Reminders

Documentation

• If you have not already, be sure to check your passport to make sure it is valid for 6 months after your return date to the U.S. and that it has at least 2 completely blank visa pages (not including the amendment pages at the back of the passport). As of now, the new EU ETIAS program is not yet operational; we will let you know if anything changes before departure.

• U.S. citizens traveling abroad may wish to enroll with the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency. You can find out more on the State Department website.

Health

• We ask you to be mindful of your activities in the time leading up to your trip and to do your best to join the trip healthy. Masking while in transit (on your flights and in airports) can go a long way toward helping you start the trip healthy.  We want a safe and enjoyable trip for all, and we appreciate your help in making this effort. 

• There is an inherent risk of becoming ill when traveling with a group. We strongly encourage all participants to be up to date on their seasonal vaccinations, including influenza, Covid-19, and pneumonia (per your doctor’s recommendation). Travelers who exhibit cold or flu-like symptoms, including those who test positive for Covid-19, will not be required to isolate from the group and will be subject only to local health protocols. However, they will be asked to wear a mask and advised to practice social distancing/isolate if their symptoms are particularly severe. If another guest exhibits symptoms of upper respiratory illness, you may opt to wear a mask or distance yourself as needed.

• The tap water in Finland is safe to drink so in keeping with our effort to eliminate single-use bottles on all Travel/Study programs, we ask you to be sure to bring a refillable water bottle that you can fill in your hotel room and refill at lunch to make sure you have plenty of water during the day.

Other reminders

• Notify your credit card company that you will soon be traveling, so that any significant charges you make will not be questioned or put on hold.

• Check your cellular phone contract to be sure you are aware of and understand any international roaming charges.