Pre-Departure Guide

Health & Medical

Complete all medical requirements.  Ensure your vaccines and immunizations are up to date.  Some countries vary on vaccination requirements and will not let you enter if you are unable to show proof of some specific vaccines.  Others require a TB test, which can include a chest x-ray prior to entry.

Talk with your medical provider about your prescriptions and any medical care that will need to continue while you are studying abroad/away.  Research your country’s custom regulations to be sure the drug is legal and you are able to bring the amount of prescription drugs you need.

• Create a plan with your medical provider for any continued care that is needed.  Know where you can access your prescription drugs.
• If you need to seek counseling while abroad/away, find the closet provider in your host country that will be available to you.
• Talk with your medical provider, counselor about ways to cope with stress.  Practice them before going abroad/away.
• Over the counter medications can easily be found abroad/away.  The trick is that some medications have different names and might be more expensive or less.  It is important to know what those medications are.
  • i.e. Ibuprofen might not necessarily be expensive overseas, but you might get more bang for your buck if you bring your own from the US.
• In the event you do need medical care while abroad/away, bring your passport and insurance information with you to the clinic or hospital.
• Download Timely Care prior to departing from the U.S.

Make sure you are able to maintain your diet abroad/away.  Physical and mental health are important to have while you are away from your support network.  If you have any dietary restrictions make sure to be knowledgeable about the host communities diet.

Verify your insurance coverage.  You will want to ensure your insurance will remain active while studying abroad/away. St. Olaf does provide coverage for emergency care, however, you will need to ensure if something does happen that all checkups following an accident are covered.

Learn local emergency numbers (911-Equivalent Emergency Phone Numbers by Country). Visit our Health and Safety webpage for more resources and information.

Manage your expectation of studying abroad/away from home.  Expectations you have might be different than what the actual experience is like.  Be flexible and do your research.

• Have a self care plan to help you in managing stress.
• Prior to departure you may go through ups and downs–this is very normal.  Focus on getting rest and preparing mentally.

Finances & Budgeting

Be financially prepared.  Familiarize yourself with the Budget Sheet on the Smith Center’s program webpage.  Create a budget for additional expenses and apply for scholarships.  Prepare a budget.  Save as needed.  Explore ways to accumulate and save money.

Get an ATM card.  Ensure you have a 4 digit pin. This will provide a convenient way to access and withdraw money from your home bank account.  Some banks do charge a transaction and currently change fee.  Make sure to use this with caution as it is directly connected to your bank account.

You will also want to get a credit card.  This is a more secure way of making payments as it isn’t connected directly to a bank account.  If someone is financially supporting you, they may be able to add you as a user on their account.  Some credit card companies offer student rates making it easier to obtain a credit card.

International programs only – Alert your local bank and credit card company that you will be traveling. Make sure you are aware of your credit card exchange fees, if any.  By confirming your location you will be able to confirm you will have access to money while abroad/away and ensure your credit card is not denied.

• If you are studying internationally you should get a credit or debit card.

Provider Program/Direct Enroll

Travel/Airfare

• You will personally book your travel arrangements- flight, trains, etc.
• Wait to book your flight until you have received an official acceptance letter or letter of offer from the St. Olaf Smith Center and your program
• Smith Center recommends booking a refundable/transferable ticket

Some visas/permits require you to show proof of payment prior to applying for your visa/permit

local Transportation

• It is important to research local transportation available at your destination
• Options may include:
  • Trains
  • Tram
  • Buses
  • Taxis
• There also may be helpful transportation apps like Moovit that you can download to utilize available public transportation

Faculty Led Programs

Travel/Airfare

• You will book your own airfare and travel unless told otherwise
• Wait to book your flight until you have received an official acceptance letter or letter of offer from the St. Olaf Smith Center
• Smith Center recommends booking a refundable/transferable ticket

local Transportation

• Many Faculty Led Programs provide transportation when going from activity to activity with your entire group
• On days where you may have free you can also research and utilize public transport

Communication While Abroad/Away

Create a communication plan with your support system.  Be sure to account for time change, and accessibility abroad/away.  There are some apps and platforms that are not available internationally.  You may want to use programs such as Skype, Facetime, or Whatsapp. 

