Getting Ready To Go

Communication Abroad

Your trip overseas can be a busy time with a lot going on but please make it a point to communicate with your family or loved ones back home. It is important to let them know that you have arrived safely. Even just a quick call or message can put them at ease. 

Cell phones

Students usually choose one of the following options for cell phone access overseas:

1. Cell phones can be purchased at your destination and you can pay-as-you-go.
2. Buy a SIM card overseas: Many students find that it is affordable and convenient for them to bring their cell phone from home and buy a SIM card from a local cellular provider when they arrive overseas. Oftentimes the rates on calling (within country and internationally) and data can be more affordable this way. If you choose this option, be sure that your cell phone is "unlocked" before leaving the US so that you can use the SIM card you buy overseas.
3. Check with your US cellular provider to see if they offer international calling and data packages that will work for you. Not all providers have the same international policies, so it is good to see what yours can offer.

Apps

There are many internet based apps students can use to communicate with their family and friends back home. Viber, Whats App, Skype, Facetime, and Facebook Messenger are some apps that allow you to talk and text for free as long as you have access to wifi. Have friends and family back home, download these apps so you can call and text. Visit the app section on our website for more information. 

Internet accessibility

While in most destinations you will have internet and ‘wifi’ access, the availability may not be as prevalent as you may be used to. In residence halls, access may be available in the common areas and sometimes in the rooms. It is harder to adapt an older building for the internet but, on a positive note, this encourages students to be out and social with the other students. There are also cybercafés that you can use as well at ‘wifi’ zones at participating restaurants.

If you are in independent or host family housing without internet access, you may purchase an internet card at one of the mobile phone providers for a monthly fee. You will be able to inquire in detail about this during your in-country orientation sessions. You may also be able to use your cell phone as a hotspot to provide internet access to your laptop and other devices.

Travel

Once you have made your flight arrangements, complete the Flight Arrival Form on your online study abroad account. If you choose to arrive prior to the start date of the program, it is your responsibility to arrange your arrival to the designated meeting place for your program. Note: please remember to bring your program contact information (i.e. address of university and housing arrangement.) 

Visit the U.S. Department of State's website about travel abroad as a U.S. citizen. Students are encouraged to enroll in STEP: Smart Traveller Enrollment Program. It also is a good idea to read the country-specific recommendations for your travel destination.

When traveling, pay attention to all security regulations, especially when flying or visiting major attractions. Plan extra time when traveling: arrive early to the airport and give yourself time between connecting flights.

Customs and Immigration

Not every airport or country will have the same procedures for customs and immigration. Generally when you arrive at your destination, you will first go through the immigration and customs checkpoint. The immigration officer will ask you to present your passport and student or tourist visa (if applicable). The officer will then stamp an entry approval on the passport and give it back to you. Next, you will go to claim your personal luggage.

Student Visa Reminder

Students going on a semester, summer, or faculty-led overseas program may be required to apply and obtain a visa prior to departing the U.S. Upon acceptance to the program, students will be provided with instructions on if they need a visa, and how and when to apply for it. If you are required to appear in person at a consulate to apply for a visa, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. When traveling, bring all paperwork associated with obtaining your visa with you to your destination in case you should be asked to provide documentation.

Important Documents

Make at least 3 copies of your passport. One copy should be left at home with your family, place one in your luggage, and one copy should be kept with you at all times while overseas. You should also bring with you another type of identification such as a license or student identification. Make sure to make copies of each identification and leave a copy at home with your parents. It is a good idea to email yourself all of your important documents before you go so you have quick access if you need them. A copy of your passport will also be available on your online study abroad account. 

Extra Program Travel

Students making plans for travel (that are not part of the program) should notify their program coordinator or in-country international office before their departure. Students should check prior to departure to see if there are any visa requirements for the host country (i.e. your visa process is fully complete) or the destination country. Visit our website for a full list of travel apps and general low cost travel options for study abroad students. Familiarize yourself with websites such as Skyscanner, RyanAir, EasyJet and Go Euro to find the best possible route to your destination and best deals on flights. Students are encouraged to register your side trips on your Oswego study abroad account using the My Trip feature.

Clothing and Packing

Travel light! It is tempting to bring every article of clothing and every personal belonging that is important to you. Resist the temptation to do this. Flying is stressful, security is tighter than ever, and your housing arrangements will be different and almost certainly smaller than you are used to, so don’t over pack! Keep in mind, you are going to go home with more than you come with.

Most airlines allow you to bring 2 checked bags weighing 50lbs or less each (please confirm the regulations with your airline company). When packing, keep in mind the temperatures that you will be experiencing while abroad (i.e. semester students may need to pack for multiple seasons). Clothes that can easily transition from one season to the other are recommended. 

Adaptor or Converter?

It is recommended to buy an all-in-one travel adaptor/converter before you go. Many of these devices now come with USB charging ports which will accommodate many devices easily. These can be purchased at most stores with a travel section or online.

Nostalgia

Bring anything that ‘you can’t live without’. Items such as peanut butter or your favorite shampoo may not be so easy to find or economical abroad. 

Below is a list of suggested items to bring overseas. This is not an exhaustive list nor is it mandatory that students bring these items. Also keep in mind the climate and type of program you are participating in. While some of these items can easily be purchased in some countries, they may not be as accessible in others. Please check with your program coordinator for details. Your program coordinator will provide you a list of any further items that you should bring for your specific country.

Packing List Ideas

Bath/Hygiene

• Antibacterial hand sanitizer
• Flip-flops for the shower and walking around
• Contact lens solution
• Towel/bathrobe
• Feminine hygiene items
• Toiletries (soap, shampoo, razors, deodorant, toothpaste)
• NOTE: It is NOT recommended to bring a hair dryer, straightener, curling iron, or clothes iron as the voltage is different and can often break the appliance or emit too much heat, causing damage to your hair or clothes. 

Clothing

• Machine-washable clothes, not ‘dry clean only’ or that need special care. Depending on your overseas location, access to a clothes dryer may be limited and you may need to hang-dry your clothes.
• Socks
• Pajamas
• Bathing suit
• Sunglasses
• Rain Gear (umbrella)
• Comfortable walking shoes - sneakers, sandals
• Casual, comfortable, light, loose-fitting and washable cotton clothes
• 2-3 nice outfits (may be needed if you go out to a conference, fancy nightclub, or restaurant)
• DO NOT bring valuable or irreplaceable jewelry

Miscellaneous

• A passport holder for safety while traveling. Consider one with RFID blocking technology to keep your information safe.
• Backpack/carry-on suitcase for overnight side trips
• Digital camera and memory cards or an external hard drive to save your photos
• Locks for suitcases to use in hostels
• School supplies you may need that would be hard to buy overseas (a specific calculator, your favorite pens, etc.)
• Linens - Your housing may not provide linens. Be aware of what is provided in the housing and be prepared to bring linens or purchase upon arrival. Note that some countries have different length mattresses than the US so you may find it easier to get linens upon arrival.
• Apps to consider downloading: UHC app, Google translate, Airbnb, Uber, WeChat, etc.

Convenience

• Headphones 
• A journal for writing down your thoughts
• A book or two of your interest
• A second pair of eyeglasses
• Ear plugs, an eye mask, and a travel pillow for the airplane and side trips
• A refillable water bottle (Just be sure it is empty during airport security! Fill it when you pass security and enter the terminal.)
• Portable charging bank