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This page can help you get ready to leave for your program, including information about important documents, packing, international mail and phone services, and getting things in order at home.
Immigration Documents
Immigration Documents
Passports
Passports
All students must have a passport to travel internationally, so if you don't have one, you should apply for it!
Your passport is your proof of citizenship and official form of identification while traveling.
It can take several weeks or months to receive your passport after you apply. If you need it very quickly, you will need to apply for an expedited passport at a higher fee.
If you do have a passport, verify that it will be valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your program.
Visas and Residency Permits
Visas and Residency Permits
Each country has its own immigration regulations. These regulations will differ depending on your host country and your country of citizenship; you may or may not be required to obtain entry clearance documentation or a student visa to study in your host country. If you do not complete the immigration requirements required by your host country, you will not be permitted to enter or study in that country.
A visa is official permission from the country you will be going to that states that you are allowed to enter that country and stay for a specified time and for a specified purpose. If your host country requires you to obtain a student visa, you must complete that process independently.
Packing
Packing
What to Pack
Practical clothing that matches the climate and cultural norms of your host country, including comfortable shoes
Essentials (pack these in your carry-on!)
Medications in their original, labeled containers (must be legal in your host country)
Credit cards and cash in your host country's currency
Passport and visa
Power adapters/converters
Adapters change the shape of your plug so it fits the outlets in your host country
Converters change the voltage to the U.S. standard
What Not to Pack
Irreplaceable items
Basic full-sized personal care items (shampoo, body wash, etc.) that you can find abroad
More luggage than you can carry on your own
Hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners
Buy these abroad to avoid power surges due to the different voltages
Housing is different all over the world. Even within the same program, there will be housing variations between you and other people on your program. Become familiar with your housing and what is provided. This can help you better curate your packing list if you know what to expect and what will and won’t be provided.
For example:
Is it a smaller and/or shared space? Bring luggage that can be stacked into each other for easy storage. Most places in the world will hang dry clothes.
Is it common in your host culture to hang dry clothes? (Many places around the world, including Europe, hang dry clothes and won’t have quick access to a dryer.) Bring fabrics that are quicker drying!
It's best to not over-pack - you'll want room in your suitcase for things you buy abroad, like souvenirs!
International Mail
International Mail
Sending items through the mail internationally can be tricky. Whether you plan to have a family member mail you things while abroad, or you plan to ship items back to the United States, you should first research the customs laws in your host country and the United States. Depending on what you are mailing, there may be customs taxes or the items may be quarantined in customs.
There are certain items you should never mail internationally:
Don’t mail prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs.
Don’t mail any electronics, laptops, cell phones, etc.
These types of items will most likely be confiscated in customs. You will either be charged a high tax to retrieve them, or they may not even be allowed into the country at all.
Phone Service Abroad
Phone Service Abroad
Service Options
International phone plans through your U.S. phone service provider
e-SIM cards and physical SIM cards
Some phones no longer take physical SIM cards
Check with your provider to make sure your phone is unlocked (i.e., the phone is not tied to a certain carrier and is therefore compatible with other SIM cards)
Pay attention to what is included in each plan and what the cost of the plan is
Other Notes
Virtual phone/messaging apps (WhatsApp, Skype, Telegram, etc.) can be used on Wi-Fi or data and are free alternatives to international calling
Consider purchasing a SIM card that includes a local phone number from your host country
Some countries require local numbers to make reservations, order delivery, shop online, etc.
Make a plan to communicate with people back home, including discussing times that work for both of you
Preparing Your Life at Home for Your Absence
Preparing Your Life at Home for Your Absence
Housing
Cancel your housing contract for the semester you are going abroad
Find a subletter to take over your lease
There are many Penn State Facebook groups dedicated to helping you sublet your residence
Talk to your residence management to learn more about the options available to you
Financials
Check for payments that you will need to continue to make while abroad
Consider authorizing a trusted person to access an account for you, if necessary
Read through the Financial Planning page for more information
On-campus Responsibilities
If you have a job, make sure they are aware that you are leaving (and, if applicable, let them know when you are coming back)
Confirm that there are no issues with your academics (i.e., placeholder credits have been registered in LionPATH, you have an academic plan for when you return, etc.)
Penn State Account Access Abroad
If you change your device and/or your phone number while abroad, you will need to make sure you update your Multifactor Authentication (MFA) Settings with Penn State to maintain access on the new device/line.
Be sure to prepare for your departure, your absence, and your return!
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