So you decided on which country you want to go to, got most of the paperwork in and money saved up to pay for all the expenses. What do you do now? Well, now is the time to start looking up flight prices, getting your visa, calling your bank and planning on what to pack. Some other things will be mentioned as we go on.
I’m going to study abroad at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea and I’m currently finishing up with course approvals as well as checking prices on visas and flights. This is the time where stress is weighing heavily on my shoulders because of all the planning, but these tips can be helpful to avoid all that.
Course Approvals:
Get these done as soon as possible. Be aware that if your study abroad program is mainly through USF and you attend USFSP, you might have to get your course approvals at USFSP. I’m majoring in mass communication and the courses I want to take at Yonsei that focus on my major have to be approved by my advisor at USFSP even though the program is through USF. Personally, it’s easier that way because I don’t have to go to Tampa. However, some students may run into problems where USFSP won’t be able to approve certain courses and that would mean going to USF to get them approved. That’s why it’s best to get it done early.
Passports and Visas:
Check if your passport hasn’t expired because it takes a couple months to renew it. If you don’t have a passport, apply for one immediately. You don’t want to be a month away from your trip and you find out that your passport expired. Passport forms can be downloaded at the U.S. State Department website. Once you have your passport, sign it.
Visas allow you to stay in your host country for the length of your study abroad program. It’s not only for studying but for traveling as well. You’ll need your passport before you apply for a visa, so if you apply for a passport and a visa it may take a few months to get it all processed. According to the USF Education Abroad Office, they can give guidance on how to get a visa but it is our responsibility to obtain a visa. The price for a visa depends on your host country.
Flights and Airports:
Looking for flights will be challenging. It’s not only the price of the ticket you have to consider but also how much checked baggage costs, any special accommodations you need and transfer flights. It’s recommended to purchase your flight ticket early to save money since they tend to get higher the closer it gets to your trip but the USF Education Abroad Office advises to wait until you’re admitted into the program. Depending on your program the flight might be included. Also, make sure the name used to purchase your airline ticket matches the identification you’ll be using.
Airports are fun but can be confusing especially when you’re going to country where you don’t know the language. I’m prepared to get lost when I arrive at the Incheon airport in South Korea. While I don’t have suggestions on how to not get lost at the airport I do know how to be careful with transfer flights. I’ve had a previous experience where my flight was delayed and when I landed in Dallas the transfer flight was already gone. The airline was kind enough to book me on the next flight free of charge. However, the deals on flights that have different airline transfers might give you a hard time if you miss your flight because of a delay. You could end up having to pay another flight, but that’s what research is for. Check the rules if you decide to use sites like expedia or kayak.com so you don’t get any surprises. Depending on your airline of choice there could be charges on checked baggage. If anyone is interested in going to South Korea, American Airlines allows two checked bags for free.
http://www.aa.com/i18n/utility/aacom_services_charges.jsp?anchorEvent=false&from=footer
Immunizations:
It’s best to check with your doctor to see which vaccines you’re missing. The USF Education Abroad Office recommends checking out www.cdc.gov for immunization requirements of your host country. They also recommend anyone on medication to bring enough for the extended stay in its original container and to check with the country’s embassy to see which prescription medication is illegal abroad.
Packing:
We have reached the fun part about traveling. Your trip is coming up and you need to pack but you don’t know how many bags you need. Well, it all depends on how long you’ll be gone. The Education Abroad Office recommends packing light and they really mean it. You should only take bags that you can carry yourself. Remember that certain airlines charge checked baggage fees. You’ll have to do research on how many bags you can check-in, baggage size limitation and the fees for over-weight baggage, which can be found on the website of the airline you decide to take.
Bring clothes that are easy to wash. You don’t want to be stuck with clothes that require dry cleaning or any sort of special treatment and have to find a dry cleaner in your host country. It might turn out very expensive.
If you’re going to bring electronics make sure you know the voltage of your device and your host country. Not all voltages are the same as the U.S. Trust me. I experienced this when I traveled to Peru years ago. The outlets were the same as the ones back home but the voltage was different. In Peru, it’s 220 volts while my devices require 120 volts. Also, make sure you know the type of plug your host country has because not every country accepts the standard U.S. plugs, which means you’ll need an adapter. You can purchase these items at Best Buy or Amazon.com but be aware that some adapters won’t convert voltages.
If you take medication, don’t stuff them all in one bag. You don’t want trouble with customs to hold you back and question why you have a plastic bag full of pills. Keep them in their original bottles and depending on the length of your trip, bring back-up prescriptions. Check with the embassy of your host country to make sure your medications aren’t considered illegal drugs. Bring prescription glasses or contact lenses if you use them.
Don’t forget to pack your deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, soap, cosmetics and anything else you use, but remember that if you’re going to be in your host country for a long period of time, most of these items can be purchased abroad.
Ladies, don’t forget to pack your feminine hygiene products. If you plan on being intimate abroad pack some latex condoms, and if you’re on birth control talk to your doctor to see if it’s possible to continue it. Don’t forget that the morning after pill is available over-the-counter and an option to take while abroad.
Remember that packing is a lot of work and time consuming. Don’t leave it for the last minute. That includes clothing, items, and medication.
Money:
Before you leave to have an amazing adventure in your host country, call your bank and credit card companies to leave travel notices. You don’t want them to freeze your account. Also, consider checking with your bank to see if they have partner banks in your host country because it could reduce withdrawal and wire transfer fees.
Create a budget and have a source of emergency funds. You can talk to the program director and talk to other students who have studied abroad before. It’ll help give you an idea of how much money to take.
The pre-departure portion can be overwhelming and stressful but it doesn’t mean you should back out of the program. It’ll be worth it once you’re in the country you decide to go to. Believe in yourself that you can get through the stressful stage. There is more information that I couldn’t cover because of space but the Education Abroad Office can help with any questions you have.
I’m going to study aboard at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea for Spring 2014. I’ll be able to blog about the things I do and encounter while in South Korea. I’m very excited for this opportunity to share my experiences and my entries will be here weekly once the semester starts. Please look forward to it.
Photo Credit: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294197-d324888-Reviews-Gyeongbokgung-Seoul.html (Gyeongbokgung Palace)