Getting Ready To Go!

Hi everybody!

In this post I wanted to share some websites and tips that may be useful to you in your preparations for study abroad. Enjoy! :)


(Kathy Taylor at the Notre Dame in France)


OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT INFO
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html Go here to select your study abroad destination and find out official government information on the country itself, required visas, safety tips, medical facilities in the country, and the location of the U.S. embassy.

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/registration/registration_1186.html This site tells you why you should register with the local U.S. embassy and how to do that.

HEALTH INFO
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx This site will give you health and vaccination information for whever you want to go in the world.

• This info can also be obtained by making an appointment with Gannett Health Services' Travel Clinic at Cornell University (607-255-5155). This is where you can get all your shots and medications as well.

For background and general information on the country...

• know your geography- it's good to know which countries border your destination, check out this interactive "name that country" game http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/Geography.htm
• to get a visual idea of the area where you'll be living, check out videos on YouTube
• head to your local library! check out these picture books in the children's section... "Visual Georaphy Series: [country] in Pictures"; "Admit One: [country], Faces and Places; and "Enchantment of the Wolrd"

CHEAP AIRFARE
http://www.bt-store.com/

TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (TSA) REGULATIONS
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm This tells you what you can bring in your carry-on and in your luggage.

SKYPE www.skype.com is a FREE way to keep in touch with your family and friends while you're abroad. And if you want to be able to call any phone in the U.S. with unlimited minutes you can pay a small monthly fee (it was only $6 for me in Senegal).


TRAVELING TIPS
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/extras/planner/africa/index.html studying abroad somewhere in Africa? Here are some tips from the National Geographic's travel planner.

http://goafrica.about.com/od/africatraveltips/a/firsttime.htm
tips on traveling to poorer countries

CELL PHONE
You'll probably need one of these when you get there and it's likely that yours won't work (check on this beforehand though). You can buy one when you get there and buy minutes as you go. In terms of your plan back home...if you're with Verizon you can put your account on hold while you're abroad so you aren't paying for cell service that you're not using.



Finally, Megan Henry, who studied abroad in both Turkey and the Czech Republic has a few tips for those of you preparing to study abroad as well.

1. "Let your bank/credit card company know that you are traveling. Tell them to call your local branch/credit card office and tell them where your home base will be, and maybe places you plan to go and maybe some weekends you will go (if you know...if not, make it up but get their email and tell them). If you don't do this you run a HUGE risk of having your card frozen and you are left with no money.
2. Make sure you have some of the currency of your country before you get there if possible. You can order most currencies from Bank of America; their website is helpful.
3. Also, make sure you have the proper visa [not the credit card, this kind of Visa is a stamp in your passport] and do not leave this to the last minute. If you do not have a visa, it is annoying and difficult and getting it done is the most frustrating process, so get it done early and don't go without one!
4. Save money when traveling around your destination by packing a jar of peanut butter and one of jelly and some bread as well as some snacks so you don't have to eat every meal out when you are away from your home base.
5. Plan a trip or 2 in advance and find people to go with you when you get there. Flights are cheaper the more in advance you get them.
6. For Europe, get the ISIC Card (International Student Identity Card) that Ithaca College suggests you apply for- just do it. It is around $35, but it can be used a ton for savings on travel and other things.
7. Pack light! Bring only what you absolutely cannot live without and what you really need. If you use a speical shampoo or face wash, and especially medicines, bring enough for your trip because you might not be able to find it there.
   

If you have any suggestions to add to this list or have any other questions about preparing to study abroad, let us know! Post a comment or send me an email at swolfe2@ithaca.edu.

Peace and happy holidays!

-Samantha :)