Study Abroad

Study Abroad Pre-departure Information for Students

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

Passport

A valid passport is required for you to enter and leave the United States and all other countries (including Canada and Mexico). Apply as early as possible and at least several months in advance at a U.S. Passport Agency or U.S. Post Office. Full instructions on obtaining or renewing a passport are available on the State Department's website.

If you already possess a passport, check that it has not expired and that it will be valid for at least six months beyond your planned return to the United States. Make a copy of the information page of your passport and take it with you overseas. Keep the copy somewhere separate from the original. This will help if your passport is lost or stolen.

Visa

Many countries in the world require foreign visitors to obtain a visa. A visa is often a stamp on a page of the passport that signifies an agreement on conditions of entry. In some cases, stays of more than three months require that you obtain a residence permit before leaving the country, instead of a visa. More common visa types are tourist, student, and work. Visa fees vary.

Be sure you understand the type of visa that you are receiving. The visa may require you to leave the country after a specified period of time or to maintain full-time student status, or it may deny permission to work for money. If you violate the terms of the visa, you may be subject to legal action or deportation.

Visa and residence permit requirements vary widely. Contact the embassy of the host country where you will be studying for verification (regulations can change without notice). If you delay in submitting the necessary materials, Towson University cannot assist in obtaining the documents required for entry. To avoid potential disappointment, please begin the process as soon as you have been accepted into a study abroad program or exchange.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or do not travel under a U.S. passport, you should allow extra time to obtain a visa to study abroad. Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need to allow a number of weeks or months for your host country to process all of the required documents.

Evidence of Financial Sufficiency

Proof of ability to support yourself overseas may be requested on arrival by customs officials and/or host institution. A notarized letter from parents confirming that the student will have access to sufficient funds while away and a letter from parents bank on company letterhead is usually acceptable. If studying in a non-English speaking country it is beneficial to obtain a copy of the letter written in the local language and using the currency of the host country.

Health Insurance Card

Take a copy of your health insurance policy/coverage details with you overseas. You will need this if you require medical treatment or medication while abroad. You may be asked for proof of your health insurance coverage when entering the host country or by your host institution.

International Student Identity Card (ISIC)

The ISIC is a handy form of identification for any full-time student abroad. It verifies your student status and qualifies you for discounts on travel, tours, accommodation and reduced or free admission to museums, theaters and cultural attractions. The ISIC is issued under the auspices of STA Travel and can be purchased at the TU Study Abroad Office or online.

International Youth Hostel Card

The International Youth Hostel Card is usually required if you wish to stay in a youth hostel and normally must be purchased in the country in which the holder is a resident. Cards may be purchased at the American Youth Hostel. After you have established residency at your study site you can obtain a Youth Hostel Card from any youth hostel in that country.

Cell Phone

If necessary for emergency communication, we recommend getting a cell phone after arrival overseas. Most U.S. cell phones will not work abroad. It is usually cheaper to purchase or rent a cell phone from local providers, than to purchase a universal cell phone in the U.S.

Laptop Computers

Laptops with universal power supplies can be useful depending on your program or exchange location and facilities. Electrical outlet adapters will be required but these can be purchased very inexpensively. Internet access is widely available on most overseas campuses or in inexpensive Internet cafes, but not in all overseas dorms or apartments. If you do bring a laptop with you, make sure it is fully insured.

Note: Laptops are easily stolen and are not considered mandatory for study abroad. Having to negotiate local computer labs is a good way to interact with locals and to meet people. Instant communication with home can prevent a student from building local support networks. Letters sent through the mail can more than substitute for regular calls to provide news from home, and the letters your student sends to you can be saved and treasured for years to come.

Go to www.laptoptravel.com for laptop mobility products as well as information and advice for traveling with your laptop.

Electronics and Electrical Appliances

Electricity voltage and plug sizes vary around the world. Consider buying electrical appliances upon arrival, substituting with battery operated or in some cases doing without. Alternatively you can buy converters and adaptors for existing appliances before departure. They are available at travel, hardware and big-box stores. Check the World Electric Guide for a guide to voltage, electric and telephone plugs worldwide.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Students may want to consider purchasing Trip Cancellation benefits to cover any losses incurred when canceling or changing travel itineraries. A guide to shopping for travel insurance and a list of insurance carriers is available in the Resources section of the TU Study Abroad website.

Airline Baggage Allowances

Airlines have become more stringent about observing their weight limits on luggage in recent years. Each airline has its own maximum amount the traveler is allowed. Check with the airline to find specific baggage allowances, weight or size restrictions and a list of restricted items for both international and domestic flights. Some students will take an in-country flight after arrival to reach the overseas institution and that flight may have different weight limits than the international flight. We also recommend arriving at the airport three hours before departure for international flights.

Nearly everything available here can also be purchased overseas. We recommend purchasing or renting linens overseas, so as not to use up space in luggage and also because the sizes of beds overseas may be different from the standard U.S. size.

Study Abroad Office
Administration Building, 2nd Floor
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Phone: 410-704-2451

Fax: 410-704-4703
Email: studyabroad@towson.edu