University of the Pacific
Bechtel International Center
Stockton, CA 95211
(209) 946-2246
edabroad@pacific.edu
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Fall: February 22
Spring: September 24
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Next Steps to Prepare for Departure

Once you have been approved by the University of Pacific to participate in an Education Abroad program, you will need to pay careful attention to various details, required forms, and deadlines.

Obtain a Passport / Renew Current Passport

Your passport will be your primary source of identification while abroad. Your passport must be valid for the length of time you plan to stay abroad plus six months beyond that estimated period.

Processing times for passports can be several weeks long. You will need a passport in order to obtain your visa. Thus, students needing a visa need to allow plenty of time for the entire process.

Instructions for obtaining or renewing a passport can be found at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date to the U.S.
  • If you need passport photos, view our "Passport Photo Locations list".
  • Non-U.S. Citizens: Contact the nearest consulate or embassy of your country of citizenship for passport information.


Arrange Transportation

The following are suggested websites to purchase your airline tickets. You should also check with your program regarding group flights and do your own search on the internet or with individual airlines and travel agencies. It is the student's responsibility to arrange for airfare. IPS does not make travel arrangements for students. 

Student Travel and Airfare  www.sta.com

Student Universe  www.studentuniverse.com

Travelosophy  www.itravelosophy.com

TravelZoo   www.travelzoo.com

Cheap Tickets  www.cheaptickets.com

One Travel  www.onetravel.com

Travelocity  www.travelocity.com

Air Travel Network  www.airtravel.net        

Kayak  www.kayak.com


Visa

A visa is a document, provided by the country where you will be studying, that confirms your legitimate status as a foreign student. Visas are attached to the pages of your passport, which is one of the reasons having a valid passport is necessary before you can apply for a visa. Some visas are free and easy to acquire, while others may cost over $100 and require a great deal of documentation and planning ahead. Not all countries require visas. To determine whether you will need a visa, and for instructions on how to apply, look up your host country here.

 Here is a list of common documents needed to obtain a visa:

  • Letter of Acceptance- This refers to an official letter of acceptance or invitation to participate in the education abroad program from either your program provider or your host university.
  • Proof of Insurance- An insurance card or other document verifying that you have travel and health insurance. Some education abroad programs require students to purchase the program's health insurance. In this case, an insurance card or documentation will come with your acceptance and/or pre-departure materials.
  • Proof of Sufficient Funds- Some countries require proof that you have sufficient financial support to pay for all of your expenses abroad. You may be asked to provide a bank statement with your current balance, a financial award letter, etc. to show that you have enough money to pay for yourself while abroad.
  • Plane Tickets- Your plane ticket will serve as your primary travel document. Some countries will require you to show that you have a return or ongoing flight scheduled within the allotted time for your visa.
  • Prescriptions- If you require prescription medications while abroad, you will likely need to verify this requirement with a physician's note. You may need a specially notarized prescription, translated into the host country language, if the country does not recognize US prescriptions.
  • Confirmation of Good Health- Some countries will require you to provide a health form, or letter of good health (confirmation that you are free from certain diseases, etc.).
  • Confirmation of Vaccination- Proof of having received certain vaccinations may be required to travel in regions with endemic diseases, like cholera, yellow fever, etc.
  • Translations and Notaries- Some documents must be notarized and/or translated from English to the host country's language. There is a free notary service located in the Finance Center on the Stockton campus. Please call 946-2345 to make an appointment. For translation services, check your local yellow pages, or the Catholic Charities Immigration Services, who are located in Stockton and have certified translators who will translate documents for a fee (444-5910).
University of the Pacific Education Abroad Application Portal