Phone

Research and find information on international phone and data plans.  

• • Not all phone carriers work while being abroad
  • Start doing some research on your mobile network before you go abroad
  • Decide what way you want to stay connected when abroad
  • Options – 
    • International Plan via you current phone carrier
      • Daily or Monthly?
      • Usually the most expensive option
    • Local e-SIM Card
      • Look up to see if your current phone has an e-sim or regular sim card
      • Research the best (cheapest/most reliable) e-SIM options for the places you are studying/visiting
      • Make sure your phone is unlocked! (check with your phone carrier)
      • Many times your program will help you with an international phone plan once you arrive during on site orientation.  
    • Local SIM Card
      • Usually the cheapest option
      • You can often purchase this in stores in the airport once you get to your destination 
      • Local store once you arrive
      • Make sure your phone is unlocked! (check with your phone carrier)
      • Many times your program will help you with an international phone plan once you arrive during on site orientation. 
  • Research WiFi access in the places you are visiting

electrical conversions

• Plug, socket & voltage by country
  • This link is a website that lists all electrical conversions around the world. Click on your country to find what converter you need. Converters can be found online or in a general store 

General Packing Suggestions

Pack your bags. Consider the climate for your program.  What is the weather like?  Are there seasons to consider? Consider cultural norms of dress.  Are there written or unwritten codes and expectations?  Talk with others who have been on your program.

Consider the size of your luggage and airline requirements.  Requirements can vary based on your destination and airline.  Choose lightweight durable luggage.  You will be carrying your own luggage.

Here are some general suggestions on what to pack, excluding important documents. (Remember not to overpack and that most common items and products can be bought at your destination.)

Clothes:

• 2-3 comfy travel outfits
• 5-7 day-to-day outfits
• 3-4 going out outfits
• 2 formal outfits
• 2-3 sets of pajamas
• 1 set of workout clothes
• Undergarments
• Socks
• Swimsuit (destination dependent)
• 1-2 winter coats (destination dependent)
• Light jacket
• 3 pairs of shoes (consider appropriate footwear)
• Rain jacket

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Shampoo, conditioner, soap
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen
• Hairbrush, comb
• Medications
• Cosmetics
• Nail file, clippers
• Hair ties, bobby pins
• Feminine products

Technology:

• Cellphone, charger
• Headphones
• Laptop, charger
• Camera
• 1-2 universal outlet adapters
  • Research what adapter is needed for the countries you are visiting. You can often find a world adapter that works for multiple countries.
  • Easily can be purchased online or in department stores

Miscellaneous:

• Sunglasses
• Refillable water bottle
• Small first aid kit
• Compact umbrella
• Day/overnight weekend bag
• Backpack
• 1-2 towels

Other Considerations

Research all destinations included in your travel plans.  Become aware of the local norms, rules, and regulations.  Some countries may require a transit visa to travel through.

• If English is not the native language, learn the language.  Familiarize yourself to become comfortable enough to communicate with others.
• Look into identity resources available to you in the country.  Smith Center webpage does include resources, information and things to consider while abroad/away.  It is important to remember that attitudes about pieces of your identity may differ in the country than in the U.S. or on campus.
• Research most commonly used apps (i.e. Whatsapp, Moovit).

Be culturally sensitive.  Studying abroad/away is a privilege.  Keep in mind the local culture/norms.  What is normal to you may be insensitive to others.

Engage in local culture (i.e. food, clubs, organizations, etc.).  What things interest you?  Have you looked into clubs or organizations with your program?

Register to vote.  You can still vote while studying abroad/away.  Check the Federal Voting Assistance Program website (https://www.fvap.gov/) to get specific information about voting via absentee ballot for your state.