〜に際して
on the occasion of, when (formal)
Noun / Verb dictionary form + に際して / に際し
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に際して marks a special occasion, often an important one: 出発に際して、注意事項を説明します, "before we set off, I'll explain some points to be aware of".
It's a more formal version of 際に (N3), and it's typical of official procedures, speeches and written instructions: 入学に際して, "on enrolment"; 契約に際し, "when signing a contract".
It follows a noun (often a する-noun) or a dictionary-form verb. In very formal writing, に際し drops the て.
It's close to にあたって. に際して focuses on the occasion itself; にあたって suggests preparing for an important step. Often either works.
Examples
出発に際して、注意事項を説明します。
Before we set off, I'll explain some points to be aware of.
入学に際して、必要な書類を提出してください。
On enrolling, please submit the required documents.
契約に際し、身分証明書が必要です。
Identification is required when signing the contract.
留学するに際して、多くの人にお世話になった。
When I went to study abroad, many people helped me.
帰国に際して、お世話になった方々にお礼を申し上げます。
As I return home, I'd like to thank everyone who has helped me.