Pre-Departure Checklist

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  Check your passport validity — most countries require 6 months validity beyond your planned stay. Renew now if needed (allow 10+ weeks via HM Passport Office).
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  Confirm your visa requirements — see our visa guide. Start the process immediately for complex visas (USA J-1, European work permits).
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  Apply for Turing Scheme funding through your university placement or international office. Deadlines vary — check as soon as your placement is confirmed.
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  Notify your university — get official approval for your placement year, sandwich year, or elective. We provide all documentation needed.
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  Book travel early — flights bought 3–4 months in advance are typically 30–50% cheaper.
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  Book vaccinations — some require multiple doses over several weeks. See our vaccination guide.

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  Sort travel insurance — see our insurance guide. Make sure it covers work/internship activities and your specific destination.
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  Open a Wise, Monzo or Revolut account — avoid high foreign transaction fees. See our debit card guide.
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  Apply for your GHIC (free from NHS website) if interning in an EU country — provides access to state healthcare at local rates.
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  Arrange accommodation — if we're not arranging it for you, start looking now. Rental markets in Barcelona, Paris, and other cities are competitive.
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  Check your phone plan — UK mobile plans may not include EU roaming post-Brexit. Consider a local SIM or an international plan.
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  Register with the FCDO Travel Aware service — sign up so the Foreign Office can contact you in an emergency: gov.uk/travelaware

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  Scan all important documents — passport, visa, insurance policy, placement confirmation. Store copies in Google Drive or email to yourself.
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  Tell your UK bank you're going abroad — so they don't freeze your card on the first transaction.
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  Load some local currency — have enough cash for your first few days before you can access an ATM or exchange. Wise is ideal for this.
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  Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) for your destination city. Useful for the first few days before you have a local SIM.
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  Pack your packing list — see our packing guide. Less is more. You can buy most things abroad.
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  Confirm your first week at the office — start time, dress code, who to ask for, and how to get there from your accommodation.

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  Register with the British Embassy or Consulate in your country — recommended for longer stays, essential in higher-risk destinations.
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  Get a local SIM card — much cheaper than roaming. Ask your host company which network they recommend.
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  Note emergency contacts — local emergency number (not always 112), nearest hospital, your insurance emergency line, and our team's contact.
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  Set up internet banking properly — confirm your Wise/Revolut works and you can transfer money to yourself if needed.

Placement confirmed? Start here.

Once you join, you get access to your personalised pre-departure checklist inside the platform, plus deals on insurance, flights, and language courses.