Prep & Tips

Prep & Tips

• Compile and save important documents offline on your phone. These documents may include your Passport, Driver's License, Health Insurance, and Student ID.

• Download all necessary applications and offline maps. WhatsApp will be your savior abroad. Although you may be there to learn the language, it is still a good idea to download a translator application, for the sake of your safety. Dozens of countries abroad also have amazing transportation systems that have their own application, be sure to check that out for your host country!

• Keep your passport secure! No need for an explanation.

• Withdraw emergency cash before departure. Before going abroad, I was advised to use card as much as possible as to not have large amounts of cash on me, but I was also advised to bring some cash with me for emergencies. This was helpful for me when I needed to buy a train ticket from a machine that did not take card.

• Register for International SOS. This is an organization created to provide medical and travel security servicesto those travelling internationally.

• Register for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). You will receive timely and relevant information about your destination, including travel alerts and warnings. This program will also make sure that U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad have their trip enrolled in nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

• Write down all contacts and addresses. Make a list of professor contact information, program institution information, and any other contact information that can be used in the case that your family needs to reach you but cannot contact you directly. Do the same for while you are abroad by keeping a list of family contacts with you at all times.

• Pack light! Help yourself both physically and financially. If you are solo traveling during or after your program, it's hard to lug around heavy bags by yourself. Also, consider possible baggage fees on low-cost airlines! Plus, more often than not, you will do plenty of shopping abroad. Make use of the tax-free shopping ;)!

• Pack locks. Keep your belongings secure while you are traveling before, during, and after your program. Hostels may not offer locks for your lockers/cabinets either.

• Make sure you have unlocked SIM restrictions on your phone. This is so that you can purchase and use an eSIM when you are abroad! To check on your iOS click Settings > General > About > Scroll down to Carrier Lock. If it says No SIM restrictions, you're good to go!

• Plan what SIM and/or wifi you will be using while abroad. I personally used an eSIM on my unlocked phone and bought a data package from Airalo. I was able to use this in all European countries I visited (Spain, Italy, France) as well as when I travelled to the Philippines. If you have questions about it, let me know!

• Plan and purchase ahead if you are able. This is geared more towards solo traveling outside of the program, but I found it to be cheaper to book hostels, trains, and flights ahead of time. This also relieves so much stress as you don't have to plan these things while you are already abroad. Plus, having these trips planned and set will give you more to look forward to aside from your program.

• Save plane tickets, accommodation confirmations, train tickets, etc. offline on your phone. You will not always have connection and you want to make sure you are prepared with all the documents you need even without connection. This tip saved me so many times during my trip because the internet was unreliable in some places. 

• Be aware of your surroundings and mind your belongings.

• Keep an open mind and be kind. You are in a different country with different norms and standards. Embrace the opportunity to explore and be open to new things and experiences that may enrich your journey. And as always, be kind to everyone you cross paths with.