Preparing for Travel
Documents
Your student should plan to take a variety of documents to his or her program site. In addition to a passport and travel visa (where required), the student should also plan to take the original and a copy of insurance cards and other health-related documents. International Programs recommends that students make at least three photocopies of their passport and visa and leave a copy of each at home in the unlikely event the passport is misplaced or stolen. Students generally give a photocopy of their passport to the host university as well and keep an additional copy separate from their passport.
In addition, students may also choose to grant power of attorney to someone they know well and can trust. A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives a person of your student's choosing the power to make financial and other decisions on the student's behalf. When your student leaves the country for the study abroad program, it will be difficult or impossible to make and perform these important choices. International Programs does not require this document, but it can be an important one.
It is recommended that students purchase travel cancellation insurance and theft of property insurance for laptops, ipods, and cameras.
Travel Arrangements
The following websites may be helpful when making travel plans:
· The U.S. Department of State issues consular reports information on all countries and also posts travel warnings (if applicable).
· The U.S. Department of State also has information on how to get a passport. You can also call (800)367-1818.
· Center for Disease Control: Information on travel vaccinations required to visit a particular country. Comprehensive country information regarding outbreaks, epidemics, and general health information
· FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) website
New security regulations issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have resulted in procedural changes that affect all travelers. Airline travel now requires more planning and patience. Here are a few guidelines we give to students to better prepare for their air travel plans:
· Students must take a government issued photo identification (a passport is fine) and paper ticket or printed passenger receipt (for e-ticket/ticketless travelers). The FAA now requires these two items from all passengers.
· Contact the airline for policy changes or updates. Most airlines have posted important advice on their websites.
· Make sure you know airline rules for carry-on and checked luggage. In a carry-on bag, all liquid type materials must be in containers of 3 ounces or less and all fit into a one quart ziplocked clear plastic bag.
· Arrive early. Allow at least two hours prior to the scheduled departure time for domestic flights and at least three hours for international flights.
· Do not pack knives or cutting tools in your carry-on luggage. No sharp instruments are allowed aboard aircraft.
· Be patient and prepared to wait in long lines. Bring a good book.
It is also important that you understand the new security measures in place. According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, "There will be higher levels of surveillance, more stringent searches. There will be more security officers, random identification checks." Some new security measures include:
· Increased aircraft and airport security inspections.
· Increased passenger security screenings at all airports and random searches.
· Discontinuation of curbside check-in and off-airport acceptance of checked baggage. Passengers must check in at the ticket counters.
· Limited access beyond the security checkpoint. Only passengers with ticket confirmations and photo identification will be allowed beyond checkpoints.
· All carry-on baggage will be subject to search. In a carry-on bag, all liquid type materials must be in containers of 3 ounces or less and all fit into a one quart ziplocked clear plastic bag.
· Vehicles near airport terminals will be monitored more closely.
Packing and Housing
Students receive information on packing and housing from the predeparture section of our website. Remember the student must include enough required medications to last the entire time abroad.
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