will be possible to arrange for temporary lodging with a host family.
You are responsible to book and pay for your own travel.
Consider whether your Driver’s License expire while you are away and find out if you will need to obtain an International Driver’s License (if you plan to drive while you are abroad)? Look after this BEFORE you leave.
Rail Passes
A rail pass can be a definite money saver for extensive travel (Eurail Pass, Japan Rail Pass, etc.). Some of these passes must be purchased outside of their respective countries/regions. International Student ID Card makes you eligible for a broad range of discounts overseas (available in the Alma Mater Society Office or Graduate Student Society Office).
International Youth Hostels Membership Card allows you to stay in hostels all over the world (no age limit except in Bavaria).
Telephone Use
If you are going to call Canada (or other Countries) while you are away, you may want to take along an international phone card. Check with the various long distance companies and
purchase a plan/card that suits your need(s). If you will use your cell phone/smart phone while you are away check into your current plan with your provider; you may be surprised by roaming fees and/or upload/download fees. Some people choose to obtain a SIM card once they are at destination. This is your choice and responsibility.
Luggage
Take as little as possible (You will have to carry it around!) and make sure that your baggage conforms to all guidelines. You should review the information found on the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website at http://www.catsa.gc.ca/Home.aspx?id=1&lang=en. Check out voltages in your host country before carting electrical devices with you. If you are staying with a host individual/family, consider taking some a small gift.
Guidebooks
Consider buying one(s) geared to your own travel style and itinerary.
Do some background reading about the countries you will visit, the people you will see, the cultures you will experience. Be sensitive to any differences in culture and be respectful of the cultural norms in your host country.
Language
Brush up on your foreign language skills and/or buy a phrase book. Last updated: August 2014
Form 2 Queen's University Off-Campus Activity Safety Policy