iCharleston Next Steps

Selection, Onboarding & Transitioning to the College

Welcome to iCharleston!

You're joining a select group of first year students for an enriching, international experience while you earn academic credit toward your College of Charleston degree.

  • Since the start of the program (2014), almost 93% of all iCharleston participants finished their first year upon transitioning to the College.
  • 91% of all iCharleston participants were still enrolled at the College a year after their participation in the program concluded.

During your journey, we'll provide you with support and encouragement to help you develop self awareness, enhanced cultural sensitity, respect for diverse beliefs and opinions and the ability to interact and collaborate with individuals of diverse backgrounds.

In addition, you'll gain an affinity for the College of Charleston and our culture that will stay with you as you continue your education at the College, through your graduation and beyond:

  • You'll become more comfortable with the challenges of post-secondary education.
  • You'll develop your role as a global citizen with knowledge and experience in your host country's culture.
  • You'll engage in a high-impact learning opportunity through rigorous academics, experiential learning, and global engagement.
  • You'll reflect on your experiences and think more globally as you compare your culture with the culture of the countires you've visited.

iCharleston is an amazing experience. It can be tough....but the more you put yourself out there, the more you'll get from the experience.        —Sophie G.  (London participant)

Meet the iCharleston Staff

Selection & Confirmation

If selected for iCharleston, you will receive an offer as part of your admission decision letter with your invitation to join the program. The Office of Admissions makes all decisions on iCharleston selections based on a holistic view of the student's College application.
  • Confirm your spot | Make your deposit

    Congratulations! You're invited to start your College of Charleston journey with iCharleston.

    To confirm your spot in the program and pay your $400 nonrefundable deposit:

    • Go to MyPortal

    • Use your College of Charleston ID (from your iCharleston offer letter) as the username.

    • Your default password will be your College of Charleston ID followed by your birthday in the format MMDDYY followed by A! (including the !). You’ll be prompted to update your password and set up security questions – so please keep track of your new password.

    • Select the eBill tile

    • Select "Deposits" at the top

    • From the drop-down select the "spring" option for the semester you will be enrolling at the College (Your enrollment term to select would be "2026 Spring"). The deposit will count against your spring semester entry at the College of Charleston.

    • In the drop-down menu, select the iCharleston participant deposit. (The system will prompt you to submit the $400 deposit, which officially confirms your spot in the program.)

    If you need to pay via mail, send your $400, nonrefundable check or money order (made payable to College of Charleston) to:               

    Treasurer’s Office
    College of Charleston
    66 George St.
    Charleston, S.C. 29424-0001.

    Be sure to include your College of Charleston ID number and ‘iCharleston’ in the memo line of the check.

  • Complete the Site Preference Form

    Tell us your your site preferences. Your spot will not be confirmed until both your site form and deposit have been submitted.

    Please rank the locations with your first, second and third choices. Choose between Dublin, London, Madrid, or Rome.

    Locations are assigned on a first-response, first-served basis and placement in your first choice cannot be guaranteed.

    Complete the Site Preference Form

Onboarding, Orientation & Departure

You've submitted your deposit and made your location choices. Now get ready for your iCharleston semester with these important onboarding next steps.
  • Attend iCharleston Program Orientation

    Dates TBD

    iCharleston Student and Family Orientation occurs on the beautiful College of Charleston Campus in early summer 2025 prior to your depature for your site location.

    Your attendance at the iCharleston Student and Family Orientation is a required part of your program acceptance.

    At orientation, you'll meet other students in your iCharleston cohort as you get ready for your departure day in late August. Additionally, representatives from our four partner locations will be on campus presenting important information to both students and parents as they ready for your arrival in August and September.

    At our iCharleston Program orientation on campus, you'll participate in various sessions over two days. During these sessions you will be introduced to topics such as living abroad, safety, and accademic success. There will also be panel dicussions specific to your iCharleston destination. Be prepared to learn about the following:

    • Your goals and expectations.
    • Making the transition from high school to college.
    • Study tips.
    • Communicating with your family and options for visiting throughout the program.
    • How to log your off-site travel plans with the U.S. Department of State.
    • How to budget and handle your money.
    • Purchasing travel insurance.
    • Maintaining good health while you’re abroad.
    • Support services.
    • Transitioning to the College of Charleston in spring.

