Pre-Departure Information

What you get out of your trip will grow exponentially as a function of your preparation.  The more you read and learn about your destination and upcoming experience, the better it will be.  Talk to others who have been abroad and get insider tips from them.  

Be sure to do the following:

1. Attend pre-departure orientation meetings with the Center for International Studies and your faculty leader.
2. Make copies and scans of important documents, such as passports.  Bring a copy of your itinerary to the Center for International Studies. 
3. Purchase your plane ticket and give an itinerary to the Center for International Studies and your faculty leader. Some discount travel agencies include:
   • http://www.statravel.com/
   • http://www.studentuniverse.com
   • http://www.sidestep.com
4. Review the emergency plan. 
5. Review health information, including the Country Guide from International SOS.  Consider your personal health and be sure you can handle your health needs in a new and challenging environement.  See a doctor and dentist for health check-ups and to discuss health-related issues for traveling.  Request enough prescription medicine for your entire stay.
6. Review safety information for your destination, including the Security Guide from International SOS and information from the Department of State.
7. Consider how you will pay expenses and / or receive money while abroad.  Make an emergency plan for lost or stolen credit cards.   Consider giving parents power of attorney to act on your behalf.
8. Think carefully about what to pack, keeping in mind you must manage all your luggage by yourself, and space may be limited in your accommodations.
9. Learn more about your country and culture by reviewing such sites as:
   • International SOS
   • Study abroad country-specific info.
   • State Department’s Country Background notes
   • Guidebooks, such as Lonely Planet or Let’s Go.
   • Travel websites' destination guides, such as http://www.travelocity.com or http://www.atlapedia.com/