If you are studying away for a semester or longer, you will participate in mandatory pre-
departure orientation. This includes reviewing online information and videos; attending an in-person orientation session; and meeting with a peer advisor.
Before the pre-departure orientation
Before attending the in-person orientation session, you will review online information and videos. These are available in your online Macalester Study Away Account. Some of the topics covered include: registration information, research during study away, library resources while away, safety and finance, and learning about your study away location.
Orientation sessions
Orientation has three parts:
- Online – Orientation starts online. Students read handouts, watch videos, and complete quizzes regarding Health & Wellness, Safety and Sexual Violence, Logistical Information, and strategies for Maximizing Your Study Away Experience.
- In-Person: The Center for Study Away Staff will invite you to one in-person orientation session. Attendance is mandatory. The majority of the time will be used for discussing identity and study away and responsible community engagement with your peers.
- Returnee Meet-Ups: If there is a Macalester returnee from your study away program on campus, a study away advisor will connect you with a student who has studied in the same country, city, or even on the same program as you. This happens soon after the in-person orientation session.
Meet with a peer advisor
A study away advisor will connect you with a student who has studied in the same country, city, or even on the same program as you. This happens soon after the in-person orientation session.
Pre-Departure Forms
The semester before you study away, you will need to complete the following form and submit it to the Center for Study Away: Parent Assumption of Risk
This information is also available in your online Study Away Account