International Program - FAQ
1. Where and how can I get a passport?
Most foreign countries require passports and visas. A valid U.S. passport is the best documentation to prove your U.S. citizenship. You also need to have a passport to apply for a visa. Generally, you can submit your application for a passport in post offices and sometimes courthouses. Take an application form, your certified or original birth certificate and two passport-sized photos. Find details on passport applications on the webpage of the U.S. State Department.
2. Do I need a visa to travel abroad?
Most foreign countries require both passports and visas, including the People's Republic of China and Russia.
Some countries require passports and do not require visas for tourists or business stay of up to 90 days, including Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.
A few foreign countries may not require passports or visas, and then you will need documentary evidence of your U.S. citizenship and identity including an expired U.S. passport, a certified or original birth certificate and a valid photo ID, such as a valid driver's license or a government identification card to identify you by physical description or photograph.
U.S. citizens can apply for visas at the nearest foreign country embassy or consulate. Check detailed entry requirements with embassies or consulates of foreign countries in advance.
3. Do I need any inoculations or other medical procedures?
Some countries require immunizations for a visa or entry. You may need to present an official record of immunizations. An "International Certificate of Vaccinations" is the most common form used and issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If you will travel to a developing country, then typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, TB, malaria, diarrhea, cholera and yellow fever are frequently recommended immunizations.
Before you depart for a foreign country, make sure that you are in good health, get any immunizations required and learn about health and safety conditions in that country. Take special precautions if you have a pre-existing condition and bring enough clearly labeled prescription medications. You will need to have health and accident insurance or you may need to purchase a special policy that covers these areas overseas.
Substance and drug abuse is viewed differently around the world and can lead to serious health risks, cultural and legal consequences.
Local healthcare providers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. State Department can offer detailed information about particular regions abroad.
4. How do I book my flight?
For significantly discounted student airfares, hostels, museums, concerts and plays, you can get an international student ID card. More information is available on the following websites.
http://www.goabroad.com/
http://www.studentuniverse.com/
http://www.statravel.com/Statravel/cards/cards_ISIC.aspx?menuid=6001
5. How do I get around once I get there?
Study abroad programs may arrange for a representative to meet arriving students at the airport, transport them to the program site and offer on-site orientation. Others will give directions, but you need to orient yourself to your new environment.
On-site orientation may cover the following areas: introduction to the program, health information, safety information, personal conduct, notifying local, housing, language training, communications, independent travel and training.
6. What happens if I become ill while traveling abroad?
Consult with your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether your policy applies abroad and covers emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation and life insurance.
In case you become seriously ill or injured abroad, you can ask help from a consular officer to locate appropriate medical services and inform your family or friends. A consular officer can also help you transfer funds from your home country. However, it is your responsibility to pay hospital bills and other expenses.
7. How do I get money from home?
Traveler's checks, main credit cards, ATM cards or cash can be used effectively in a foreign country. Refundable traveler's checks are the safest way for carrying your money and you need to keep serial numbers of your traveler's checks separately. Credit cards and ATM cards are available in most countries. ATM machines are available in larger cities in developing countries. Do not travel with large amounts of cash. The exchange rates and fees of U.S. dollars at the international arrival airport are better than at the departing U.S. airport.
If you need more cash while abroad, money can be transferred from the U.S. in several ways: the quickest way is by cable transfer from your American bank to a bank abroad; American Express money orders are relatively fast, transactions must be initiated at an American Express office in the United States and completed at one of their branch offices abroad; obtain from an American bank a foreign currency draft drawn against a recognized bank in the foreign country, this draft can then be sent to you by registered or certified mail for cashing abroad; credit cards make foreign currency transactions easy and are invaluable in a financial emergency.
8. What about driving and auto insurance?
Many countries do not recognize U.S. driver's licenses, but most countries accept an international driving permit (IDP). Your U.S. auto insurance normally does not cover you abroad. Check your insurer to see if your policy covers you in neighboring countries such as Canada and Mexico. For detailed information, please visit the webpage: http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html
9. What personal toiletries should I take?
Often electric currents abroad use different voltage. Electrical appliances such as a hair dryer or contact lens sterilizer may need a converter and a different plug.
Take small quantities of shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, towels, etc. Also take enough particular personal hygiene products. Take a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses.
10. Can I find the foods I can eat?
You will likely find restaurants that serve western foods in major cities and tourist areas. You need to adjust and adapt gradually to local diets. Remember the old adage for eating abroad "Peel it, boil it, cook it, or forget it." Consult friends in your host country for foods sold from street stalls or vendors abroad. You have to eat or drink pasteurized and cooked dairy products, meats and seafood.
11. Can I drink the water?
Local tap water is usually drinkable in major Western cities. Avoid tap water or ice cubes in urban and rural areas of less developed countries. Find out if water is safe to drink in the countries you will visit. Use boiled water, water in sealed bottles, beverages like tea or coffee made with boiled water and carbonated drinks. Do not use unsafe water to brush teeth, and clean contact lenses or hands.
12. How do I make international telephone calls?
Dialing directly from abroad to your home is normally easy. Also check the U.S. long-distance carriers about getting a phone card or access numbers abroad before you depart. When calling, don't forget the time difference!
13. What kinds of safety precautions should I take?
Use your common sense abroad just as you would at home. Keep a low profile and be polite. Always bring valuables with you. Women should be aware of snatching handbags. Instead of fighting attackers, just give up valuables. Then report loss or theft to a local police or appropriate authority. Avoid dangerous areas. Do not travel alone at night. Exchange money and purchase airline tickets only from authorized agents. Be alert of fire emergency and the nearest fire exit. Learn some local language for necessary help and understanding local road signs and signals. Pedestrians may not be given the right of way. Use only official metered taxis and always fasten your seat-belt.
Travel warnings are issued by the State Department to avoid a certain country. Check the webpage: http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html
14. What if I get in trouble with the law?
That is the last thing you want to be involved. When they are in foreign countries, U.S. citizens are subject to local laws and regulations which can differ significantly from those of the U.S. in terms of legal procedures, penalties and prison sentences. Penalties for substance abuse and drug violations are severe in many foreign countries. Learn about local rules and cultural customs, and obey them.
If a U.S. visitor has been arrested, contact the nearest U.S. embassy and consulate to receive limited assistance for contacting your family, providing you with a list of local attorneys, and visiting you in prison to see that you are being treated humanely. However, they cannot provide free legal assistance or money for bail. Most importantly, they cannot get you out of jail.
15. Some Useful Websites:
http://www.studyabroad.com/
http://www.iiepassport.org/
http://www.goabroad.com/
http://www.state.gov/
http://www.cdc.gov
http://www.os.dhhs.gov/