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travel tips

PASSPORT AND VISA

Everyone traveling abroad needs a Passport (http://travel.state.gov).  Certain countries also require a Visa (http://nyc.gov).  Check with the Study A broad Office as to what documents you need.    If you have a Passport, be sure that it will not expire while you are abroad and that it will be valid for at least six months upon your return.  ALLOW AMPLE TIME TO APPLY FOR THESE DOCUMENTS.  They can take up to two months for processing.

INSURANCE

As a Manhattan College student, you carry your Manhattan College liability insurance while abroad.  However, it does not include medical insurance.  You need personal health insurance (i.e. doctor, hospital).  First check with your personal carrier to see if you are covered under your policy for out of the country travel.  Otherwise, you can purchase the International Student Identity Card - ISIC by CIEE (a current student ID is re quired).  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 come to the Study Abroad Office for information.

Some additional websites of insurance companies that offer insurance to students abroad are:

www.imglobal.com
www.hthworldwide.com
www.internationalsos.com
www.medexassist.com
www.gatewayplans.com
www.wallach.com

CELL PHONES 

It is highly recommended that you obtain a cell phone.  Some programs may require one as well as provide one.  Check with your own cell phone company to see what plan they offer.  Your family should also check with their local phone carrier to see what short-term plans they offer for international calling.  A website to check :   www.piccellwireless.com/latest/index.php

CLOTHING AND PACKING SUGGESTIONS

You will want to pack a d ressy outfit for receptions and evening activities.  In addition to your usual wardrobe you may wish to include the following:  comfortable shoes (a must), a sewing kit, a small flashlight, battery operated alarm clock, extra batteries, a pocket calculator and a raincorat or umbrella.

You may also want to bring towels, soap and personal toilertries from home.  However, they can be purcdhased abroad.  Be sure to bring ample medication (if necessary).  You may need to bring bed sheets and blankets.  Check with your study abroad program.  If you choose to  bring linens, you might consider packing old linens that can be left abroad so that you have room in your suitcase for new purchases.

ELECTRICITY

Electrical currents in foreign countries are different.  The electrical current in Europe is 220 volts AC.  If you appliances already have a dual voltage switch, you will need a plug adapter with two round pins to fit the outlets.  Check the vistor's website of the country where you will be studying.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Check with your airline for their specific rules and regulations on baggage.  Any excess baggage charges are the responsibility of the passenger.  It is HIGHLY recommended that a change of clothing, toothbrush, all presciption drugs and important papers (plane ticket, visa, passport) be included in one's carry-on bag in case a checked bag should go astray temporarily.  It is also HIGHLY recommended that good jewelry and unnecssary valueables be left at home.

CURRENCY

ATM cards are highly recommended.  As a  back-up, you may wish to purchase a small amount of  traveler's checks.  Make a list of the numbers on your traveler's checks and leave them at home.  You should also carry a small amount of American dollars.

CREDIT CARDS

Credit cards are also highly recommend.  You may access cash from automatic teller machines with major American credit cards.  Take only the credit cards you intend to use.  Know your personal identification (PIN) number.  Be sure to alert your bank and credit card  company that you will be using your ATM and credit card out of the country.

SAFETY NOTE

To protect yourself against pickpockets and purse snatchers, please take along photocopies of your passport, credit cards and any other important documents.  Secure your original passport in your room abroad.  Leave copies of these documents at home.  Take some extra passport size photos with you.  Leave all valuable jewelry at home.  We urge you to purchase a pouch that fastens around your neck or waist and is worn under your clothes.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Keep 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 (ignornace of the law) is no protection from the consequences.  Use good judgment and common sense.  Walk away from potential problem situations.

HAVE FUN, STUDY HARD AND BE SAFE

 

This page last updated on August 2008 by N. Cave