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Study Abroad Programstravel tipsHere is some information to assist you in preparing for your trip. WEBSITESCustoms change from country to country. Be sure to learn about the country where you will be studying and living. These websites will give you some basic information: www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn http://dir.yahoo.com/Regional/countries Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory (www.towd.com) offers links to the websites of offical tourist officves, country by country. Also link to the ABC and BBC News Country Profiles, the CIA World Factbook. PASSPORTS AND VISASPassports are required for traveling abroad. Most countries require also an entry visa. If you do not have a passport apply immediately. If it had expired, renew it immediately. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your scheduled return date from your studying abroad. For passport and visa information, consult http://travel.state.gov HEALTHNo immunizations are required for travel to Europe. Immunizations for other foreign destinations might be required. You should bring an adequate supply of any prescriptions drugs you use and a list of the generic names of your medications in case it is necessary to replace them. You should carry with you an up-to-date record of known allergies or chronic medical problems so that emergency treatment. if necessary, can be carried out without endangering your health. Simple medications, such as aspirin and throat lozenges, are easily obtained from a pharmacy. INSURANCEAs a Manhattan College student, you carry your Manhattan College liability insurance in the exchange programs. You need personal health insurance (i.e. doctor, hospital) while abroad. It is not very expensive. You can purchase the International Student Identity Card - ISIC bv CIEE (a current student I.D. is required). This card provides you with basic insurance. For details consult http://www.myISIC.com You can also purchase individual health insurance through Manhattan College. Please see the Study Abroad Office. Some additional websites of insurance companies that offer insurance to students: www.imglobal.com CLOTHING AND PACKING SUGGESTIONSYou will want to pack a dressy outfit for receptions and evening activities. In addition to your usual wardrobe you may wish to include the following: *comfortable walking shoes (a must) *sewing kit *small flashlight *lightweight sweater *travel alarm *pocket calculator *wash cloth *raincoat or umbrella *zip-lock- plastic bags, tissues You need to bring towels, soap and your personal toiletries and medicine. You may need to bring bed sheets and blankets. Check with the program you are participating in. ELECTRICITYElectrical currents in foreign countries are different. The electrical current in Europe is 220 volts, AC. If your appliances already have a dual voltage switch, you will need a plug adapter with two round pins to fit the outlets. BAGGAGE ALLOWANCEThe standard international baggage allowance allows for two pieces of luggage with a total length. width,. and height of no more than 106 inches combined. Neither piece may exceed a total of 62 inches or a weight of 70 pounds. Your carry-on piece may not exceed 45 inches in total dimensions. Any excess baggage charges are the responsibility of the passenger. Experienced travelers recommend that a change of clothing and all prescription drugs be included in one's carry-on bag in case a checked bag should go astray temporarily. CURRENCYYou may wish to purchase traveler's checks before you leave. Make a list of your travelers checks and leave a copy at home. You should also take a small amount of American dollars. ATM cards are also highly recommended. CREDIT CARDSYou may access cash from local automatic teller machines with major American credit cards. Take only the credit cards you intend to use. Be sure that you know your personal identification (PIN) number. SAFETY NOTETo protect yourself against pickpockets and purse snatchers, please take along photocopies of your passport. credit cards and any other important documents. Leave copies of these documents at home as well. Take also some extra passport size photos with you. It is highly recommended that you leave any valuable jewelry at home. We urge you to purchase a pouch that fastens around your neck or waist under your clothes. RESPONSIBILITIESKeep in mind that once out of the U.S., you are leaving American protection and laws behind. Once abroad you will be responsible for your actions. If a law is broken, being a U.S. Citizen will not protect you. Breaking a law that you are not aware of (ignorance of the law) is no protection from the consequences. Use good judgment and common sense. Walk away from potential problem situations. BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDEBOOKSLet's Go guidebooks (www.letsgo.com) are written by Harvard students. The website provides extensive student-oriented country-by-country travel information. Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com) are guidebooks for independent and inexpensive travel with worldwide coverage. Their website provides country-by-country travel information. Rough Guides (www.roughguides.com) produces televisioin shows on travel. Also provides guidebooks for independent and inexpensive travel country by country. South American Explorers Club (www.samexplo.org) offers information on travel in Latin America.
This page last updated on March 2, 2007 by N. Cave
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