RMC Study-Travel Instructor Handbook

General Travel Tips & Reminders

Travel Notes:

  • Students participating in semester abroad programs or summer programs make their own travel plans, whereas group travel arrangements are made for study-travel courses.
  • Pay attention to the layovers and allow plenty of time, especially when returning to the U.S., where you will need to clear passport control and customs, recheck your bags, and often switch terminals before catching your connecting flight. Two hours minimum!
  • Great deals found online may have unrealistically short (or long) layovers, hidden fees, or other issues. Some cities have multiple airports and you may be expected to switch airports between flights – this is not advisable!
  • Working with a travel agent is advisable, especially if you are not an experienced traveler. Some reputable options include:
    • Fellowship Travel, right here in Ashland VA. Many J-term study/travel courses work with Fellowship and they can book group or individual tickets.
    • Student Universe specializes in working with students
    • Frosch Travel is the agency USAC uses for all their group flights, so they also have lots of experience working with students studying abroad.
  • After you have made your travel plans, you must share your full itinerary with RMC’s Office of International Education. It should include the airline, flight numbers, departure and arrival times at what airports, and any ground transportation information.

Time

International Flights: TSA Information

Before you leave

  • CHECK YOUR NAME! Airlines require that the name on an airline ticket match the traveler’s passport exactly.
  • Ensure you have a valid passport (with blank pages) that will be valid 6 months after your return.
  • Make sure you have the necessary visa(s).
  • Make sure you know about cell phones/communication overseas.
  • Familiarize yourself with the laws and customs of your destination(s).
  • Notify your debit and/or credit card companies that you will be using your cards overseas (where and the period of time)
  • Make sure you know how many bags you are allowed & their size/weight limit (for each leg of the flight), so you don’t get surprised by last-minute fees.
  • See TSA https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/travel-checklist for guidelines and information about prohibited items and the 3-1-1 liquid rule for carry-ons.
  • Bring the contact information for the travel insurance with you.
  • Have extra money for unexpected expenses.
  • Make sure all electronic devices are charged to comply with enhanced security measures at certain airports overseas. Passengers should also be prepared for enhanced screening of their person, luggage, and electronics, and in some cases, social media accounts.
  • Check your tickets & reconfirm your flights to be sure your itinerary hasn’t changed. Some airlines require advance check-in for both the outbound & return flights.
  • Contact your travel provider for assistance with a flight cancellation, forced overnight or other issue (for study/travel courses, follow your instructor’s lead).
  • Make sure the airline has your contact info so you will receive communications if there’s a change in the schedule.
  • Allow extra time for unplanned events, such as secondary inspection.

Power of Attorney
If you are involved in or anticipate legal matters that will be difficult to manage from overseas, consider assigning power of attorney to a trusted person at home.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC)
Although we do not issue ISIC for insurance, we recognize its benefits in certain countries. Participants considering ISIC cards as a cultural option can apply online individually: https://www.isicassociation.org/. If you would like to apply for an ISIC/ITIC card for yourself, you may call the ID Card Division at STA travel at 800-781-4040. Please contact Mayumi Nakamura for further instructions.