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STUDY ABROAD NOTES:
Studying abroad can be a fun and safe experience but it is important to realize that you are subject to the laws and customs of another country. Here are some tips prepared by the Office of Overseas Services to help keep you prepared and safe.
- Although most trips abroad are trouble free, being prepared will go a long way to avoiding the possibility of serious trouble.
- Become familiar with the basic laws and customs of the country you plan to visit before you travel.
- Remember: Reckless behavior while in another country can do more than ruin your vacation; it can land you in a foreign jail or worse! To have a safe trip, avoid risky behavior and plan ahead.
Preparing for Your Trip for Study Abroad
Apply
early for your passport and, if necessary, any visas: Passports are
required to enter and/or depart most countries around the world. Apply for
a passport as soon as possible. Some countries also require U.S. citizens
to obtain visas before entering. Most countries require visitors who are
planning to study or work abroad to obtain visas before entering. Check
with the embassy of the foreign country that you are planning to visit for
up-to-date visa and other entry requirements. (Passport and visa
information is available on the Internet at
http://travel.state.gov
.)
Learn about the countries that you plan to visit. Before departing, take
the time to do some research about the people and their culture, and any
problems that the country is experiencing that may affect your travel
plans. The Department of State publishes Background Notes on about 170
countries. These brief, factual pamphlets contain information on each
country's culture, history, geography, economy, government, and current
political situation. Background Notes are available at
www.state.gov
.
Read the Consular Information Sheet. Consular Information Sheets provide up-to-date travel information on any country in the world that you plan to visit. They cover topics such as entry regulations, the crime and security situation, drug penalties, road conditions, and the location of the U.S. embassy, consulates, and consular agencies.
Check for Travel Warnings and Public Announcements. Travel Warnings recommend U.S. citizens defer travel to a country because of dangerous conditions. Public Announcements provide fast-breaking information about relatively short-term conditions that may pose risks to the security of travelers.
Register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State
Department’s
travel registration website
. Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is
necessary to contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy
Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts may not be released
without your express authorization. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary
and the numbers or copies of your passport or other citizenship documents
with a friend or relative in the United States. (U.S. embassy and
consulate locations can be found in the country's Consular Information
Sheet.) If your family needs to reach you because of an emergency, they
can pass a message to you through the Office of Overseas Citizens Services
at 202-647-5225. This office will contact the embassy or consulate in the
country where you are traveling and pass a message from your family to
you. Remember consular officers cannot cash checks, lend money or serve as
your attorney. They can, however, if the need arises, assist you in
obtaining emergency funds from your family, help you find an attorney,
help you find medical assistance, and replace your lost or stolen
passport.
Find out what information your school offers. Find out whether your school
offers additional information for students who are planning to study,
travel, or work abroad. Many student advisors can provide you with
information about studying or working abroad. They may also be able to
provide you with information on any travel benefits for students (e.g. how
to save money on transportation and accommodations, and other resources.)
Before committing yourself or your finances, find out about the
organization and what it offers. The majority of private programs for
vacation, study or work abroad are reputable and financially sound.
However, some charge exorbitant fees, use deliberately false "educational"
claims, and provide working conditions far different from those
advertised.
Even programs of legitimate organizations can be poorly administered.
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Enjoy the life, Best regards,
JEM Practical Solutions Team.