WELCOME!!

Students Travelling Abroad

TODAY WE WILL HELP YOU…

Prepare for your program Stay safe and maximize your experience while

abroad Know what to expect when you return

BEFORE YOU GO

Documents to IEGE! Visa Money Matters Health (Immunizations, medicine, etc.) Packing At the airport Research

BEFORE YOU GO:DOCUMENTS

Travel and Academic Documents to IEGE Review today your study abroad file for

completeness. The review will save you headaches!

BEFORE YOU GO:VISAS

Visa Required by all countries for semester study abroad. Lengthy process—plan ahead Make with appointment NOW with host country consulate If application is upon entry into country, gather all required

documentation NOW. Triple check for completeness Visa requirements differ for citizens of different countries. Be

prepared.

BEFORE YOU GO:MONEY MATTERS

Create a budget for your time abroad. Stick to it. Get to know the local currency and the currency conversion rate Host country students are most knowledgeable about inexpensive

things to do and eat. Inform your credit card company and bank that you will be abroad Pay attention to international transaction fees. Consider changing

banks to get a lower rate. Have a few different forms of payment (Cash, ATM, credit card, etc.)

and do not have them all in one spot Do not use a credit card to withdraw funds Confirm with Financial Aid expected payments and availability of

funds.

PREPARING FOR A HEALTHY TRIP ABROAD

Read about your host country as well as countries to which you plan to travel on the Center for Disease Control CDC Website.

Take all required and recommended immunizations, vaccinations and medicines (such as malaria pills)

Discuss with the IEGE study abroad advisor and your host program any health issues and concerns.

Purchase personal care items upon arrival, do not carry shampoo and toothpaste from home.

BRINGING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

Some US approved medications are not approved in host countries Contact your host country program contact to confirm your

medication can be brought into the country and alternative plans Bring a full supply of your medications to last the duration of your

program WITH the Doctor’s prescription and original packaging Ask the doctor to write out the components, not the brand name. Different countries have different laws in terms of medicine and

prescription drugs, be aware of the local law regarding any medicine you bring

MAINTAINING YOUR HEALTH WHILE ABROAD

Upon arrival at host institution, locate the medical clinic, a doctor, and a dentist that you will use if you need medical or dental assistance.

Staying healthy means getting enough sleep and eating a proper

diet.

BEFORE YOU GO:PACKING

Make sure your luggage is appropriate for travel. Check your airlines policies regarding what you can and cannot

bring in your luggage and in your carry-on. Know the weight limit and luggage count for your airline . You

will have to pay a large fee if you exceed the limit! Mark your luggage with a tag or ribbon so you can easily

identify it

What to pack in your Carry-on luggage All travel documents you need upon arrival, to get

through customs, and to get to your accommodation. Leave copies at home and in your suitcase.

Passport, money, and address/directions to your Medicine, glasses (take extra pair in luggage) Phone numbers and email for contacts at host

institution, accommodations and IEGE Reading material, an empty water bottle, some packaged

snacks

BEFORE YOU GO:PACKING CONTINUED…

Pack lightly and plan to wear layers- You can always purchase what you need abroad, over-packing is an unnecessary burden!

Pack lightly. Research the weather patterns in your host destination Get to know local dress codes and dress expectations. In general,

people in other countries dress much neater and more formally than in the US. No torn or stained clothes.

Dress appropriately and respectfully for your destination. Pack lightly Plug adaptors

BEFORE YOU GO:AT THE AIRPORT

Arrive a Minimum of three hours early at the right airport. Have all documents, carry on, and luggage prepared Research your airport of departure and know where you are

going Research your airport of arrival know how you will get from there

to your accommodations. Have directions, contacts, and a plan for getting to your

accommodation from the airport

BEFORE YOU GO:RESEARCH YOUR HOST DESTINATION

Buy a guide book like Lonely Planet or Rick Steve’s Before you go, do lots of research on your host destination!

Weather Cultural Norms/Things not to do Travel warnings, dangers, things to be aware of Read articles on the internet about what to expect during your

study abroad in “X” country.

WHILE YOU ARE ABROAD

Culture “shock” and getting over it Health and Safety Academics Communication Maximizing your experience & Cultural Immersion

CULTURE SHOCK!

ArrivalFirst weeksNext few weeksComing up for air and being part of things

HEALTH AND SAFETY

CISI Health/Travel Insurance Plan. Read it. Local Health Insurance Emergency Phone Numbers Medicine What to do when you are sick Research local crime, annoyances and dangers and know what to

avoid Do not drive a car or motorbike while abroad Do not take drugs or abuse alcohol Take all the normal safety precautions you take at home and

apply them abroad

HEALTH AND SAFETY (CONTINUED…)

Understanding Title IX Guidelines Read through the handout understand the process and your

rights and responsibilities

ACADEMICS

Complete a BC IEGE Course Equivalency Form before you leave. Take your academics seriously. It may be more demanding. It is very important to learn early on host institution expectations

for exams, class attendance and academic work. Be ready to adjust your time management and academic habits.

If you experience difficulty, reach out early on to your professors, the host institution’s study abroad advisor, or IEGE

Enjoy your time abroad, but remember academics come first.

COMMUNICATING WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Remember that the more time you spend communicating with family and friends, you might as well be at home and not abroad.

Have a plan for communicating with your family and friends at home- skype, phone calls, Whatsapp, etc.

Phone plan-pay as you go phone IEGE. iege@brooklyn.cuny.edu

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME ABROAD

Talk to locals, make new friends, don’t isolate yourself, in “American” groups or places.

Start practicing the language Continue an interest, explore a new hobby. Try out new things and experiences—music, museums, hiking,

flea markets, food, holidays…….. Stay local Take photos, draw, write, keep a journal or blog

MAKING THE MOST Read the local newspaper Join a group which has locals (yoga, choir, chess, book clubs) Reach out to others, show empathy and interest Find a family with which to spend time Share yourself, your interests, your thoughts Ask about the other’s thoughts

WHEN YOU RETURN

Have your transcript to IEGE, 1108 Boylan Hall, Brooklyn College, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11210.

Transcript is matched with the Course Equivalency Form and then sent to BC Registrar for posting of Grades.

Make an appointment to visit IEGE and tell us about your experience. Talk about your experiences with other students Add your experience to your resume Help out in study abroad tabling events, orientations, Tuesday

information sessions

NOW GO HAVE AN ENJOYABLE, IMMERSIVE, EDUCATIONAL, AND SAFE TIME ABROAD!

Questions???