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back to resources...
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study abroad:
semester at sea
· what it is
· student visas
· advice
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Learn about the countries that you plan to visit. Before departing, take the time to do some research about the
people and their culture, and any problems that the country is experiencing that may affect your travel plans.
Read the Travel Advisories - they cover topics such as entry regulations, the crime and security situation, drug penalties, road
conditions, and the location of embassies, consulates, and consular agencies. Check for Travel Warnings and Public Announcements.
Travel Warnings often recommend that you defer travel to a country because of dangerous conditions; Public Announcements provide
fast-breaking information about relatively short-term conditions that may pose risks to the security of travelers.
Register with the nearest embassy or consulate or your country. Registration will make your
presence and whereabouts known in case
it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport
or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative at home. Remember consular officers cannot cash checks, lend money or
serve as your attorney. They can, however, if the need arises, assist you in obtaining emergency funds from your family, help you
find an attorney, help you find medical assistance, and replace your lost or stolen passport.
Find out what information your school offers. Find out whether your school offers additional information for students who are
planning to study, travel, or work abroad. Many student advisors can provide you with information about studying or working abroad.
They may also be able to provide you with information on any travel benefits for students (e.g. how to save money on transportation
and accommodations, and other resources.)
Before committing yourself or your finances, find out about the organization and what it offers. The majority of private programs
for vacation, study or work abroad are reputable and financially sound. However, some charge exorbitant fees, use deliberately false
"educational" claims, and provide working conditions far different from those advertised. Even programs of legitimate organizations
can be poorly administered.
Top Ten Travel Tips for Students
- Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information
page of your passport!
- Read the Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or
Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.
- Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in
case of an emergency. Keep your host program informed of your whereabouts.
- Make sure you have insurance that will cover your emergency medical
needs (including medical evacuation) while you are overseas.
- Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a
foreign country, you are subject to its laws!
- Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers.
- While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do.
- Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.
- Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money to avoid violating
local laws.
- When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-foriegner sentiments may be expressed.
Source: Bureau of Consular Affairs of the US State Department
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