    Panel discussion topics on your specific iCharleston location:

    • Going through customs and immigration
    • Transportation to campus
    • Where you will be living
    • Where to find the essentials (banks, grocery stores, restaurants, school supplies, etc.)
    • Mail
    • iCharleston specific programming
  • Academic Advising

    The academic advising process begins at Orientation when the iCharleston academic advisor meets all students. During this meeting, students and families learn about how the academic advisor will support them during the first three semesters.

    Once abroad, the academic advisor will speak with each iCharleston participant individually via Zoom during the fall semester. Topics to be discussed include the high school to college transition, academics abroad, and time management/study skills. The academic advisor will also meet participants in small groups and discuss graduation requirements at the College of Charleston as well as how courses will transfer back when students arrive on campus during the spring semester.

    All incoming iCharleston students will complete New Student Orientation in January prior to the start of the spring semester. The iCharleston program academic advisor will work with students in a group setting to get them registered for appropriate courses. Throughout the spring semester each participant will meet with the iCharleston program academic advisor to ensure that each student is integrating into the campus community, utilizing support resources, and meeting academic contract conditions.

  • Do I need a Visa?

    Dublin

    • No visas are required for U.S. citizens. However, once you're in Dublin, you must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) as advised by FIE. Please note that registration for GNIB costs €300 (or roughly $356.00).

    London

    • No visas are required for U.S. citizens. Foundation for International Education will provide an entrance letter in advance that you can present at UK Customs upon landing at London’s Heathrow Airport. Nothing else is needed and there are no costs associated with this process.

    Madrid

    • Study visas are required for Madrid. University of Nebrija will provide an acceptance letter and instructions for obtaining proper documentation. Once you're in Madrid, you will register with the immigration office. Additional fees are required.

    Rome

    • Study visas are required for Rome. AUR will provide an acceptance letter and instructions for obtaining proper documentation. Once you're in Rome, you must register with the immigration office for the Italian Permit to Stay. Additional fees for the Italian Permit to Stay are required.

  • Packing Guide

    Start with the Bag

    • 1 checked bag
    • 1 carry on
    • 1 personal item

    This is all the luggage you need for your semester abroad.

    You can purchase items like towels, toiletries and school supplies when you arrive - save that space for your favorites and essentials.

    Clothes, Clothes, Clothes

    Pack clothers that you can layer. Consider your destination and research what the weather will be like when you arrive, mid-semester and when you are ready to return home in December. Only pack your favorite clothes that you know you'll wear.

    Line your bag with shoes

    Lay down your shoes along the walls of your bag to create more space for your other items. Pack smaller items - like socks - inside your shoes to maximize space. Bring comfortable shoes for hiking, exploring your new city or just going out for groceries.

    Plan ahead for medication

    Make sure you bring any essential prescription medicines with you abroad. You'll need to request a four month supply in advance and make sure you can travel with your prescription. Over the counter medications can be purchased at your location.

    Rain or Shine

    Whether you're off to Dublin or London, you should pack waterproof shoes, a rain coat and an umbrella! November and December can be chilly, so don't forget your winter coat, some gloves and a hat. Check Madrid and Rome for fall weather.

    Don't Forget

    • Consult with your cell phone provider to "unlock" you phone before you leave as you will need to get a new SIM card when you arrive at your location.
    • International converter/adapter (UK & Euro power).
    • Submit travel notices to your bank and ATM card services.
    • Print off all travel documents and keep them with you during your flight.
  • Before Departure

    Things to do before departing for your iCharleston location.

