Before Your Departure

• Liaise with QES university staff (Dr. Tarah Wright – tarah.wright@dal.ca), the Study Abroad/Exchange Advisor in the International Centre, and any other person critical to your placement.
• Review your Letter of Agreement in full, so you are aware of all program requirements.
• Register in the required Dalhousie course (in most cases ENVS 3501) for which you will gain academic credit via your placement.
• Book your flight to the Bahamas (you will need to fly into Rock Sound Airport Eleuthera)
• Attend the in-person pre-departure orientations and complete the International Centre’s online pre-departure orientation. Read all orientation materials provided to you and obtain your emergency contact card.
• Complete all forms required from the CEI
• Make an appointment at a Travel Health Clinic to obtain health counselling.  Obtain any recommended immunizations.
• Purchase supplementary medical insurance coverage as per instructions from the CEI
• Pack your policy booklet and travel insurance card, to take with you.
• Register online with the Registry of Canadians Abroad (ROCA).
• Ensure you have a valid passport and obtain all documents required to enter the country of your placement (e.g. visa if required).
• Complete the Pre-Departure Form via the online QES Portal at least one week prior to your departure.
• Make financial arrangements for QES funds to be received through the QES staff

• Liaise with QES staff to become familiar with the QES program and Dalhousie University
• Review your Letter of Agreement in full, so you are aware of all program requirements.
• Register in the Dalhousie graduate program to which you will be taking courses
• Register with the nearest office of your country’s High Commission in Canada.
• Ensure you have a valid passport and obtain all documents required to enter Canada (e.g. Temporary Resident Visa, Study Permit). Keep all receipts of any fees paid for such documentation, for reimbursement on arrival at Dalhousie.
• Complete the Pre-Departure Form via the online QES Portal at least one week prior to your departure.
• On arrival at Dalhousie, attend the International Student Orientation organised by the International Centre. Staff in your department will also provide you with an orientation specific to the QES and your particular study program.

Canadian QES Scholars:

When booking your flight, you must select the lowest economy fare available and use the most direct routing. You must submit at least two price quotes for your flight, to show that the lowest cost was used (e.g. you could print Expedia prices for flights on the day the ticket was purchased). You will also be required to submit the receipt for the airfare (showing it was paid), your final flight itinerary and flight boarding passes (to prove the flight was taken and the duration of your travel abroad).

Incoming QES Scholars from the Commonwealth:

Your air tickets will be booked for you by Dalhousie University’s travel agent, and the University will be billed directly for the expense.  We will put you in contact with the travel agent, to discuss itinerary options, well in advance of your planned departure.  You will be required to keep all flight boarding passes and submit these to Dalhousie.