Ready for takeoff?
You've chosen your adventure. Now let's get you ready for it—from travel documents and packing to flights and your first days abroad.
Four essentials before you board
- Confirm passport and visa requirements
- Complete program orientations
- Review flights and program calendar
- Pack for your destination
Your pre-departure checklist
Use this visual checklist to organize your preparation. Checkmarks are for your own reference and are not saved between visits; official requirements still come from your ACU program communications.
Everything to review before you depart
Pre-departure module
Complete the orientation instructions provided by ACU and watch for required pre-departure meetings.
View pre-departure resources →Passport & visa guidance
Review ACU's passport guide and official U.S. Department of State information. Visa rules vary by destination and citizenship.
Open passport guide →Academics & program dates
Check calendars, schedules and course details before booking personal travel.
View academic calendars →Pack smart. Travel lighter.
ACU recommends a lighter packing approach: students are responsible for moving their own luggage, and ACU international houses provide laundry facilities and basic linens.
One checked bag
Usually under 50 lb (23 kg), plus one airline-approved carry-on and one small personal item. Airline rules control actual allowances, weights, and sizes.
Leave bedding at home
ACU supplies pillows, sheets, pillowcases, duvets, and towels at its international houses.
Less is more
Extra checked bags may carry airline fees. Laundry is available and everyday items can be purchased locally.
Destination packing guides
Know your departure plan
These are the approximate time frames and departure arrangements currently described on ACU's Preparing to Go page. Final instructions are program-specific and may supersede these general descriptions.
Begins early September and ends in early December.
Begins after the winter holiday period and ends in early to mid-April.
June 1–28.
July 1–28.
Farewell reception
There will be farewell reception at ACU Dallas, where students and families may attend and staff provide check-in support and final documents.You will then be transported to DFW international airport with your cohort.
Airport check-in
Students will meet at DFW International Airport and check in at least 3.5 hours before departure, with optional group coordination through WhatsApp.
Living and learning overseas
Living arrangements
At our international campuses, students live in ACU facilities with local staff or faculty-in-residence. Rooms will be shared with one or more roommates, with shared bathrooms. Facilities include furnished kitchens and supplied linens.
Housing and roommate requests →Classes and field trips
Semester students take at least 12 ACU credit hours. Summer students take at least 3 credit hours, and some summer programs require six. Courses and educational field trips vary by program.
Course and schedule information →Wi-Fi and everyday life
ACU international houses provide wireless internet and are located near everyday amenities such as parks, markets, public transportation, and cafés.
Practical information →Independent travel and safety
Students often travel independently during weekends and breaks. The published ACU guidance requires students to record travel in the ACU Travel Tracker each week. It describes travel to U.S. State Department Level 1 and 2 destinations as permitted, with an exemption process for Level 2+ locations. Consult the current Travel page and staff before making plans.
ACU on-site staff will assist with emergency response plans, partner with local authorities and embassies, and medical/evacuation insurance for participating students. Students are encouraged to register their trips with the U.S. State Department's STEP program.
Your phone plan abroad
Keep your U.S. plan
Ask your carrier about international data, calls, texting and roaming charges before departure.
Use Wi-Fi
Students may use Wi-Fi in campus housing and local businesses while disabling cellular roaming. Offline navigation and emergency connectivity should also be planned.
Buy local service
Students have also purchased local pay-as-you-go service at approximately $15–$20, depending on location and plan. You may use a local SIM or compatible eSIM; confirm whether your phone is unlocked.
Electrical outlets and adapters
Oxford, Leipzig & Valencia
Outlets are 230 V as the local standard for its three International Campus locations, compared with approximately 120 V in the United States.
Check the INPUT rating printed on each device before plugging it in.
Adapter vs. converter
A plug adapter changes the plug shape; it does not change voltage. Most modern laptops and phone chargers accept a range such as 100–240 V, but verify your own device's label.
International students
Review immigration requirements before signing
ACU international students may face additional U.S. re-entry, visa and immigration considerations when studying abroad. Our collegues have put together a guide as well as given you the contact information for Lucy Dawson, Associate Director of OISVS, for individualized support.
The linked Google document may require appropriate access permissions.

