Preparing For Your Semester Abroad: What To Know Before Your Flight
The loosening of Covid restrictions means one thing for some college students–the return of semester abroad. Whether you’re preparing to amble down the Champs-Élysées or bike around Sentosa, certain steps can help your travels go more smoothly. Here are some of the most important items that should be on your pre-arrival checklist before you go abroad.
Sort out your passport
Unlike domestic flights that only require passengers to provide a government ID, without a passport, you will not be able to board an international flight. If you do not already have one, applying for a passport as soon as possible should be a top priority. Often, weeks or even months may elapse before your official passport is processed.
If you have a passport already, make sure to check its expiration date. US adult passports last ten years, and many study abroad organizations recommend that the passport be valid for at least six months after you return from your host country. Printing out a photocopy of your passport will also make it easier to prove your identity or acquire a replacement if you ever lose the original document.
Book the flight
Congratulations, you committed to a semester abroad and now want to make it official by booking your flight. Unfortunately, unlike some amenities that your study abroad program will arrange for you, most programs require students to book their flights independently.
Since airfare can increase as your departure date approaches, try to book the flight as soon as you can (ideally, at least three months in advance). Google Flights, an application that allows travelers to save flights and track their prices over time, should be added to your travel-booking toolbox. By saving a few different flights through the platform, you can receive email alerts that track the trends of each flight’s price.
With the uncertain state of the pandemic and global politics, you should consider booking a flexible ticket. In the unfortunate event that something prevents you from traveling to your destination (as the students studying abroad in 2020 know all too well) a flexible ticket may save you hundreds of dollars in refunds. Apart from negative circumstances, flexible tickets enable you to add a week to your travels if you decide to explore additional cities once your program ends.
Though you may wish to stay in Florence or Buenos Aires forever, part of booking your flight should include purchasing a return ticket. Several countries require this as proof that you only intend to stay in the country for a limited time.
Research whether you will need a visa
Visa requirements differ based on your destination country, you citizenship and the length of time you will be abroad. If you are a US citizen, check the requirements on the US Department of State’s website to see if you will need a visa. For some places (such as the United Kingdom) US citizens traveling for a semester program under six months will not need a visa. Other countries, such as Italy and Chile, have similar regulations for US citizens except they allow only 90 days of visa-free travel. If you plan to work while abroad, even for just a couple months, you will likely need a visa.
Visas can take months to process, so understanding which travel route fits your circumstances should be one of the first tasks you accomplish after committing to study abroad.
Consider your health
Before leaving for your semester abroad, take the needed steps to ensure you have the healthiest experience as possible. As the pandemic continues throughout the world, make sure you are up to date with Covid boosters and doses–many programs also require you to submit a photo of your vaccination card before you leave. Additionally, make sure you have gotten all routine vaccines, and confirm if the CDC recommends travelers get specific vaccines before you enter your host country.
Consider your mental health
Although traveling to a new country can feel invigorating and empowering, the rapid transition to new customs and cultures may cause initial discomfort. After the adrenaline of landing in your new home fades, you may also experience homesickness or even doubts on why you pursued this adventure in the the first place.
Taking care of your mental health and wellness should always be a priority. However, in situations that require you to adapt to changes without the close proximity of loved ones, monitoring your mental health is even more vital.
Before leaving your home country, consider how you might face mental health symptoms that arise suddenly. Are there certain items that you can take from home (a journal, photo albums, a sentimental token) that may make the transition more comfortable? Do you know the resources your study abroad institution offers for students struggling with mental health? Write down the number of mental health treatment providers you could call while abroad, and create a plan for managing mental health symptoms. (Resisting the urge to stay in bed, going for a walk down your street and calling a friend are just some items that could be on this list.) If possible, consider talking to a counselor before you leave on how you will support your mental health while abroad.
Research your new home
As with any new experience, researching your new home beforehand can make for a more organized and enjoyable experience.
Consider how the host country’s culture differs from that of your home country. While some differences may be more apparent (currencies, food, celebrations) others will take longer to understand (work lifestyles, concepts of time, nonverbal communication, ideologies and beliefs). You can also think about your own identities and how those identities will impact your experience abroad.
Pack and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime
Your semester abroad may be the most memorable and exciting part of your college career. Make sure to pack lightly and get excited for this new adventure!
