first time travelers informational meeting university center for international studies study abroad office

first time travelers informational meeting university center for international studies study abroad office

passports and visas Required to exit and enter countries around the world 6 months of validity remaining Can apply at several locations: USPS, City County Building, etc. Valid for 10 years Check visa requirements at: IATATravelCentre.com Customs Declaration forms Vaccination Cards

luggage and packing 1 free checked bag up to 45 lbs (62 inches totals length, width, and height) for INTERNATIONAL flights Domestic flights may have fees associated with checking bags Pack lightly very lightly (leave room for souvenirs and gifts) In-country flights MAY have additional fees and/or lighter weight restrictions Most bags are black add something distinctive to yours Additional checked bag costs between $40 and $100 1 free carry-on bag (must fit in their carry-on check) and one free personal item

how to pack carry on luggage Carry-On Luggage Passport (Visa or Entry Permissions Letter) Important documents (i.e. your foreign address, program acceptance materials, local ground staff (i.e IES, CAPA) contact information Airline tickets 3-1-1 rule for liquids Laptop computer & charger Cell phone & charger Prescription medications in original containers A change of clothing and travel-sized toiletries in case checked luggage is lost Pen/small notepad MP3 player, camera and memory card Headphones for inflight entertainment

how to pack checked luggage Clothing, especially for any anticipated weather changes during your stay (seasonal transitions) 3-4 footwear essentials Bath and toiletries Umbrella, sunglasses, alarm clock, small laundry bag, water bottle, flashlight Ziploc bags Heavy books Any liquids over 100 ml (3.4 oz) batteries

packing tools & suggestions Follow suggested packing lists and program specific advice Neck pillow/pillow pet Sweatshirt for plane Packing cubes Rolling packing method Ziploc bags Copies of paperwork Daypack/backpack Money belt Bag locks for in-country Things to entertain yourself Cards Bananagrams or other small games Journal Snacks (dry) Guide books and pocket language phrase books

what not to pack Matches Lighters Swiss army knives Drugs or alcohol*** Guns or other weapons Full list of prohibited items can be found at: www.tsa.gov/travelerinformation/prohibiteditems

airport info Locating connecting flight Locating baggage claim Ground transport/public transportation Immigration and customs Meeting points

Flights Check flight schedules days before trip Make sure to arrive at least 3 hours early International flights on large wide-body aircraft. (Pictured Boeing 747)

security line Be prepared to remove all coats and sweatshirts remove shoes remove belts, coins, watches, and other metal objects place all carry-on belongings in bins provided remove laptops/tablets/ ipads from cases remove liquid bag from within carry-on follow ALL instructions do NOT panic if you are selected for further screening this is randomized and completely normal TSA has the right to ask you to open your bag for hand inspection if the x- ray is unclear DO NOT make any jokes about carrying bombs, weapons, or being a terroristyou WILL get arrested!

remember TSA has the right to ask you to open your bag for hand inspection if the x-ray is unclear DO NOT make any jokes about carrying bombs, weapons, or being a terrorist- you WILL get arrested! Proceed DIRECTLY to your gate, waiting to purchase drinks, magazines, etc. until AFTER you know exactly where your gate is located. Listen for boarding announcements, as they may start as early as an hour BEFORE departure

boarding Listen for announcements and follow explicitly Flights will board by sections or seating rows as printed on your boarding pass If your flight is full, you may be asked to check your larger carry-on at the airplane door** Once on the plane, stow your carry-on immediately and sit in your assigned seat Exit rows are usually larger but sometimes the seat don t recline or have a proper tray table You must be fluent in the language of the flight and physically able to sit there.

during flight Stay hydrated! Make sure to get up and walk every two hours (that you are awake) Do small stretching in your seat Even if you aren t thrilled with the food, eat it (as there won t be much) Avoid alcohol while inflight as it will drastically increase your jet lag While it will be uncomfortable, try to sleep as much as possible Bring gum to help with ear pressure If you are prone to car sickness, you may air sickness as well. Be prepared (i.e. dramamine, pepto bismol tablets, sea bands, large ziploc bag) Be a courteous seat mate

customs and entry cards

arrival & passport control Once you deplane, follow crowds and signs to Passport Control Make sure you in the correct line for your citizenship (i.e. not the EU resident line if you are American) At Passport Control, you will need to show your passport and entry card Be prepared to answer questions courteously If given entry paperwork, stow it safely as you may need to present it when you depart Once through Passport Control, proceed to Baggage Claim

baggage claim, customs Go to the correct baggage carrousel for your flight (usually indicated above) If your bag does not arrive, do NOT leave the airport until informing your airline (there will be desks in the BC area) Carry all bags through Customs area which may include additional screening You may be questioned there (definitely will be at US arrival)

after customs If you are connecting to another flight, you will need to re-check your baggage and may need to go through security again If you are connecting to ground transportation, follow signs to exit If you are being met by a program representative, they will most likely meet you outside of the customs area If you are meant to meet your group at program site, proceed to the taxi or bus stand If traveling together with your faculty, program assistant, or students STAY TOGETHER! ATMs with local currency will be available outside of Customs, if needed

jet lag and acclimation Jet lag is unavoidable Primary symptoms are exhaustion and irritability Try to force yourself on to the local schedule ASAP Recognize that the worst effects only last a day or two Recognize that jet lag may exacerbate culture shock

electronics & cell phones International cellular plans Smart phones - apps & airplane mode Pay-as-you-go phones Skype & Viber Adaptors / Converters Don t bring hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, etc.

money Different for each country Accessing money ATM Credit Card Currency Exchange Withdraw large amounts of cash at a time limit ATM trips Conversion/exchange rates Contact bank and credit card companies BEFORE you leave

health & inoculations Health Insurance Included in many programs HTH International Hospitals Dentistry Vaccines Check if any are required for travel to your destination Medications Prescriptions Larger amounts to take with you for the duration of your trip.

safety and common sense Backpack safety Purse safety Exercise common sense Buddy system Pickpockets Be aware of your surroundings, esp. in crowded areas ATM safety Go to the ATM in groups and keep watch for each other Cover the keypad while you type your PIN Awareness of surroundings Emergency numbers Know Before you Go Customs and Boarder Protection www.cbp.gov Passport safety

americans abroad Be aware of stereotypes of Americans Do not wear clothing with large American flags! Be aware of substantial cultural differences with other English speakers Try to avoid using words like weird, gross, disgusting, dirty in your conversations Cut your normal voice in half (Americans are notoriously loud!) Don t let overconfidence get you into dangerous situations Don t immediately trust other Americans (or other English speakers) abroad Stay informed about important news, events, and issues in your host country Remember that tourists are easy targets for crime and alcohol raises the risk factor! Limit time spent on social media BE FLEXIBLE! Have fun!

food and water Be careful when: Eating raw or partially cooked fish Eating non-refrigerated leftovers Eating salads or leafy greens Avoid: Using ice cubes Eating non-refrigerated leftovers Using tap water to brush your teeth Do: Drink bottled water Drink canned or bottled soft drinks Drink coffee or tea HOT Eat only fruit you can peel yourself Eat food that has been cooked and is still hot Eat pasteurized dairy products Follow local staff s advice!

dept. of state travel site http://travel.state.gov/

Contact Us With Questions! @pittstudyabroad Study Abroad is a highly independent process and experience. There are many supporters (e.g. parents, guardians, academic advisors, study abroad office staff) but ultimately the responsibility for a safe and successful experience is up to you.