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Get ready to start your study abroad experience. Plan ahead and make your transition abroad a smooth one.

Before you leave you will need to


PREPARING YOUR DOCUMENTS
Passports
United States citizens need a passport to travel abroad. Your passport must be valid for six months after your return date home. If you do not have a passport, or your passport will expire soon, you should apply as soon as possible to avoid any unforeseen delay. It can take up to six weeks to process your passport application.

Visas
A visa is a stamp or attachment in your passport that allows you to study in a country for a certain period of time. Each country has its own regulations and fees. Check your AHA packet to see if your program requires a student visa. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the consulate of the host country for visa information.

Working Abroad and Work Permits
In order to take full advantage of the opportunity to study and travel abroad, you should not plan to work during your study abroad program. In fact, it is almost impossible for students to attain a work permit and most host countries will not allow you to work legally without appropriate documentation.

Power of Attorney
It is highly advisable to designate an individual, usually a parent, to take care of legal or financial matters on your behalf while you are abroad. Assigning a power of attorney is a legal process that involves drafting a document which assigns another person to act as your legal representative in specific situations. Be sure to leave banking, financial aid, health information, and any other relevant documents with this person so that they can effectively represent you while you are away.

Taxes
Be sure to know your tax responsibilities and how to comply before you leave. You may need to arrange to have tax forms sent to you. Visit the Internal Revenue Service website for forms. You may need to have taxes paid for you while you are out of the country or you can apply for an extension.

Absentee Voting
Before you leave for your program, request that a ballot be sent to you at your overseas location. Visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website and click on the State-by-State Instructions link, found under Publications and Forms. Find the appropriate state and follow the instructions provided. If you submit this request before you have specific housing information, use the mailing address where you have been instructed to receive mail. Once you have mailed in the Federal Postcard application for absentee ballot, you will be sent the appropriate ballot. The ballot needs to be returned via mail at least thirty days before the election to allow for foreign mail service. Questions can be directed to (800) 438-8683. Since 800 numbers are not toll-free while overseas, explore the Federal Voting Assistance Program before you leave the country or refer to the website for the answers to any questions.

Registering with the Embassy
You are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website. It is also advisable to obtain updated information on travel and security in the countries you will be visiting.

PLANNING YOUR TRAVEL
Arrival and Departure
You are responsible for making your travel arrangements to and from your study abroad program location. Unless you have individual travel plans before or after your program, you should plan to arrive on the first day of the program and depart after the last day. AHA recommends purchasing your airline tickets as far in advance as possible once you have been accepted into your program in order to have the best selection of fares and broadest availability. It is not uncommon to have difficulty finding flights on your chosen day of arrival if you do not purchase your ticket several months in advance. Please note that you are responsible for your accommodation arrangements and expenses incurred prior to the first day of your program. 

Airlines generally require round trip tickets for travel outside the U.S. If you do not have a round trip ticket, you may not be allowed to board your plane. For most countries, a visa is required for a stay of longer than ninety days. If you do not have a visa for your time abroad, it is important to purchase a ticket with a return date less than ninety days after your departure.

Many students book tickets through these agencies


Traveling Before or After Your Program
Students are welcome to make their own travel plans before or after the program. You must realize, however, that it is your responsibility to adhere to the immigration laws of the countries you visit. If you do not have the proper documentation, you may forfeit the opportunity to travel. Please also note that if your program requires a visa, the consulate may not take your travel plans into consideration when processing your paperwork. If you do not receive your visa in time for an early departure, you may have to change your travel plans accordingly.

Travel Guides
It is highly recommended that you research the country and location where you will be studying before you go. If you are planning any independent travel, a travel guide will be an invaluable resource to you for useful, up-to-date advice on transportation, economical lodging, and cultural information. They also will provide current information on items such as estimated costs of living, safety issues, weather information, and local customs. The Lonely Planet, Let’s Go, and Footprint travel guides are recommended travel books that also have websites to help with your initial research. 

KEEPING HEALTHY
Identifying Your Health Needs
Make your medical conditions and medical needs known before you leave. Be clear about your health status and needs when filling out program paperwork and forms. Describe allergies, disabilities, dietary requirements, and any past or current physical or emotional treatments you have undergone. If you require regular medical care for any condition, let AHA know what kind of assistance you need. Read through your medical insurance coverage in your program packet to be aware of what is covered and what is not. Resources and services for people with disabilities vary widely by country and region. If you have a disability or special need, identify it and understand ahead of time exactly what accommodations can and will be made. 

Finding Out About Resources
If you are concerned about your use of alcohol and other controlled drugs or if you have an emotional or physical health concern, you should address it honestly before making plans to travel. Contrary to many people’s expectations, travel does not minimize these problems; it can often exacerbate them to a crisis stage while you are away from home. The site director in your host country can research possible resources before your arrival. Some sites may know about resources for those with disabilities, self-help groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous), or other health related needs.

Immunizations
There are no required immunizations for most of Western Europe, Australia, and Latin America. It is a good idea to make sure all of your shots are current. In addition, seriously consider a vaccination for Hepatitis A, which can be caused by contamination of food or water by sewage and infected food handlers. If you are concerned about possible health problems, visit the Centers for Disease Control website.

MANAGING YOUR MONEY
Making a Budget
When considering how much money you will need for your time abroad, it is difficult to make guidelines—you will likely spend as much as you take. Check your program description to see what items are included in the program fee. You will need to bring funds to cover all other expenses. The amount needed for incidental expenses will depend to some degree on your lifestyle, as well as local costs. Take a close look at your current expenses and prepare a budget for yourself based on the estimated expenses. AHA provides general estimates in your program packet; however, ultimately your own spending habits will be a better guide when planning your budget. It also might be a good idea to check the currency conversion before you go. You can compare the U.S. dollar to the local currency where you will be studying here.

