By now, you will have already figured out how you will pay for your stay abroad. Remember to submit your application for financial support, if you were planning to do so. You can read more about the possibilities on the page about financial support during your stay abroad

Make sure you have a valid passport. It has to be valid for at least six months after you return from your stay abroad. You might need a visa, depending on which country you're going to, so be sure to check this in advance.

Within the European Union

European nationals do not need to apply for visas for EU Member States. Depending on the duration and nature of your stay, you might, however, be required to report to the immigration police after arrival and apply for a residence permit.

Outside of the European Union

Start early with arranging your visa. The rules and regulations for applying for a visa differ for each country. You can obtain more information from the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. See the website below for more information.

If you are participating in the Global Exchange Programme, your visa application will be sponsored by your host university. You will receive instructions from your host university after you have been nominated. You do not need to take any actions beforehand.

More information

Website of the Ministry of International AffairsExternal link

When you take part in an exchange programme, the host university might arrange accommodation for you in some cases, or is going to inform you about where to arrange accommodation. For students who independently arrange their study, internship or research abroad, you will have to arrange accommodation yourself.

Make sure to enquire about the possibilities at the relevant organisation where you will participate in study or research or do an internship. If they cannot help you, the Nuffic websiteExternal link offers practical advice.

Subletting your room?

If you want to rent out your room during your semester abroad, you can use the housing platform HousingAnywhereExternal link. This way, you can earn some extra money for your exchange. This website is free to use and operates on a student-to-student basis. Feel free to use this webpage to rent out your room during the summer period as well. HousingAnywhere is a free service if you make use of your UvA email address. Please check with your landlord whether subletting your room is an option.

You can also sublet your room through ASVA student unionExternal link.

Insurance

Before departing, you need to find out whether your health insurance is valid in the country you will be staying in. This is sometimes the case, but you might also have to obtain supplementary insurance. Also, check whether your health insurance is valid for longer periods abroad.

Health insurance policies of companies like AonExternal link and Insure to StudyExternal link are specially developed for the purpose of studying or doing a work placement abroad. For personal advice, please contact them directly by clicking the link below. Also, check whether your third-party insurance has international coverage and check for tips on the Nuffic websiteExternal link.

As a student, you are also covered by a number of UvA insurances policies. The UvA has group accident insurance covering accidents during internships, for example.

Sometimes, the partner university demands that you take out an insurance that they offer themselves. In such a case, your own insurance or the other insurances mentioned above are not sufficient. If this is the case, you can find more information on the partner university's website.

Vaccinations

Some countries require special medical care (e.g. vaccinations). Please consult your doctor, the municipal health service or the UvA General PractitionersExternal link for more information. Also see the Nuffic Health websiteExternal link

Hienfeld Travel Assistance app

When you go abroad, you can use the Hienfeld Travel Assistance App. You can download it on your phone via the app store. Subsequently, you can activate the app by taking the following steps:

• Enter the policy number of the business travel insurance of the UvA: DL221283
• Enter the postal code that is stated on the policy: 1000 GG
• Sign up with your UvA email address, and choose a password

If you give consent, the app will recognise where you are at that moment. The app provides country-specific travel information, alerts in case of emergencies, and a currency converter. You can also use the app to view your up-to-date insurance card, and request medical assistance through the Eurocross emergency center. For more information and instructions, please consult the Hienfeld flyer (pdf) and infographic (pdf), respectively.

Sometimes, it is useful to ensure that you have someone who takes care of matters relating to student loans, taxes or registration at the UvA on your behalf during your stay abroad. A form to authorise someone as a trustee can often be obtained by the designated organisation.

Would you like to take an English language proficiency test or learn another language? You can find an overview of some possibilities on the page about Language skills.

The ISIC card offers discounts and benefits in terms of transport, and cultural and historical places of interest in more than 100 countries.

International Student Identity CardExternal link