Orientation - Study Abroad - Mercer University

International Programs at Mercer University

STUDY ABROAD ORIENTATION

Mercer's International Programs takes the health and safety of its study abroad student very seriously. Careful consideration is given to each program site. Students are required, however, to take responsibility for their own health and safety too. The Office of International Programs provides pre-departure orienation sessions designed to give studnets the necessary tools for independent success with traveling, living, and studying overseas.

Students are required to attend one of the following sessions prior to their program departure. This is a university requirement. Attendance will be taken.

Orienation Dates

TBA

Pre-Departure Orientation Resources:

"Students Abroad" On-Line Handbook
"It's Your World" Study Abroad Orientation On-Line Handbook (by William Hoffa)

American Citizen Registration: Stay informed & register yourself with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate by visiting the following website http://travel.state.gov/

Visit the 'Health & Safety Abroad' site for more useful pre-departure information!

Travel Guard Study Abroad Insurance:

All study abroad students enrolled in Mercer faculty-led and semester programs or Mercer On Mission programs are required to purchase a supplemental traveler's insurance plan through Pearce and Pearce Administration. This $48 plan provides medical and emergency repatriation in all the countries Mercer operates programs. The plan also provides other forms of travel support, including travel disruptions and cancelations, luggage protection, and legal services abroad.

Mercer students who opt for the semester or year-long Mercer Student Health Insurance plan already receive this Travel Guard protetction and are not required to purchase the $48 plan.

Please visit the Study Abroad Insurance Website for more information. Insurance applications may be collected in the Office of International Programs on either the Macon or Atlanta campuses. Students must submit their insurance applications and payments directly to:

Pearce and Pearce Administration

PO BOX 2270
Florence, SC 29503

More Information

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Passports & Visas

U.S. Passports & Study Visas Mercer students who are domestic citizens are required to have a passport to study abroad. Some countries may require a study visa. Check with the Office of Study Abroad to see if you need a study visa. For more on new U.S. passport applications click here. An application for a renewal passport can be made at the U.S. Post Office on College Street in Macon.

International Students (F-1 and J-1 Visas) Mercer international students and students who have permanent residence in the USA (e.g., Green Card) will have to use their home country's passport. Study visas different from those of Mercer's domestic students may be required. Also, it is important that international students on F-1 visas meet with the Coordinator of International Student and Scholars Services (tel: 478.301.5964; e-mail: Ms. Julie Strecker at strecker_jl@mercer.edu to determine whether their I-20 document is still valid and F-1 visa is not expired. It is very difficult to get an F-1 visa renewed in a 'third party' country that is not considered the international student's home country.