Study Abroad
Handbook

Table of Contents

CONGRATULATIONS 3
STUDY ABROAD CHECKLIST 4
PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS
     U.S. Citizen
     Non U.S. Citizen		 5
5
7
HEALTH AND INSURANCE ISSUES
     Physical Examination
     Dental Check-Up
     Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses
     Motion Sickness
     Health and Accident Insurance
     Immunizations
     AIDS and the International Traveler
     Personal Belongings and Insurance		 8
8
8
8
8
9
9
10
11
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARD 12
TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS
     Air Transportation
     Eurailpass
     Jet Lag		 13
13
13
13
FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION 14
CHECKLIST FOR STUDY ABROAD FINANCIAL AID 15
HANDLING MONEY OVERSEAS
     Currency and Exchange Rates
     Cost of Living Abroad
     Traveler’s Checks
     Credit Cards
     ATM Cards
     Cash
     Banking
     Having Money Sent to You
     Where to Carry Money		 16
16
16
16
16
17
17
17
18
18
COMMUNICATING HOME 19
LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS OVERSEAS 20
PACKING 21
A FEW THINGS TO LEAVE BEHIND 21
INCOME TAX INFORMATION 22
SAFETY AND SECURITY
     Consular Information
     Safety on the Street
     Beware of Pickpockets
     Safety in Your Hotel
     Safety on Public Transportation
     Socializing Safely		 22
22
22
23
23
23
24
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
     How to Avoid Legal Difficulties
     Drug Violations
     Possession of Firearms
     Photography
     Purchasing Antiques		 26
26
26
26
27
27
CULTURE SHOCK 28
PROGRAM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 29
CONSIDERATIONS FOR RETURNING HOME
     Grades and Credits for Overseas Studies
     Registering for Classes for the
        Following Semester
     Graduating Students
     Shipping Belongings Home
     Re-Entry		 30
30
30
30
30
31
TRAVEL BASICS 32
SELF ASSESSMENT FOR THE WORLD TRAVELER 34
CROSS-CULTURAL SKILLS 36
LET’S PLAY FIFTY QUESTIONS 37