Tips for Students Traveling Abroad
The Department of State offers the following
information for student advisors and for their students who plan to
travel and/or study abroad.
ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO LEARN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ABOUT THE COUNTRIES IN WHICH THEY PLAN TO TRAVEL OR STUDY
1. Students should read the State Department's Travel Warnings & Consular Information Sheets
for the country in which they plan to study or visit, and check any
Public Announcements or Travel Warnings that may pertain to that
particular country. A Consular Information Sheet is available for every
country in the world and provides an overview of conditions pertaining
to travel in each country.
2. Encourage students to learn about the history, culture, politics and
customs of the country/countries in which they travel and study, and to
respect the country's customs, manners, rules and laws. For instance,
various countries and cultures respect certain manners and dress codes.
American students should also abide by these manners and dress codes as
much as possible.
3. It is a good idea for students to learn as much as they can of the
language of the country in which they plan to travel or study. Learning
basic phrases of the language can be helpful, and it indicates a
willingness on the part of students to make an effort to communicate in
the language of the country.
4. The Department of State publishes Background Notes
on countries worldwide. These are brief, factual pamphlets with
information on each country's culture, history, geography, economy,
government and current political situation. Background Notes are available for approximately 170 countries. They often include a reading list, travel notes and maps.
5. It is important that students learn about the local laws abroad and obey them. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws!
WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OBTAINING PASSPORTS AND VISAS TO TRAVEL, STUDY AND OR WORK ABROAD
1. Students must have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required.
Students studying abroad must be sure that they have the proper visa to
study there. A visitors visa or entry without a visa may not allow one
to study. Refer to the Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for information on foreign visas and
for U.S. passport information
2. Students should remember to fill in the emergency information page of their passport.
3. It is a good idea for relatives of students abroad to obtain and
maintain a valid passport as well, in case of an emergency requiring
them to travel.
4. Students who wish to work part-time in conjunction with their
studies or when their studies are finished, should make sure that they
understand the laws that apply and comply with them.
5. The United States requires student visas for study in the United States.
6. Students should make copies of their passport's data page and any
visas. They should keep a copy separately from the originals while
traveling and leave one at home with their family and with their
student advisor. This will help to obtain a replacement passport in the
event that a passport is lost or stolen. Refer to the brochure Your Trip Abroad for more information on U.S. passports
7. Students are encouraged to travel with extra photos, in case they
need to get a new passport quickly.
STUDENTS SHOULD LEARN ABOUT MEDICAL INSURANCE AND EVACUATION INSURANCE IN CASE OF A MEDICAL EMERGENCY ABROAD
Every year, hundreds of students become ill or suffer injuries
overseas. It is essential that students have medical insurance and
medical evacuation insurance that would cover a medical emergency
abroad. For further information, see the brochure on Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,
and visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's web site at http://www.cdc.gov.
STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO KNOW THE LOCATION OF THE NEAREST U.S. EMBASSY OR CONSULATE AND TO REGISTER
If students are going to be in a country for more than a couple of
weeks, they should to register at the American Embassy or Consulate.
This is helpful to students and their families, if there is need to
locate family members in the event of an emergency. See our links to U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.
WHAT U.S. CONSULAR OFFICERS CAN AND CAN NOT DO TO HELP U.S. CITIZENS ABROAD
1. If students find themselves in trouble overseas, the Consular
Officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can provide certain
assistance and advice. Consular Officers can also help in the event of
illness, injury, natural catastrophe, evacuations, destitution, or
death. See our brochures Crisis Abroad,
and Overseas Citizens Services for more information.
2. In the United States, the Office of Overseas Citizens Services can
also assist American students abroad and their families in the USA in
emergency cases. There is a 24 hour number to call (202) 647-5225.
3. There are certain things that consular officers at American embassies CAN NOT
do for American citizens abroad. For example, they can not cash checks, lend money or serve as your attorney. See our brochure
U.S. Consuls Help Americans Abroad
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS THAT STUDENTS SHOULD TAKE WHILE TRAVELING OR STUDYING ABROAD
1. Remember not to leave luggage unattended and not to carry packages
for anyone. The packages could contain drugs or other illegal items.
Refer to our brochure Travel Warning on Drugs Abroad.
2. Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing
and expensive looking jewelry.-- There are restrictions on photography
in certain countries. Students should check the Consular Information
Sheet for the countries where they plan to visit or travel. -- Students
should avoid demonstrations or civil disturbances, which could turn
violent. Demonstrations could also turn anti-American.
3. The Department of State is engaged in outreach efforts to education-related organizations to publicize
road safety risks
in other countries. Students, who may chose less expensive, often less
reliable methods of local travel while in foreign countries, should be
aware of the potential danger.
TRAVEL BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS
Travel benefits are available for students. Nationwide application through TravelCuts
Get an International
Student ID card
OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
Important Telephone Numbers
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tips for studying abroad