• Students should fly into Frankfurt or Munich, if possible. The travel time is similar from each airport to Bamberg by train, and you can buy your tickets when you arrive. Dr. Weihe of Bamberg's International Office and our wonderful contact at the university, will meet you at the Bamberg train station.

• We strongly advise students to purchase airline tickets that permit a change of date and directly from the airline rather than a third-party vendor (like Expedia or Travelocity). Making changes or cancellations is generally easier to do directly with the airline. 

• Research many different airlines. Some will waive change fees, regardless of fare type. For other airlines it depends on the fare you purchase. Be sure to read all of the rules associated with any airline ticket before purchasing. 

 As indicated in the Study Abroad Acknowledgement and Release Form, Holy Cross is not responsible for travel expenses, including but not limited to, airline tickets and transportation to and from airports, which result from program suspension or termination, schedule changes, flight changes, emergency evacuation, or any other exigency.  Such expenses are the sole responsibility of the student.

You are required to have a cell phone with the app Whatsapp (wifi/data texting) while studying abroad. Whatsapp is an international texting & calling app that our SA office will use this to stay in touch with you. You are not allowed to study abroad without a phone. 

There are two primary ways of ensuring you have cell phone coverage while in Germany, and Europe more broadly:

1. Once you land in Germany, seek out a local phone shop or related business and buy a local SIM card with pay-as-you-go options, including unlimited data. Many students prefer this option, which is typically cheaper than paying for expanded coverage while abroad. However, you may have to "unlock" your phone first; contact your provider to learn how to do this.

2. Contact your service provider and ask what your current plan allows for travel in the EU. Can you purchase an international plan? Compare prices and options. Also, make sure you understand the parameters and if there are any steps to follow immediately before and after you land in Germany. Pay your American carrier for an expanded international plan (typically more expensive) for the duration of your study abroad program.

No matter what your plan is, make sure you understand whether your American phone needs to be unlocked before you leave! 

• Whatsapp 

Whatsapp is a free international texting & calling app that our office will use this to stay in touch with you. You are required to have Whatsapp on your phone. Whatsapp operates on wifi, so you can start using whatsapp the moment you land in Italy, even if you don't have an international cell phone plan just yet. All you need is wifi, which you can connect to at the airport!

• ISOS

You are required to download the International SOS Insurance App. Once you land in Italy, you must open that app and press the "Check-In" Button. You should also press the "Check-In" Button any time you are traveling outside of Siena. This allows us to best contact/help you in the event of an emergency.