1. Students Travelling Abroad

2.  Prepare for your program  Stay safe and maximize your experience while abroad  Know what to expect when you return

3.  Documents to IEGE!  Visa  Money Matters  Health (Immunizations, medicine, etc.)  Packing  At the airport  Research

4.  Travel and Academic Documents to IEGE  Review today your study abroad file for completeness. The review will save you headaches!

5.  Visa  Required by all countries for semester study abroad.  Lengthy process—plan ahead  Make with appointment NOW with host country consulate  If application is upon entry into country, gather all required documentation NOW.  Triple check for completeness  Visa requirements differ for citizens of different countries. Be prepared.

6.  Create a budget for your time abroad. Stick to it.  Get to know the local currency and the currency conversion rate  Host country students are most knowledgeable about inexpensive things to do and eat.  Inform your credit card company and bank that you will be abroad  Pay attention to international transaction fees. Consider changing banks to get a lower rate.  Have a few different forms of payment (Cash, ATM, credit card, etc.) and do not have them all in one spot  Do not use a credit card to withdraw funds  Confirm with Financial Aid expected payments and availability of funds.

7.  Read about your host country as well as countries to which you plan to travel on the Center for Disease Control CDC Website.  Take all required and recommended immunizations, vaccinations and medicines (such as malaria pills)  Discuss with the IEGE study abroad advisor and your host program any health issues and concerns.  Purchase personal care items upon arrival, do not carry shampoo and toothpaste from home.

8.   Some US approved medications are not approved in host countries  Contact your host country program contact to confirm your medication can be brought into the country and alternative plans  Bring a full supply of your medications to last the duration of your program WITH the Doctor’s prescription and original packaging  Ask the doctor to write out the components, not the brand name.  Different countries have different laws in terms of medicine and prescription drugs, be aware of the local law regarding any medicine you bring

9.  Upon arrival at host institution, locate the medical clinic, a doctor, and a dentist that you will use if you need medical or dental assistance.  Staying healthy means getting enough sleep and eating a proper diet.

10.  Make sure your luggage is appropriate for travel.  Check your airlines policies regarding what you can and cannot bring in your luggage and in your carry-on.  Know the weight limit and luggage count for your airline. You will have to pay a large fee if you exceed the limit!  Mark your luggage with a tag or ribbon so you can easily identify it

11.  What to pack in your Carry-on luggage  All travel documents you need upon arrival, to get through customs, and to get to your accommodation. Leave copies at home and in your suitcase.  Passport, money, and address/directions to your  Medicine, glasses (take extra pair in luggage)  Phone numbers and email for contacts at host institution, accommodations and IEGE  Reading material, an empty water bottle, some packaged snacks

12.  Pack lightly and plan to wear layers- You can always purchase what you need abroad, over-packing is an unnecessary burden!  Pack lightly.  Research the weather patterns in your host destination  Get to know local dress codes and dress expectations. In general, people in other countries dress much neater and more formally than in the US. No torn or stained clothes.  Dress appropriately and respectfully for your destination.  Pack lightly  Plug adaptors

13.  Arrive a Minimum of three hours early at the right airport.  Have all documents, carry on, and luggage prepared  Research your airport of departure and know where you are going  Research your airport of arrival know how you will get from there to your accommodations.  Have directions, contacts, and a plan for getting to your accommodation from the airport

14.  Buy a guide book like Lonely Planet or Rick Steve’s  Before you go, do lots of research on your host destination!  Weather  Cultural Norms/Things not to do  Travel warnings, dangers, things to be aware of  Read articles on the internet about what to expect during your study abroad in “X” country.

15.  Culture “shock” and getting over it  Health and Safety  Academics  Communication  Maximizing your experience & Cultural Immersion

16. Arrival First weeks Next few weeks Coming up for air and being part of things

17.  CISI Health/Travel Insurance Plan. Read it.  Local Health Insurance  Emergency Phone Numbers  Medicine  What to do when you are sick  Research local crime, annoyances and dangers and know what to avoid  Do not drive a car or motorbike while abroad  Do not take drugs or abuse alcohol  Take all the normal safety precautions you take at home and apply them abroad

18.  Understanding Title IX Guidelines  Read through the handout understand the process and your rights and responsibilities

19.  Complete a BC IEGE Course Equivalency Form before you leave.  Take your academics seriously. It may be more demanding.  It is very important to learn early on host institution expectations for exams, class attendance and academic work. Be ready to adjust your time management and academic habits.  If you experience difficulty, reach out early on to your professors, the host institution’s study abroad advisor, or IEGE  Enjoy your time abroad, but remember academics come first.

20.  Remember that the more time you spend communicating with family and friends, you might as well be at home and not abroad.  Have a plan for communicating with your family and friends at home- skype, phone calls, Whatsapp, etc.  Phone plan-pay as you go phone  IEGE. iege@brooklyn.cuny.eduiege@brooklyn.cuny.edu 

21.  Talk to locals, make new friends, don’t isolate yourself, in “American” groups or places.  Start practicing the language  Continue an interest, explore a new hobby.  Try out new things and experiences—music, museums, hiking, flea markets, food, holidays……..  Stay local  Take photos, draw, write, keep a journal or blog

22.  Read the local newspaper  Join a group which has locals (yoga, choir, chess, book clubs)  Reach out to others, show empathy and interest  Find a family with which to spend time  Share yourself, your interests, your thoughts  Ask about the other’s thoughts

23.  Have your transcript to IEGE, 1108 Boylan Hall, Brooklyn College, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11210.  Transcript is matched with the Course Equivalency Form and then sent to BC Registrar for posting of Grades.  Make an appointment to visit IEGE and tell us about your experience.  Talk about your experiences with other students  Add your experience to your resume  Help out in study abroad tabling events, orientations, Tuesday information sessions 

24. Questions???