Be a Smart Traveler

IF FLYING WITH THE GROUP Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours in advance of the flight. Look for the KIIS representative holding the blue KIIS card. You will receive your plane ticket, KIIS ID card, international student ID card, and Rail Europe Pass (if applicable, for European programs) at the airport. CARRY YOUR PLANE TICKET IN A SAFE PLACE! DO NOT LOSE IT! IT IS NON- REFUNDABLE! If delayed en route to the airport, call the KIIS office at to let them know your arrival time at the airport. Carry snacks with you to tide you over. Airport food is VERY expensive! IF NOT FLYING WITH THE GROUP Be sure to provide a copy of your flight itinerary to the KIIS office as soon as you have it. Establish with the program director where to meet the group when they arrive in country. PLEASE NOTE: This outline was designed as general information for all programs, and some details may not be applicable to your particular program. Those details will be covered by the director of your program at the student orientation. Make note of your particular questions as preparation. Inform yourself of what to expect…you’ll have a head start! Use the Resource Bibliography on kiis.org as a beginning.Resource Bibliography Logistics and Helpful Hints

Post 9/11 Caution & Passport Information Do not pack any sharp objects in your carry-on baggage. Things such as manicure scissors, clippers, pocket knives, and other metal instruments WILL be confiscated at Airport Security. Such objects can safely be packed in CHECKED LUGGAGE ONLY. Locks on checked luggage MAY be broken by airport security. * Remember NO or Bring 2 extra passport photos with you. Buy all of the film that you’ll be carrying in the U.S. Film and processing abroad is very expensive. Do not pack film in checked baggage. The x-ray used in the security check may damage film. PASSPORTS AND VISAS All travel abroad requires a passport, except to Mexico. No visas are required in European countries for KIIS students who are U.S. citizens (Those who are citizens of other countries may need a visa). A certified birth certificate or passport may be used to enter Mexico. Travel in Cameroon, China and Brazil carries special visa requirements.

What to pack - YOU WILL ALWAYS BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CARRYING YOUR OWN LUGGAGE SO PACK ACCORDINGLY! If you use luggage on wheels, LARGER wheels are better. Consider a backpack as a carry-on, which can also be used for weekend travel. Weather can vary widely. Check with the program director or internet sites for average temperatures and typical weather conditions at the program site. Dual wattage hair dryers are recommended (available at Wal-Mart, etc.) as are wattage converters for other grooming appliances. Remember to carry an adaptor plug too. Other suggestions: small battery-operated radio, travel alarm, a LOCK for your suitcase to help secure valuables even when not traveling. Check on the airline’s website (airline information will be available after you are accepted) to read about weight limits on checked baggage, and pack accordingly. If you are over the weight limit, the airline may charge you a sizeable fee for the extra weight.

Money, Foreign Currency, Credit Card Travelers’ Checks, and Exchange Checks on American banks cannot be cashed abroad (except at an American Express office if you have a card). In most countries, you can get local currency with your ATM card or Visa or Master Card debit card. It is MUCH easier and less expensive than converting traveler’s checks. Just be sure to check with your bank and alert them to the fact that you’ll be traveling abroad using your card and iron out any “glitches”. Find out what the bank transaction fee is that’s charged by your bank and take that into consideration. Carry a VISA or MASTER CARD in your name and perhaps some travelers’ checks to have in case of emergency. Purchase a small amount of foreign currency at the airport or from your local bank before departure - about $20-$50 - to have with you when you arrive at your destination. Hold on to some US dollars - approximately $20 - (tuck it away in a safe place) for your return to the States. You’ll be GLAD you did! THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR WILL INFORM YOU OF ANY “QUIRKS” IN THE OBTAINING AND EXCHANGING OF LOCAL MONEY IN YOUR PARTICULAR PROGRAM COUNTRY. PLAN YOUR WEEKLY SPENDING BUDGET AHEAD OF TIME AND STICK TO IT! Plan for weekend travel, meals not covered by the program fee, souvenirs and emergencies.

Keeping in touch

Health and Safety Don’t walk or travel alone unless absolutely necessary. Develop a “buddy” system. Always inform the program director and one other person of your planned departure time, destination and return time.Always inform the program director and one other person of your planned departure time, destination and return time. DO NOT ride in cars with someone you don’t know, or go to a private home with someone you have just met. USE COMMON SENSE and EXERCISE CAUTION!DO NOT ride in cars with someone you don’t know, or go to a private home with someone you have just met. USE COMMON SENSE and EXERCISE CAUTION! If you find it necessary to travel by taxicab, be sure that the cab you travel in is licensed and metered. IT IS BEST TO CALL A TAXI OR HAVE SOMEONE CALL FOR YOU RATHER THAN HAILING ONE ON THE STREET. Women should never sit in the front seat of a taxi.If you find it necessary to travel by taxicab, be sure that the cab you travel in is licensed and metered. IT IS BEST TO CALL A TAXI OR HAVE SOMEONE CALL FOR YOU RATHER THAN HAILING ONE ON THE STREET. Women should never sit in the front seat of a taxi. During periods of free time in the program, tell at least one other person where you intend to go and when you plan to return.During periods of free time in the program, tell at least one other person where you intend to go and when you plan to return. If you do not return when expected, the authorities will be notified at the end of the day during which you were to have returned, and your emergency contact person in the States will be called.