Tips for Study Abroad Travels

Helpful tips to prepare you for your time studying abroad - budget, safety, shopping, and more!


Get an International Student ID card (ISIC)!

• This little card is only US$22 but it will save you $100s all over the world. For starters, use it to get foreign currency at the airport COMMISSION FREE! That's pretty much like gold. ISIC will also save you money on sightseeing, restaurants, museum admission, movies, and more!

Set a Weekly Budget

• You'll open a bank account locally. Whether you plan to live off your debit card or want to mostly use cash, decide a set amount of money to spend the first few weeks. That will help you get used to the value of the foreign currency compared to what you're used to spending at home. Then you can adjust accordingly and will have a good handle on budgeting for the time you're there.

Bus/Subway Passes

• Consider buying a monthly bus or subway (Underground, Metro) pass! Most public transportation, especially in Europe, is highly efficient and you'll love it. Otherwise, just walk. Just remember that cabs can get really expensive if that's all you're taking.

Protect Your Stuff

• Keep your passport and other important documents safely hidden. You're staying put for a while so you don't need to carry this stuff around. Also, study abroad students will have an ID of some sort from the university they're going to. Between that and your ISIC, you're covered.

• Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends, so you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

Toiletries

• Take travel-size bottles of shampoo, etc with you but plan to buy the big stuff after you arrive. Hauling full bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soap, face soap, and hair product can really weigh your bags down.

Souvenirs

• Don't buy all of your souvenirs when you first get there. You'll be in the country for a while and have plenty of time to shop. Plus, you'll want to buy souvenirs while you travel.

Ask Around

• Talk to other people in your program and get tips from them on what to do. They might know the cheapest place to get your laundry done, eat good food, use the Internet, etc.

JOURNAL!

• Keep a daily journal to note what all you're doing. Even if it's something as simple as "Studied at the library then hit Theo's for a kebab take-away. Got double the sauce. Delicious!" You'll really get a kick out reading your journal years later.

Bring Pictures

• Bring pictures of family and friends that you can look at whenever you get homesick. It will happen occasionally and having pictures to look at will help it pass.

Guidebooks

• Guidebooks are always a good way to learn about any country you plan on living in or visiting.

Don’t over-program

• The additional physical activity undertaken during travel can be quite strenuous, and sudden changes in diet and climate can have serious health consequences for the unprepared traveler. Take your time enjoying the new and exciting country! Don’t try to fill every day with crazy adventures.

Pack wisely

• Don’t pack so much that you will end up lugging around heavy suitcases. Dress conservatively—a wardrobe that is flashy may attract the attention of thieves or con artists, while clothing that is very casual may result in being barred from some tourist sites overseas. Include a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage.