Be prepared to be safe abroad.

• The Department of State recommends that every U.S. Citizen registers their passport before traveling abroad. You can do that here: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
  

• Read Chapter 5 of your Study Abroad Handbook for Safety, Security and Legal Issues Abroad. Review the shiny purple, yellow and teal pamphlets I gave you at the site-specific pre-departure meetings and any materials your host coordinators have suggested. Can't find Study Abroad Handbook? try this: http://www.willamette.edu/dept/oie/abroad/accepted/
  

• The Department of State also has Consular Information Sheets about your host country: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html  WARNING - Although the Consular Information Sheet information is useful, it can be a bit dramatic and is intended as a cautionary tool. The best source of information about local safety will be your on-site administrators.

 

Tip #2

Know your insurance coverage

• Understand how your insurance covers you while abroad; take a copy of your benefits with you.

• Be aware that in most cases if you have to seek medical treatment you will pay the full cost up front. Then, you will make an insurance claim to be reimbursed for the portion covered by your insurance. This is true of the Willamette University student insurance ( http://www.willamette.edu/dept/health/insurance/).

 

Tip #3
Take a deep breath....and double check

• Most of you probably aren’t accustomed to experiences like studying abroad and therefore you may be feeling a little uneasy and overwhelmed. That’s ok, studying abroad is an intense experience! Just don't forget to breathe.

So that you are logistically prepared….

• Review your Study Abroad Handbook that was given to you at the beginning of this semester. It can also be found as a PDF here: http://www.willamette.edu/dept/oie/abroad/accepted/
• Review the "before the end of the semester" and "before you go" lists - http://www.willamette.edu/dept/oie/abroad/accepted/
• If you have received any other pre-departure materials from your university or program providers, please review those as well.

Culturally/emotionally/mentally prepared...

• Spend time on "Maximize Your Experience" portion of our website before you leave and utilize it throughout your journey. Although you were required to complete one pre-departure assignment completing the others will only help! - http://www.willamette.edu/dept/oie/abroad/accepted/maximize/

Tip #4
Packing: Quality over quantity

• First of all, be aware of what type of both tangible and intangible baggage you bring with you - www.ethicaltraveler.org/guidelines.php

• Fill your suitcase with things to donate and items you will use up (i.e. shampoo) while you are abroad to create space for memories, souvenirs and presents.

• Serious tip - When you finish packing take all of your luggage and go walk around the block. If that is difficult, or impossible, unpack some things. You need to be able to carry everything comfortably - most countries are not as accessible as the U.S. and you may find yourself carrying your luggage up staircases (especially in train/subway stations.)

• Bring pictures of your family, friends, home and favorite spots. They are good conversation starters with roommates, host families and host country friends.

• Check on baggage allowances for your airline. If you are taking a domestic flight within your host country make sure you check those baggage allowances as well, usually they allow much less baggage than international flights. In case you haven't heard, most airlines are now charging for a second checked bag. In some cases this rule does not apply to international flights, however, you should check with your airline before departure for complete rules and regulations.