Foreign Study: A View From Abroad

By Kristi Vaughan

Sure it is great that as a college student you are spending a semester or year studying abroad but are you prepared for that trip?

College and the programs sponsoring the overseas study are good sources of information on where to find housing, what to pack and how to get there. The U.S. State Department is another source and can even provide information on travel warnings for specific countries.

The following tips apply to all students, no matter where they are traveling or for how long.

Get necessary papers

Traveling to another country means you will need a passport and possibly a visa. These can take some time to get so plan well ahead of time. U.S. passports come from the State Department. The embassy for the country being visited can provide information on visas.

Study the culture and customs

Part of the experience of studying overseas is learning about another culture. Make sure you understand that what is acceptable or tolerated in the U.S. might not be as well accepted elsewhere.

Keep others informed

Let family and friends know where you are and where you will be traveling so they can contact you in the event of an emergency. It also is a good idea to register with the local U.S. consulate so they can reach you should there be a large-scale emergency.

Obey the laws

Laws should be abided no matter where you are but the consequences can be particularly dire when you are far from family and your legal rights may not be the same as they are in the U.S.

Guard your money and valuables

Thieves exist everywhere and if you make yourself a target you are likely to become one. Keep valuables hidden and keep your money in a money pouch or otherwise inaccessible place.