Preparing for Departure

Congratulations on your decision to study abroad! 

Please find the details below to help you get prepared for your exchange:

International Office

1. Attend a Pre-Departure Orientation (on logistical arrangements) organized by the International Office.
2. Provide a copy of the admission letter from the host institution to International Office for review and record purposes. 
3. Read, sign and return HKBU offer letter to the International Office.
4. Apply for the disbursement for the exchange funding before your departure. For details, please refer to the page on  Disbursement .
5. Confirm with your departmental exchange coordinator and/or academic advisor about the study plan of your exchange study.

Student Visa/Study Permit

Apply for travel documents and a student visa/study permit and check the validity of the documents. Some countries require students to have insurance proof and accommodation confirmation before a student visa can be issued so you must check their specific requirements.

1. Verify your passport is valid for at least 6 months after the end of your programme. If it is not valid for at least 6 months after the end of your programme, you will need to renew your passport.
2. You may need an entry visa or other travel documents to study in your host country. Prepare documents required for your student visa/study permit application (e.g. financial proof, accommodation confirmation, health insurance, etc.). You must visit the embassy/consulate website of your destination country to find out the specific requirements for the visa application. Some countries require students to have insurance proof and accommodation confirmation before a student visa can be issued so you must check their specific requirements. Obtaining documents from embassies or consulates can take months. Please plan in advance. 
3. Some countries require a health form or letter of good health (to confirm that you are free from certain diseases, etc.) be provided to obtain a visa. You can make an appointment with your family doctor or the University Clinic to schedule a pre-travel counseling session and a general physical assessment.
4. You may also be asked to show proof of having received certain vaccinations. Please check if you have kept your Vaccination Record, which can be used as documentation of the vaccines you have received. Otherwise, you may have to get immunised. ​

Accommodation

1. Apply and reserve accommodation as soon as possible. Obtain your living address and the contact person’s phone number for yourself and your family members.
2. Check with the host institution and accommodation required arrival and departure dates to make your flight/train reservations as soon as possible. You are not encouraged to issue and pay your tickets before your student visa has been approved.

Safety

1. Purchase an insurance that covers comprehensive health, accident, personal property and travel insurances for your entire period of your exchange. HKBU has provided all exchange students a group travel insurance with a coverage of up to 183 days only. If the duration of the exchange programme is for a full academic year, you must purchase additional insurance coverage. For details, visit the website of Finance Office.
2. Check the weather of the country/region and prepare sufficient clothing.
3. Find the Chinese Consulate/Embassy of the country/region where you will stay. 

Money Matters

1. Accommodation, travel and subsistence costs are the responsibilty of the participating students. You must make sure that you will have adequate funds to participate in the Student Exchange Programme. 
2. Settle your tuition payment or its related arrangements (e.g. Government grants and loans) before departure. You may need to prepare a letter to authorize your family members or friends to handle payments or academic matters on your behalf while studying abroad.
3. Check with your bank and credit company about the financial matters and arrangements for and during your exchange.