Cash
AHA recommends that you buy about $100 of local currency before you leave the U.S. You can purchase foreign currency at most major banks. When you arrive you can take money out from local ATM’s. You also can exchange money at the airport; however exchange rates are not as competitive. 

Debit Cards
Students typically use a debit card to access their money while abroad. ATM’s are abundant abroad, just as in the U.S., so cash in the local currency is readily accessible. ATM’s offer a competitive exchange rate and are the recommended means of handling your money. You will want to make sure that your debit card will work abroad and to verify the international transactions fees with your bank before you go. It is very important that you notify the bank that there will be international activity on your account, as well.

Traveler’s Checks
AHA recommends that you purchase about $100 of traveler’s checks, which should be kept in a safe place, in case of an emergency. If your debit or credit card is lost or stolen, then the traveler’s checks, which can be insured and replaced, will be invaluable to you.

Credit Cards
Credit cards are handy for larger transactions and purchases, but that may require you to have someone at home pay your monthly bill. You can use a credit card for cash advances, but usually at a higher interest charge. Debt can accumulate quickly while abroad as the temptation to go everywhere and do everything is ever present. If you do choose to use credit cards, be sure you notify your credit card company that there will be international activity on your account.

PACKING YOUR BAGS
Suitcases and Backpacks
It is much easier to have two smaller bags than one large suitcase. Backpacks are convenient to carry and they leave your hands free. Suitcases with wheels or portable baggage carts don’t always work well on cobblestone or other unevenly paved streets, and large duffel bags are awkward to carry long distances. Dimensions as well as weight determine the baggage limit on most international flights. Requirements vary depending on destinations and airlines. Confirm the limit of baggage allowed when you choose your airline. If you are using two airlines, check with both.

Label your luggage with a sturdy identifying tag—a bright identifying marker or ribbon will help in picking your luggage out quickly from a large pile of similar bags. Be sure to put your name and address inside each bag as well. We recommend that you pack at least a day’s worth of clothing and supplies inside your carry-on luggage in the unfortunate event that your checked luggage is delayed.

Clothing
In most countries, people dress more formally than most Americans, even to go to class. In addition to clothes for day-to-day activities, you will want to bring an outfit or two for going out in the evenings or for special events. An ideal travel wardrobe consists of coordinated clothes made of easy-care, drip-dry fabrics that can be layered and mixed and matched for different temperatures. For touring and exploring, we suggest clothes you are comfortable walking around in, such as a pair of jeans and comfortable shoes.

Important Documents
Passports and other documents should be carried securely, yet readily accessible at immigration. Money, credit cards, and traveler’s checks should always be carried in a money belt.

It is highly recommended that you keep a record of your account numbers and a list of important phone numbers separate from the originals in case of loss or theft. Leave a copy of this list with someone at home. You also should have a photocopy of the inside page of your passport. Keep copies of these documents separate from the originals. If your wallet is stolen, a copy of your I.D. kept inside your wallet will be useless.

Medication and Other Medical Supplies
If you plan to take any prescription medication while abroad, be sure to have an adequate supply to cover you for the entire length of your stay. You need to have the prescription paperwork to accompany any medications you bring. U.S. refill prescriptions are not valid abroad, and it is illegal to mail any medication. Over-the-counter medicines, such as cold remedies, pain medication, and contact lens fluid and cleanser are available in pharmacies abroad. You may want to pack contraceptives if you think you may need them, and feminine hygiene products if you are traveling where they are not available.

Carry copies of medical records, prescriptions in generic form, and pertinent information in a safe place. If you expect to need regular medical care abroad, take a letter of introduction from your physician at home, providing details of your medical conditions, care, and specific needs. If you self-inject prescribed medication, you may need to carry needles and syringes. You will need a physician’s prescription and often a letter from your doctor, practitioner, or provider for medication and medical supplies in order to pass through customs.

Film
If you are bringing anything other than a digital camera, have your camera hand-checked by airport officials. While airports say their X-ray machines do not generally harm film that is ASA400 or lower, this will protect your film against any damage.

Contact Lenses and Glasses
If you wear contact lenses or glasses, be sure to bring an extra set with you. Getting a new prescription for glasses or contacts abroad can be difficult and costly.

AHA students told us they wish they had packed the following:

  • Slippers
  • Alarm clock with batteries
  • Laptop, adapter, and splitter
  • More socks and underwear
  • Pocket dictionary of local language
  • Portable music player
  • Pictures from home
  • More “going-out” clothes
  • Gifts for homestay and new friends
  • More camera film and batteries
  • Water bottle
  • Weekend travel backpack
  • Exercise clothes
  • Friends’ e-mails and phone numbers
  • Better walking shoes
  • Sweatshirt
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Self-closing plastic bags for small items


AHA students told us they wish they had left the following at home:

  • Textbooks and novels
  • Too many shoes!
  • Too many clothes!
  • Dressy clothes
  • Sheets
  • Robe
  • High heels
  • Electric razor, hair dryer, straightener, or anything with a U.S. plug (just buy it there)
  • Extra toiletries
  • U.S. currency
  • U.S. calling cards
  • One of my suitcases


Packing Tip
Pack what you think you MUST take with you, then carry your baggage around the block, and up and down some stairs. Remember that escalators and elevators are not as common abroad as they are in the U.S., so you should be able to carry your bags up and down stairs in a single trip. You may re-evaluate what is really necessary. Mailing your personal items ahead is very expensive and, if sent by surface mail, time consuming. It is important to remember that if you decide to send something over, it eventually will need to be sent back home again, and international postage rates can be considerably higher than U.S. rates.