PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST & TIPS

RECOMMENDATION: Because checked bags may be lost/delayed, be sure to pack a few changes of clothes in your carry-on luggage. If your luggage is delayed, you will have enough clothing to last while you wait for your bags to arrive.

As you prepare for departure, please keep the following in mind:

Packing Reminders

• Please view the Packing Checklist for an overview.
• Check with your airline on the number of checked bags permitted, including weight limit
• Check with your airline for personal item and carry-on luggage restrictions (number of items, weight)

Important Documents

• Verify your passport is valid for up to three months after return from term abroad
• Make two photocopies of all important documents (passport, front and back of debit/credit cards, visa), take one copy with you in your carry-on luggage and leave one at home in the US

Finances

• Remit payment in-full for your study abroad program (due 10 days prior to program start date— see General Study Abroad Information
• Call bank and credit card companies to inform them of your travel itinerary (dates, location)
• Exchange at least $200USD into local currency so you have this on-hand upon arrival to international site

Wellness

• Communicate with your wellness provider before departure so they can give you recommendations for staying well abroad
• If you take medication to manage a condition, design a plan to ensure you stay on track with medication
• Make sure to bring enough medication for your entire trip
• Bring copies of all prescriptions

Communication

• If you plan to bring your US cell phone abroad, contact your wireless provider to confirm international rates
• Evaluate whether or not you would like to purchase insurance on your US cell phone
• It is recommended that students (in addition to their US cell phone) purchase an inexpensive phone upon arrival to the international site— these phones are often pay-as-you-go and are the most affordable wireless communication option

The following are affordable ways to keep in touch with family and friends while abroad:

• Google Voice Free to call computer to computer, very cheap calls from computer to phones
• Skype Free to call computer to computer, very cheap calls from computer to phones
• Viber Free texting using wifi
• WhatsApp Free texting using wifi
  

Miscellaneous

The following are useful apps while abroad:

• Rick Steve’s Audio Europe Downloadable audio tours for several European destinations
• Oanda Currency converter
  

The following are useful sites/blogs:

• Packing tips for study abroad
• College Tourist Blog on what to NOT pack