Study Abroad
Study Abroad Pre-departure Information for Parents and Guardians
WHAT YOUR STUDENT SHOULD TAKE ABROAD
We recommend that students pack light. We remind them that they will be carrying their own bags. The general rule of thumb is to pack what you think you will need, let it sit, and then remove half.
Airlines have become more stringent about observing their weight limits on luggage in recent years. Each airline has its own maximum amount the traveler is allowed. Check with the airline to find specific baggage allowances, weight or size restrictions and a list of restricted items for both international and domestic flights. Some students will take an in-country flight after arrival to reach the overseas institution and that flight may have different weight limits than the international flight. We also recommend arriving at the airport three hours before departure for international flights.
Nearly everything available here can also be purchased overseas. We recommend purchasing or renting linens overseas, so as not to use up space in luggage and also because the sizes of beds overseas may be different from the standard US size.
However, some students may want to purchase certain items here in the United States before departure because they will be either more expensive or unavailable abroad, depending on the country of destination.
Toiletries are available all over the world. Consider buying substitutes for U.S. brands after arrival. Even if available overseas, U.S. brands can be very expensive. However, your host country may not carry certain products (such as hair care items, make-up, etc.) that are designed to suit your specific needs.
We do not recommend shipping boxes overseas because customs fees will usually negate any savings that you might have incurred from shipping rather than packing in luggage.
We recommend that students take:
- Good, comprehensive bilingual dictionary if living in a non-English speaking country.
- Battery powered travel alarm clock.
- A good travel guide like Lonely Planet or Rough Guide.
- Journal or diary is a good idea for a going-away gift. We recommend students keep one as it will be treasured in years to come.
- Small photo album of the student’s family and friends.
- Stationery for writing letters.
Passport
A valid passport is required to enter and leave the United States and other countries, including Canada and Mexico. Full instructions on obtaining or renewing a passport are available at http://travel.state.gov/passport.
Please check that the passport has not expired and that it will be valid for at least six months beyond your student’s planned return to the United States.
Visa
Most countries in the world require foreign visitors to obtain an entry visa. A visa is usually a stamp on a page of the passport that signifies an agreement on conditions of entry. In some cases, stays of more than three months require that you obtain a residence permit before leaving the country, instead of a visa. Common visa types are tourist, student, and work. Visa fees vary.
Visa and residence permit requirements vary widely. Co ntact the embassy of the host country where your student will be studying for verification (regulations can change without notice). You can find a list of foreign embassies in Washington, DC, at www.embassy.org.
Evidence of Financial Sufficiency
Proof of ability to support yourself overseas may be requested on arrival by customs officials and/or host institution. A notarized letter from parents confirming that the student will have access to sufficient funds while away or a letter from parents’ bank on company letterhead is usually acceptable. If studying in a non-English speaking country it is beneficial to obtain a copy of the letter written in the language and currency of the host country.
Birth Certificate
An official, state-certified birth certificate with a raised seal is invaluable if your passport is lost or stolen. A copy may be useful in the purchase of air tickets restricted to specific age groups.
Cell Phone
If necessary for emergency communication, we recommend getting a cell phone after arrival overseas. Most US cell phones will not work abroad. It is usually cheaper to purchase or rent a cell phone from local providers, than to purchase a universal cell phone in the US.
N.B.: Access to cell phones is not mandatory while studying abroad! Students can consider using land lines to be in touch with people at home. Being in constant contact with friends and family can lead to increased homesickness and may contribute to a student not engaging fully with locals and the local culture. One way to help combat homesickness and to keep in touch is to write letters to your student. Having a letter to read and re-read can be a treasured gift that your student can also save as a memento of their time abroad.
Copy of your passport
It is advisable to take a copy of your passport information pages and number with you in case the original is lost or damaged. Keep the copy somewhere separate from the original. Keep a copy of the passport and the passport number in a separate location from the passport itself. Carry it separately from the passport. This will help to replace it quickly if the original is lost or stolen.
Electronics / Electrical Appliances
Electricity voltage and plug sizes vary around the world. Consider buying electrical appliances upon arrival, substituting with battery operated or in some cases doing without. Alternatively you can buy converters and adaptors for existing appliances before departure. They are available at travel, hardware or big-box stores.
Check the World Electric Guide at www.kropla.com for a guide to voltage, electricity and telephone plugs worldwide.
International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
The ISIC is a handy form of identification for any full-time student abroad. It verifies student status and qualifies the holder to discounts on travel, tours, accommodation and reduced or free admission to museums, theaters and cultural attractions. The ISIC is issued under the auspices of STA Travel and can be purchased at www.statravel.com or at the TU Study Abroad Office.
Hostelling International Card
The Hostelling International Card is usually required for those who wish to stay in a youth hostel and normally must be purchased in the country in which the holder is a resident. Cards may be purchased online at www.hihostels.com/.
Laptop Computers
Laptops with universal power supplies can be useful to students depending on the program or exchange location and facilities. Electrical outlet adapters will be required but these can be purchased very inexpensively. We do not recommend students take a desktop computer or printer abroad.
Internet access is widely available on most overseas campuses or in inexpensive Internet cafes, but not in all overseas dorms or apartments. Please insure any laptop that travels with your student.
Go to www.laptoptravel.com for laptop mobility products as well as information and advice for traveling with your laptop.
N.B.: Laptops are easily stolen and are not considered mandatory for study abroad. Having to negotiate local computer labs is a good way to interact with locals and to meet people. Instant communication with home can prevent a student from building local support networks. Letters sent through the mail can more than substitute for regular calls to provide news from home, and the letters your student sends to you can be saved and reread for years to come.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Students may want to consider purchasing Trip Cancellation benefits to cover any losses incurred when canceling or changing travel itineraries. A guide to shopping for travel insurance and a list of insurance carriers is available in the Resources section of the TU Study Abroad website.
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