Helpful Tips for Study Abroad

Top Ten List by Amanda Martin

10. Bring along your best friend . . . a credit card. MasterCard or Visa, not much else is accepted.

9. If you can't fit all your items in your suitcases, it means your not trying hard enough.

8. If people can't understand you at first, don't worry. They already know you're a foreigner.

7. Politics and religion are two subjects that Americans should not actively talk about unless asked by someone else. Trust me on this one.

6. Wearing the wrong soccer uniform will also lead to being ostracized.

5. Don’t use American English when spelling. It is a dead give away.

4 When in Ireland never say you are English, In England never say you are French, and when in doubt say you are Canadian.

3. It is very important to call your parents, to give them a sense of security, and to take out as many loans as possible.

2.Dating while abroad isn't necessarily a bad thing.

1. Carpe Diem.

A little lite reading

Transitions Abroad: The Guide to Learning, Living, and Working Overseas.
A bimonthly magazine that focuses on many aspects of traveling and study abroad.

Survival Kit For Overseas Living, L. Robert Kohls

Both publications are available through OPAL and Ohio Link at Beeghly Library

The Global Citizen: A Guide to Living Abroad. Available through interlibrary loan at the Tiffin- Seneca Public Library

What you need to know before you go!!!

Pre departure do’s

Passport and visa –get one or renew yours

Bank accounts- Give your parent(s) or guardian(s) access to your accounts so they can make deposits and withdraws on your behalf. Make sure that your ATM card is transferable overseas and be sure to have a copy of your banks routing number and the SWIFT number for international money transfers

Invest in $ 100.00 worth of the host countries currency in travelers checks. These will be useful when starting a bank account overseas. Remember to have host currency in cash upon arrival. I suggest $50-100.

Credit Cards- If you don’t have one, get one. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. Check to see if extra fees are charged for overseas transactions. DO NOT TAKE DISCOVER CARD to Europe; it will not be accepted. Keep copies of the card in a separate place in case it gets stolen. Know your credit limit.

Organize your bills- make a list of set rules for your parent(s) or guardian(s) concerning payment of bills while you are gone. Leave behind a few signed checks in the hands of someone you trust. If possible, set up online banking or auto payment plans.

Important Addresses and phone numbers- keep a list of university contacts (here and abroad), your insurance company, family doctor, embassy, friends and family. Give a copy to the Director.

Phone cards- With the advent of instant messaging phone calls have become a thing of the past. However, it is a good idea to take an international phone card with you for emergencies. Be sure to check with your host school and be sure that the phone card will work. Some universities require students to purchase cards from them because they are the only cards that will work.

Along the same lines invest in a cell phone- I would recommend the Vodafone network for Europe. As in the U.S. people usually communicate via cell phone. Instead of calling each other, they will text message; this is often cheaper than placing a call.

Insurance (medical) - Most programs require that your purchase insurance through them. However, if your current plan covers overseas travel, you should be fine. Get a copy of your policy and know its contents. If you don’t have medical insurance, get it!

Taxes- Make sure that your taxes will be filed while you are away.

Maximize your time abroad

• Explore every chance you get, but remember to take a map

• Observe the culture and adjust accordingly. Pay attention to when people eat and when shops are open otherwise you might starve.

• Talk to locals; they are the best resource you can have.

• Learn the language: perfect 10 key phrases. Use the host language and locals will be more likely to help you.

• Get involved in a college club. Some clubs tend to travel so you will get to see a lot of the country on the cheap

• Be aware of local and national holidays.

• Invest in a foreign cell phone. I recommend the Vodafone network for Europe.

• Keep a journal. You don’t have to write in it everyday, but you will want to remember the good times upon returning home.

• Stay in touch with your family and friends. Instant messaging is a cheap, easy way to stay abreast of events at home. If you “stay in the loop”, you won’t be surprised when you get home.

• Go with the flow: Living overseas is a priceless experience if you make the most of it!