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Traveling abroad can be the most rewarding experience a student faces in their academic career. However, without following proper travel and safety guidelines it can become a nightmare! The Office of International Programs (OIP) and SFA want to assure that all students are prepared and remain safe while studying abroad. Being prepared is a key factor in avoiding the possibility of serious trouble. Students should become familiar with the basic laws, culture and customs of the country they plan to visit prior to leaving. Careless behavior in another country can do more than ruin your study abroad experience; it can land you in a foreign jail or worse.

Before committing yourself or your finances, find out about the organization and what it offers. The majority of private programs for vacation, study or work abroad are reputable and financially sound. However, some charge exorbitant fees, use deliberately false "educational" claims, and provide working conditions far different from those advertised. Even programs of legitimate organizations can be poorly administered.

The U.S. Department of State issues travel warnings and consular information sheets concerning countries all over the world. You can view this information on their website at http://www.state.gov/travel/.

Top Ten Travel Tips for Students(from the DOS website)

  1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!
  2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.
  3. Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page and visas with family or friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Keep your host program informed of your whereabouts.
  4. Make sure you have insurance that will cover your emergency medical needs (including medical evacuation) while you are overseas.
  5. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling.
  6. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!
  7. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers.
    While abroad, avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do.
  8. Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.
  9. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money to avoid violating local laws.
  10. When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed.

The following links are also available to help you plan a safe journey abroad.

U.S. Government Sites

Health Related Sites

Culture Shock

Many of us have not tested the waters out side of our "home zone". We have no idea of the differences the world has to offer. Just as people in major US cities like San Francisco or New York have a different outlook on things, so are the countries that spread around the rest of the world.

Students need to learn about the country they plan to visit. Take time to research the people, their culture and customs. You might also want to look at any problems the country may be facing at the time of your travel. The best way to do this is by viewing the Background Notes website offered by the Department of State.

In Case of Emergency

If your family needs to reach you because of an emergency, they can either contact the OIP or they can pass a message to you through the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 202-647-5225. This office will contact the embassy or consulate in the country where you are traveling and pass a message from your family to you. Remember consular officers cannot cash checks, lend money or serve as your attorney. They can, however, if the need arises, assist you in obtaining emergency funds from your family, help you find an attorney, help you find medical assistance, and replace your lost or stolen passport.

Currency

Make sure you are aware of the currency exchange rate of the destination or destinations you plan to visit while overseas. This website is a simple way to check current foreign currency rates before you leave.

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