Transcript International Students: Immigration & Employment

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STUDY ABROAD PRE-DEPARTURE MODULE
FIRST TIME TRAVELERS
Presented by:
Study Abroad Office
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The First-Time Traveler
You’ve signed up for a study abroad
“A journey of a
program, and you’re getting ready to go…
thousand miles must
but you’ve never been abroad before.
begin with a single
Now what?
step.”
Set aside your anxiety, get excited about
your upcoming trip, and make a checklist
of things to remember.
Lao Tzu,
Philosopher
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Passports & Visas
 All
about Passports
An official government document that every US Citizen
must obtain to travel abroad and to re-enter the US
 First-time applicants must apply in person at an approved
passport office (check for locations at
travel.state.gov/passport)
 You must bring proof of citizenship, identity, 2 identical
photos, and a completed passport applications
 There are additional special requirements for those under
18 years old – find out more online
 Passport card is also available for land travel to Canada,
Mexico, and the Caribbean only
 Fee to obtain a passport book is $135
 Fee to obtain book & card is $165
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Passports & Visas
 All
about Visas
A visa is an additional documentation required for US
Citizens to travel and live abroad for an extended
amount of time
 Types include student, work, and tourist visas
 You obtain a visa through the host country’s embassy or
consulate here in the US
 Embassy/Consulates are the host country’s offices here
in the US
 Each country has specific requirements for visas
 Visit travel.state.gov and click the link “Americans
Traveling Abroad” for more country-specific info
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Passports & Visas
 Before
you leave
Be sure your passport is valid throughout your dates of
travel and 6 months after
 If necessary, apply for and obtain a visa from the host
country’s embassy or consulate here in the US
 Make copies of your passport, visa, and other important
documentation to leave with your family
 Enroll the US Department of State’s Smart Traveler
Enrollment Program (STEP), that keeps you informed of
travel updates, warnings, alerts, and other information
on your journey to your host country (sign up at
travel.state.gov)
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Passports & Visas
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While Abroad
 Keep your original documents safe in a consistent, secure
location where you are staying
 Bring original documents with you when traveling around
the country or to other countries
 Keep multiple copies of your documents in separate
locations - with your belonging, with a trusted person in the
US, with International SOS Secure Travel Locator
 Know the location of the authorities and the US embassy,
consulates, and American presence posts in case of
emergencies (including lost passport, visa, security issues)
 Visit travel.state.gov/visa/embassy/embassy_4825.html to
find the closest US embassy or consulate to you
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International Travel
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Travel comfortably & wear comfortable shoes – you will be
walking a lot
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Pack light and pack smart – leave room for souvenirs, bring
versatile clothes, you may be dragging your bags a long way
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Consider the weather of your target destination when you are
packing.
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Consider the culture of the country when packing – are jeans
and t-shirts acceptable, or is nicer clothing appropriate?
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Fight jet lag – try to stay on the new country’s time schedule
and get plenty of water, sunlight, and rest at night
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International Air Travel
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Review airline baggage limits and overage charges, e.g., 50lbs
or 75lbs per piece of luggage, $25 for each additional 25lbs
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Prepare for unplanned layovers and delays by having a way to
contact your host site coordinator and family
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Airport Security – tsa.gov
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In carry-on luggage, liquids must be in 3oz bottles or smaller, placed
in 1-quart zip-top bags, with only 1 bag allowed per traveler
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Take out laptop computer and remove shoes to place in scanner
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Have passport and boarding pass in-hand and wait for TSA security
guard to instruct you through the metal detector
Be prepared to claim newly purchased items at customs when
returning. Some items, such as food and medication, are not
allowed back into the US – visit cbp.gov/travel for more info
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Living Abroad
 Home
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Stays or Dormitories/Residence Halls
Contact your family or dorm beforehand to set an arrival
time and place
Plan to take a taxi or bus if no one will be picking you up
from the airport or train station
Ask what home supplies you will need: linens, pillows, etc.
 Public Transportation
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Study the public transit system before you arrive
Consider cost, methods of payment, and active hours, as
well as local resident recommendations
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Electronics
 Power/Voltage
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Not all power plugs are created equal! Purchase plug
convertors in the US or in your host country
 Purchasing
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Converters
home wares
Consider purchasing basic home appliances and linens
when you arrive
Alarm clocks, hair dryers, linens, pillows, clock radios may
all be available at basic local stores
Some items may be available from your on-site coordinator
from previous students
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Money
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Inform your bank that you will be traveling
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Currency Exchange
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Traveler’s Cheques
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Different countries use different forms of currency. You
can exchange dollars for host currency in the country.
Bring some cash to exchange in the airport
Be aware of exchange rates and ATM fees
Visit currency exchange sites online like www.xe.com
They can be useful for emergencies and to exchange,
but they are not always accepted in all situations
Have a reserve
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Keep a credit card and a reserve of money for
emergency situations
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Communication
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Cell phones
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Not all cell phones can be used internationally
Review your provider plans before you leave
Confirm that you can use your phone abroad and what the
charges will be while in the host country
Consider getting a pay-as-you-go phone
Internet
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Determine if your home stay or residence hall will have
internet provided, either via ethernet cord, wifi, or dial-up
Internet will be your main source of communication with
your family and friends at home
Skype calls are free or inexpensive (www.skype.com)
Don’t spend too much time communicating with home or
you will miss out on your study abroad experience
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Other Advice
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Make sure your shots are up to date –UT’s University Health
Service offers travel immunizations. Visit their Travel Health
website at healthyhorns.utexas.edu/travel for more info
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Review the CDC, SOS, and CIA World Facts websites for
other travel health and safety recommendations
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Use guidebooks or a map
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Research the culture and the language of the country
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Talk to other students who have been to the host country
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Learn a few phrases in the local language
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Be open to new ideas and experiences
Personal Stories
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