Health and Safety Abroad — Explained For — Study Abroad Students

Before You Leave

• Pack The Essentials — Make sure to bring your medications, contact lenses, documents, and computer with you on the plane. Leave unnecessary valuables at home, and it can be helpful to pack a lock as you never know when you might need it!
• Make Friends — Get to know the people you will be traveling with, or the people in your destination. Reach out and ask questions to better prepare for your trip.
• Passport & Visa — Make a few copies of both your passport and visa, and be sure your passport is valid during your travel days.
• Medical Insurance — Your insurance plan should begin the day you depart for your trip, and make sure you have the insurance ID card with you. Learn more about Travel Insurance Benefits to decide which plan is best for you if insurance is not provided by your school or program.
• Organize Your Money — Decide whether you are going to use your credit card, local currency, traveler’s checks, etc. Check if you have any ATM fees, exchange rate fees on your credit card, and do some research to see if cash or card will work in your destination.
• Cell Phone — You may want to call your phone provider to see if your cell phone plan will work overseas, and what the additional cost may be. Be sure you have a communication plan in place for your arrival.

The Flight

• Checking In — You'll need to present your passport (and visa), and it doesn’t hurt to ask for the seat assignment of your choice.
• Security check — Take your laptop and phone out when going through security. You may need to take off your shoes, and pull out a quart-size bag with all your liquids and gels (should be 3.4 ounces or less). To avoid setting off the metal detector, remove all metal (including belts, jewelry, accessories, etc.). For a complete list of what you can bring, check out TSA’s website .
• Get comfy — Depending on the length of your flight and airline, you may have food and drinks included, so prepare appropriately! You may want to also bring headphones, a travel pillow, and a blanket.

Once You Arrive

You will need to go through local customs. Make sure you have filled out any immigration forms on the plane, have your passport handy, and bring any educational documents in case this is requested.

Getting Adjusted

You may feel jet lag upon your arrival overseas, and this can last a few days. Get plenty of sleep before you travel, drink plenty of water before and during your flight, and eat light meals on the flight.