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If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home.– James Michener |
Summer Abroad Student Handbook (SASH){Chapter Four: Preparing to Travel} |
U.S. Department of State Registration
Passport and Visas
Passports
A valid passport is required for enrollment in all programs. Passport forms and instructions are available online at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html. Please note that your passport must be valid through March 2009. Be sure to check the expiration date and to apply early for a renewal if necessary. We recommend that you keep copies of your passport—at home and with you in a secure place.
Visas
A visa (or entry clearance or resident permit) is an endorsement, usually a stamp, placed in the passport by the authorities of the host country. The visa grants its bearer permission to enter and/or reside in the host country for the purpose stated.
You are responsible for obtaining all necessary entry documents before departure for your travel overseas. If you fail to obtain the proper visa documentation prior to departure, you may be denied admittance to the host country. Such a situation would prevent your participation in SA.
Visas for U.S. Citizens
Please check your program’s webpage for information on visas. U.S. citizens will not need a visa for most programs. If you do need a visa, the staff at UC Davis Summer Abroad will help you by providing you with a letter verifying your enrollment. Specific directions on how to obtain a visa will be available in the Program Specific Guides. You can also obtain current information by visiting the U. S. Department of State Travel site at http://travel.state.gov/travel/requirements/requirements_1233.html.
Visas for Non-U.S. Citizens (Including Permanent Residents)
Non-U.S. citizens (including permanent residents) will often need a visa, even if U.S. citizens do not. Please check specific entry requirements for your citizenship. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate for details—or check the embassy website for your destination.
Travel Arrangements
Note: Students should NOT make flight arrangements until Summer Abroad sends a confirmation that the program has reached minimum enrollment. Monitor your program’s status online via your Student Login. When your program is listed as “confirmed” you may purchase your airfare.
You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements to arrive and depart from the program location. Instructions regarding how to get from the airport or train station to the check-in location are in the Program Specific Guide (available via your student login after your program meets minimum enrollment).
Purchasing Your Airline Ticket
As a general rule, the earlier you purchase your flight, the cheaper it will be, so investigate the cost and availability as soon as possible. Be sure, however, to check your program’s status—to be sure it is “confirmed”—before purchasing your flight. Many students find discount flights offered by travel agencies such as STA Travel (www.statravel.com)—available on most college campuses in the U.S. and overseas—or Student Universe (www.studentuniverse.com). For a list of discount airlines, click here. Note: Summer Abroad does not endorse any particular vendor.
Summer Abroad recommends that you purchase an International Student ID Card (ISIC)—available through STA travel. This internationally recognized card may get you student discounts on admissions, travel and lodging while abroad. In addition, card holders receive passport replacement insurance. Certain programs require that students have an ISIC card to guarantee discounted admissions and/or fares. Refer to your Program Specific Guide for more information.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Summer Abroad recommends that students purchase refundable tickets and trip cancellation insurance. Depending on the policy, trip cancellation insurance may cover the cost of your airline ticket, lost luggage, or program fees in the event that you are unable to attend due to illness or emergency. Ask your travel agent and/or insurance provider about trip cancellation insurance and policy coverage.
Flight Itinerary
All students must submit their flight itinerary using the online form available in their Summer Abroad login. Your instructor will receive this information—and in some programs will use the information to arrange transportation to the program site. Should something out of the ordinary happen with a flight, we will be able to determine whether you were on that flight and make appropriate arrangements. Be sure to include all legs of your flight and the return flight.
Duty and Customs
When packing for your return home, make sure that you do not bring items that are considered prohibited or illegal by the United States. Upon entry into the U.S. you may be subject to a search, even if you have nothing to declare. Generally, you can bring back $800 worth of goods purchased overseas. There are limits on the amount of alcohol, tobacco, and perfume you can bring back. You are responsible for knowing these limits.
Upon entry into the U.S. you may be subject to a search, even if you have nothing to declare. Please take time to review Customs regulations online at:
Money
Accessing Money
There are a variety of ways to handle one’s finances while abroad. Do not rely solely on one method. Bring cash, a credit card, and an ATM card that works overseas. There are a number of things you will need to consider. Will your ATM card and credit cards work overseas? Does your bank limit your daily access to funds? What kind of fees will be involved? What is the current exchange rate?
