Basic information about the many logistical matters that you will need to take care of before you leave.
Passports
If you have a passport, it must be valid for 6 months after your planned
return date. If you do not have a passport or you need to renew your existing
one, the US government has clear instructions on
how to do so at their site. If you do not currently have a valid passport, start
the process of obtaining one now! Nothing will be so disappointing as
not being able to go abroad because you didn?t get your passport in time.
The Education Abroad Program has a special deal with the UCLA Campus Photo
Studio in Ackerman Union. EAP students can get 10 2x2 (standard passport
size) photos for $24. Please mention that you are an EAP student in order
to obtain this price. Photos can be made smaller if necessary and will be
ready by the next business day.
Please note that during the weeks graduation photos are scheduled, EAP students
must go between the hours of 12-2pm and 4-5pm on any business day.
Visas
For many countries you will need to obtain a special student visa for your
stay. Each program and country has different requirements. Often you must
go to the consulate of your host country to get your visa; fortunately, most
of the countries that EAP goes to have a consulate in Los Angeles. Your packet
from UOEAP will contain specific instructions for your particular program
as well as the address of the nearest consulate. If you have visa questions,
you can ask you EAP counselor, or your UOEAP specialist, but sometimes you
might need to go to the consulate directly.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you might have special visa concerns. The
best thing to do is to call or visit the consulate of your host country to
check if there are any special visa requirements you will need to meet.
Travel
There are several good travel agencies that cater to students. The most
accessible for us at UCLA are STA
Travel (920 Westwood Boulevard, 310-824-1574) and Bruin
Walk Travel. Both provide discounts for students and can help you arrange
flights that provide some flexibility.
Published: Wednesday, November 2, 2005
