Prepare for Take-off: A Student's Guide to Study Abroad

Colleges and universities are getting ready to send their students away, at least for a little while. Students across the country are booking flights, sending in applications and requesting passports for the start of study abroad season. More and more American students are studying abroad during their college years. The Institute of International Education reports that 191,321 American students are studying abroad. But, preparing to study overseas is an often lengthy process, beginning months before take-off. This is the student checklist for studying abroad. Getting there... The most important thing students traveling abroad need is a passport. If you don't already have one, this process can take some time The U.S. State Department travel pages require in-person visits to acceptance facilities, such as certain municipal buildings, post offices, and some libraries. Bring two passport sized photos, proof of U.S. citizenship and a valid driver's license with you when you apply. Most students receive their passport within four to six weeks after application. Another important document to consider before departure is a visa. Visas may vary from country to country so check with your program advisor for details on obtaining a visa specific to the country you'll be visiting. Once you have the proper documentation, getting there is the next step. While some programs offer pre-arranged flights for school groups going abroad, some students opt to travel before their study abroad program begins, and make their own travel arrangements. Plan your trip well in advance to get the best deals in airfare and ensure you arrive in time for your program's start date. When in Rome... The best way to understand the country you will be studying in is to talk to students who have already done it. Most study abroad offices offer newbies a contact list of alumni, who are usually more than happy to provide new travelers with a list of the best restaurants, nightlife and places to visit. Another way to get to know your new country before you arrive is to go to the bookstore. Frommers and Lonely Planet both publish books citing highlights for student in cities all over the world. Before you go abroad, apply for an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) card online. This card is magic. It can get you discounts on just about everything from entrance fees to museums and historic sites to lodging in hotels and hostels. Getting around abroad can be tricky at first. Most programs encourage students to travel in their free time. In Europe, the Eurail pass gets students from country to country via train and can be used for 5 to 15 days depending on the package you purchase. Purchasing a Eurail pass ahead of time, in the U.S. is more cost-efficient and saves you the hassle of trying to do it last minute abroad. If the train can't take you there, odds are an airplane can, and at a pretty affordable price too. RyanAir is an airline exclusive to Europe that offers inter-country flights, last minute at rates you would be hard pressed to find in the states. Clean Bill of Health... Getting sick in a foreign country is never fun. Before you leave the states make sure all common immunizations (measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) are up to date, refill prescriptions and check their legality in the country you'll be visiting. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention website has detailed updates on disease alerts in certain countries to be aware of. In case you do get sick though, medical insurance is one thing you'll wish you had. While some domestic insurance providers cover international travel, you should check your current plan and research additional coverage options if necessary. International Student Organization (ISO) offers American students studying abroad COMPASS World and COMPASS Premium benefits. This includes coverage for injury and sickness, medical evacuation, and repatriation. Pack and Roll... Living abroad is about learning how to be creative with your wardrobe. Pack light, and roll everything. It saves space. Resist the urge to stock up on a semester's worth of shampoo and conditioner. They sell that stuff in other countries too. Some programs advocate bringing a laptop to store digital photos. But, odds are an Internet caf