    1. Immigration Letter
      • Dublin – your letter will be given to you at departure by a College of Charleston staff member.
      • London – print this off by logging into your FIE Student Portal and clicking on “Attached Documents”.
      • Madrid – your visa should be in your Passport prior to departure.
      • Rome – your visa should be in your Passport prior to departure.
    2. Check your Passport 
      Make 2 copies: one for yourself and one to leave at your family’s house.
    3. Plan for departure 
      Check the dates and times of your group flight (See "At the Airport").
    4. Research your soon to be new academic home.
      • What can you do on-campus?
      • What resources are available?
      • What does your residence hall and living experience look like?
      • What does the surrounding location look like?
    5. Budget and Spending allocation.
      • How will you access your funds?
    6. Learn to cook a few simple meals. Practice your laundry skills
    7. Decide what to pack – remember:
      You are only allowed One checked bag, one carry on, one backpack.
      • Charleston journal for Passport to CofC experience.
      • Prescriptions for entire semester; contact lens supplies.
      • Photos, reminders from home.
      • Umbrella and rain jacket.
      • Site appropriate clothing
        PRO TIP: Check the weather for the fall semester at your location! Don’t be that person who packs 12 pairs of shorts for Dublin only to realize the September high is 56 F!
      • Converter for Dublin/London/Madrid/Rome.
        PRO TIP: Get one with multiple USB ports so you can charge various devices at the same time!

    Things not to bring

    • Do not bring electric appliances like hair dryers, electric shavers, straighteners, etc. - they will burn out! You can purchase these inexpensively once you arrive.
    • Do not bring COSTCO size shampoo and conditioner...pack a travel kit to get you through the first few days and buy product in your new city! Near your residence will be a variety of stores that will have these kind of things (and you can get your school supplies there as well!).
    • Do not bring bedding or towels (duvet and pillows are provided at all sites).
      • London DOES provide sheets...you will need to buy a towel upon arrival (about $10USD)
      • Dublin DOES provide sheets and towels...no need to pack or purchase
      • Madrid DOES provide sheets...you will need to buy a towel upon arrival (about $10USD)
      • Rome DOES provide sheets, towels...no need to pack or purchase
    Make a “Bucket List” of things you want to do in your new city and during the fall semester!
  • At the Airport
    Preparing for Departure
    • All iCharleston students depart on a group flight with a College of Charleston staff member at a pre-determined date.
    • Families will be responsible for checking their student in at the airport.
    • Students will meet their flight leader at the departure gate.
    • Students will receive contact information for their flight leader prior to departure. 

    Group flights are organized in advance. iCharleston students are required to fly together on specified dates to their locations. These dates are set by our partner institutions and must be adhered to.

    Departure Dates and Times
    All flights depart as pre-planned group departures and location will be TBD late spring 2025.

    • London
      • Depature: August 26 @ TBD
      • Arrival: August 27 @ Heathrow Airport London
    • Rome
      • Depature: August 26 @ TBD
      • Arrival: August 27 @ Fumicino Airport Rome
    • Dublin
      • Depature: September 1 @ TBD
      • Arrival: September 2 @ Dublin Airport
    • Madrid
      • Depature: September 8 @ TBD
      • Arrival: September 9 @ Adolfo Suarez Airport Madrid-Barajas

Transition to Charleston

Once you’ve successfully completed all the iCharleston requirements, you'll return home to start the second semester as an official College of Charleston student!
  • Orientation

    Welcome home! As a new, official College of Charleston student, you will need to attend New Student Orientation at the College in early January. During orientation, you will meet with an academic advisor and complete registration for your spring-semester classes.

    More on new student orientation
  • Housing & Dining

    Now that you're back, we have a place for you to live.

    All iCharleston participants must live in College of Charleston housing during the spring semester after their fall semester abroad.

    Housing options range from traditional residence halls to suite-style apartments to historic houses. Campus Housing will notify you of your room assignment in late December.

    As a first-year student, you must also purchase a meal plan for the spring semester.

    Visit Campus Housing
  • Spring Semester Support

    Once you successfully complete your fall semester abroad, you will begin taking classes on the College of Charleston campus in January.

    To help you during this time, your Site Director will return with you and be there to mentor, support and shape your spring experience. 

    During this time you will be provided the following support: 

    • scheduled meetings with your site director throughout the semester.
    • dedicated academic advising.
    • professional and personal development programming.
    • College of Charleston academic and social resources. 

    This structure of various dedicated support systems are in place to ensure your transition to College of Charleston will be successful both academically and socially.

    Per College of Charleston policy, the institution reserves the right to deny admission to any new student if disciplinary and/or academic issues become apparent prior to the date that the student is to enter the College.