Pre-Departure Requirements & Materials

During the semester preceding your education abroad program, it is important that you meet with students to communicate information about the course, health and safety, and to promote cohort building. This folder contains resources and sample pre-departure orientations for you to modify for your program.

Also, you can schedule a meeting or request a presentation with Global Risk & Safety to discuss your trip and go over the request pre-departure forms. To schedule a session or request more information, please contact Global Risk & Safety at grs@austin.utexas.edu

Resources:

Here are some resources to considering when promoting constructive dialogues and encouraging self-care:

CMHC- Promoting Well-Being in Learning Environments

Wellness Activities Download Wellness Activities

Difficult Dialogues at UT Austin

From Safe Spaces to Brave Spaces Download From Safe Spaces to Brave Spaces

Matrix for Self Care and Creating Brave Spaces Download Matrix for Self Care and Creating Brave Spaces

Icebreaker Activities:

Find someone who bingo Download Find someone who bingo

Pre-Departure #1- Logistics and Cultural Preparation:

MM PDO # 1 Presentation Download MM PDO # 1 Presentation

SUM PDO # 1 Presentation Download SUM PDO # 1 Presentation

Pre-Departure #2 - Health and Safety:

Customize based on your location. Refer to research resources in the Health and Safety section.

Pre-Departure #3- Cohort-Building (Facilitated by Faculty Leader):

Suggested topics include:

Overview of academic and participation expectations. (Review of syllabus)

Setting of group norms / expectations

Cohort - building activities / creating trust

Country specific tips / tricks

Communications expectations (how to be in touch with each other and how to stay present)

Review of itinerary (if available)

Special considerations for your location (packing tips, transportation, money)