Notifying Banks and Credit Card Companies
Confirm that your cards will work abroad. Many ATMs abroad will only accept a 4-digit pin number, so you may need to change your pin before you leave. Check your bank’s daily cap for withdrawal. It is also wise to notify your credit card company that you will be abroad so they don’t freeze your account due to suspicious charges.
Exchanging Money
If you are going to a location where the official currency is not U.S. dollars, convert about $100 into the local currency before you leave. Some banks will charge fees to exchange money in other countries; therefore, exchanging money before you leave may save you money. Additionally, cash in local currency will allow you to avoid the high price mark-ups for currency exchange at the airport and allow you to pay directly for transportation, meals, and small items until you get acquainted with the area.
Understanding Currency Conversions
The value of the U.S. dollar varies dramatically throughout the world. To plan your trip budget, it is extremely important for you to have an idea of how much your dollar is worth abroad. If you would like up-to-date exchange rate information, check the Oanda site (www.oanda.com). ATM or credit cards often offer the best exchange rates.
Planning Your Budget
Refer to the Program Specific Guide for your destination when planning your budget. Some programs include the cost of most meals; others require that students purchase their own meals. In addition to daily personal expenses (such as meals, personal items, and local transportation), be sure to have a plan for emergency expenses including medical expenses or flight change requirements.
Paying Bills
Have a plan in place so that your bills are paid (rent, utilities, credit card, car, etc) while you are gone. Either set up electronic payment or ask a trusted friend or family member to make payments while you are gone.
Securing Your Funds
Do not keep all of your cash and cards in one place. When going out, only bring with you what you think you will use. In case you encounter a pickpocket, you will still have funds available if you keep most of your items in a secure location. Detailed country-specific recommendations for handling your money are located in the Program Specific Guide.
U.S. Department of State Registration
Summer Abroad participants are responsible for registering their travel plan with the U.S. Department of State on the Registration Home Page at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ , and printing and submitting a copy of the registration to their instructor. The registration form includes fields for your emergency contact, your passport information, and your destination. Refer to your Program Specific Guide for details on your housing at the program site/s. Non-U.S. citizens will need to check with their home country embassy to register their travels.
Once you have registered, the embassy or consulate staff can contact you at your destination in the event of an emergency at home or abroad. Registering your travel plan will also ease the process of receiving assistance in the event of that you encounter difficulties (e.g. a lost passport, a medical emergency, or a natural disaster).
Tips for First Time Travelers
Traveling abroad for the first time is exciting but can feel somewhat stressful and scary because you are traveling in a country unfamiliar to you. Knowing what to expect can help you navigate your first experience abroad.
Stay calm
We know this is easier said than done, but if something is going wrong, it will help if you sit down, take a deep breath, and collect yourself. Try not to panic; there is no problem that can’t be fixed.
Ask for help
Asking for help is OK, especially at airports and other travel stations. There are people there who are paid to help you. There will be someone who speaks English at virtually all airports and at many train stations. If you have a problem, don’t know where to go, or need something explained, just ask.
Make the trip easier for yourself
Have everything you need ready (passport, photo ID, ticket, etc.). Being ready will make you feel more comfortable, and the people helping you will appreciate your preparedness. Going through security and customs (especially if you have another flight to catch) can be incredibly stressful. If you have a deadline approaching, let someone know. They may have a system in place that can speed you through the process.
Get to know your travel path before you leave
Your Lonely Planet and Program Specific Guides include helpful resources for planning your trip. If you must travel through a city or other area that is between your arrival destination and your final destination where you will be staying, take a look at general and public transportation maps. You will feel better if you aren’t trying to figure out where you’re going the minute you get off the plane in a foreign country.
Study the public transit system at your destination
Your Program Specific Guide will include links to the public transit systems in your destination city. Metro and train ticketing systems vary drastically in other countries. Study the procedures in advance. You will be better prepared to navigate and you may even learn how to receive a discount.
Have Fun
Traveling is part of the cultural experience of studying abroad. It can be a great experience if you don’t let it scare you. Always remember to be safe, but don’t hesitate to use the experience as part of your cultural education.