Humboldt State University Department of World Languages and Cultures

Language and Culture Program in Oaxaca, Mexico

Program Preparation Check List

The following check list is a general guide to help you focus on travel issues. This list does not suggest a chronology, rather it shows the items you must complete to make your Oaxaca Program a reality. Some of the items may take no time at all to complete because you may have them already resolved. Others may take weeks and therefore you must plan ahead. Each student will have a different time line according to personal past travel experience. If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport to go to Mexico, but it is highly recommended that one be otained. If you are not a US citizen, a valid passport is probably obligatory. Discuss your situation with the Director of the program as soon as possible.

	Complete the "Oaxaca Program Application"
	Complete HSU forms for Study Abroad. You can pick up the forms from the Office of Graduate Studies. You will need the following two forms: Travel Study Agreement Release and Hold-Harmless Agreement
	Obtain a US Passport (Prices may have changed): Applications are available at most US Post Offices Regular application takes up to 6 weeks: $85 Renewal: $55 Expedite Service (two weeks): add $60 For complete passport information visit Passport Services
	Make Travel Reservations. Do this well in advance of your projected date of departure (recommended: two-three months before you plan to leave). Besides insuring flight availability, you will usually obtain the best fares.
	Obtain Health Insurance. If you are already insured, your insurance must have repatriation coverage. You can also purchase complete travel insurance for US citizen students for 3 months or more from: "Somerton Student Insurance Services", Rancho Murieta, CA. You can purchase this insurance on-line at Somerton or by calling them at 1-800-853-5899.
	Obtain Vaccinations. (Consult with family doctor or HSU Health Center)). You may want to prevent health problems by making sure that you have the basic shots for travel abroad. Consult with your doctor or health provider. Hepatitis A (Two shots, one now and a booster in 6 to 12 months. Available at the HSU Health Center) Typhoid vaccine (One shot or oral in a series of four doses. Available at the HSU Health Center) Tetanus/Diphtheria and Measles Be up-to-date with immunization. Immunization against Hepatitis B is recommended if you might be exposed to blood, have sexual contact with local population, stay longer than 6 months, or be exposed through medical treatment. Malaria is a risk in rural areas, not in the city of Oaxaca. Discuss this with your doctor.

Note: This check list does not imply acceptance into the program