Insight Abroad Program Checklist

Once you've enrolled in an Insight Abroad program, use this checklist as a reminder of what you need to do prior to departure. (If you registered less than 60 days before the start date of your program, please proceed to Step 2.)

1. Review your Participant Handbook. You will receive a Participant Handbook within 2 weeks of enrolling. This handbook provides valuable information about the country and region you are traveling to, and useful resources on the program.

2. Contact your Program Manager with any questions. Your Program Manager works closely with the Country Director, and knows first-hand what it's like to volunteer in the country to which you'll be traveling. Together you will review important logistical details and expectations of the program and the country. This personal attention and assistance in advance ensures the most positive experience possible. If necessary, your Program Manager can expedite the delivery of your Participant Handbook and/or send an electronic copy to you.

3. Confirm that your Passport is valid for 6 months after the end date of your program. If not, you will need to obtain / renew your passport for international travel.

Visit the Visas and Passports webpage for more information about renewing your passport.

4. Complete your Volunteer Profile for Cross-Cultural Solutions. There are two forms that can be completed on-line in your myCCS portal: (1) Personal Data Form and (2) Health & Emergency Contact Form. The third form, the Agreement & Release Form, must be printed, signed and mailed/faxed/scanned emailed back to your Program Manager at CCS Headquarters.Information gathered on these forms assists us in facilitating a productive, safe, and comfortable volunteer experience for you.

If you prefer, you may download the forms below. You can return them to your Program Manager at CCS Headquarters via e-mail, mail, or fax to Cross-Cultural Solutions.

Documents may be viewed in PDF, which requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download the software.

Personal Data Form - PDF

Health & Emergency Contact Form - PDF

Agreement & Release Form - PDF

(Complete the Volunteer Profile only AFTER you have enrolled and paid a $275 non-refundable deposit.)

5. Purchase a plane ticket. See our Flight Arrangements webpage for more information on purchasing a plane ticket. Also, be sure to refer to the section on Plane Tickets in the Participant Handbook for the best day to arrive and depart from a country for your program.

6. Review recommended immunizations for the country in which you will be volunteering. Be sure to read up on health precautions specific to the countries to which you will be traveling. To find the most current travel health information, we recommend you contact the Center for Disease Control at (404) 639-2888 or www.cdc.gov. U.K. residents may also contact the U.K. Department of Health at www.dh.gov.uk. Canadian residents may contact the British Columbia Center for Disease Control at www.bccdc.org.

Please consult your physician or local travel clinic about immunizations you may require for travel. Certain countries may advise immunization or medication for travel to particular areas of a country, so consider your free time options as you discuss your plans with a medical professional. Remember to check the health requirements for any countries which you may be traveling through before or after your program as well.

View a chart of recommended health precautions and immunizations.

(Note for Russia program participants: a few additional medical documents are required by the Russian government. These documents are included in your Handbook: the International Medical Statement and the Health Declaration. A Cross-Cultural Solutions staff member will guide you through this process.)

7. Obtain a visa for the country where you will be participating in a Cross-Cultural Solutions program (if necessary), and for any other countries where you may want to travel while you are overseas. Visit our Visas and Passports webpage for more information.

8. Pay the balance of your Program fee at least 60 days before you leave for your program (or within 10 days of enrolling if you enrolled less than 60 days from the start date of your program). Visit our program payment webpage for more information.

9. Learn about your role as an International Volunteer. Visit the For Enrolled Volunteers webpage to learn ways to familiarize yourself with the country's culture and language through things like movies and language tapes.

10. Travel with an open heart and mind. You are embarking on an adventure of a lifetime. Enjoy!