Travel Resources

Preparations for Departure

Documents

You should plan to take several documents* — and keep them in a safe place separate from your passport and travelers checks:
• Photocopy of the information page of your passport
• Photocopy of any visas you may have for your program
• Photocopy of your airline ticket(s)
• Certified copy of your birth certificate
• Insurance policies
• List of traveler’s check numbers in case of loss

* Also leave copies of these documents at home with your family

Getting Your American Passport

Where: The Seattle Passport Agency, 915 Second Ave. (take the Seneca exit from I-5);

Telephone: 877-487-2778; Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

Bring with you:


• Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., certified copy of your birth certificate or proof of naturalization)
• Photo identification, with signature (e.g., driver’s license or previously issued passport)
• Two identical photos, less than six months old, front views, 2" x 2"
• Check or money order (payable to Passport Office) for $85. Cash is also acceptable.
How long before it arrives: A passport usually takes six weeks for processing.

Visa Information
Your program will usually provide you with information and documentation for any required student visa. If you are coordinating a visa on your own, contact the consulate of the country you plan to visit for specific information about visas.

Photographs
It is a good idea to carry several passport-size photographs of yourself, in case you need these for special identification while overseas. When having the photos taken, remember that the more pictures you have taken, the lower the price will be per set.

Power of Attorney
If you are receiving scholarships, loans, or grants that require your signature while you're studying abroad, consider leaving a Limited Power of Attorney (28 KB PDF) with the Financial Aid Office. Call 206-281-2061 for more information.

If you plan to turn over your power of attorney to your parents or someone else for the duration of your study abroad experience, fill out the form and have it notarized.

Absentee Ballots
If you choose to vote during September and November elections, follow this procedure:
• In July or August, write to the City Clerk in the city where you are registered to vote.
• Send two letters: One requesting an absentee ballot for the September election; and one requesting an absentee ballot for the November election.
Give the City Clerk the foreign address to which the ballots should be sent.

Packing

Luggage

“Pack so little that you won’t believe how light your suitcase is!”
—Former Study-abroad Student

Travel Light!
The amount of luggage that you carry, especially if you plan to travel extensively before or after your program, can make a tremendous difference in the enjoyment of your travels. Follow this rule of thumb:
• Pack everything you think you will need, then reduce it by half.
• Take your luggage for a walk – carry it up and down some stairs
• Reduce it by half again.
• Be aware of local dress codes (i.e., short shorts on women are not acceptable in several countries, even in summer).
• Label your luggage inside and out in case it pops open in transit.
For valuable advice on the necessities of travel, read the books Europe Through the Back Door and Asia Through the Back Door, by Seattle travel writer, Rick Steves.

What You Can Live Without
Something we frequently hear from returned students is that they took too much stuff. Said one student , “In most cases, you will not be leaving the comforts of the modern world; other countries have hair dryers, CD players, clothes, shampoo, etc., and you can buy those items overseas. Resist the temptation to over-pack, and instead think about what you can live without during your overseas stay.”

You will be responsible for carting your luggage through subways, hoisting it into trains, and possibly even having to walk a few blocks with it. Luggage carts with wheels can be life savers, but probably won’t fare well on uneven ground. Rememeber: If you can’t lift it by yourself now, you won’t be able to hoist it once you reach your destination!

Climate and Topography
Research the climate and topography of the area to which you will travel and study abroad. You may change what you want to take with you.
• Consider preparing a box of warmer (or cooler) clothes that you can leave at home.
• Plan to have your family send the box to you once you’re settled in your new environment.
Beyond the obvious things, you are urged to pack the following:
• Dress outfit(s)
• Dress shoes
• Robe
• Slippers or thongs
• Swim suit
• Umbrella
• Address book
• Travel alarm clock
• Money belt
• Pocket knife (a must have!), but remember that this cannot be in your carry-on luggage
• Sewing kit
• Travel mirror
• Face cloth and towel toiletries
• Generic prescriptions
• Small medical kit
• Camera and film guide
• Books
• Contact lenses and solution
• Backpack
• Pocket dictionary
• Extra pair of prescription glasses
• Pocket calculator
• Journal and pens
• Camping utensils, but remember they cannot be in your carry-on luggage
• Ziploc bags
• Extra toothbrush
• American snack foods
• Photos of family, home, friends
Baggage Insurance
All participants should have their baggage insured. Simple insurance plans are available at banks and travel agencies. Including packed cameras, clothing and incidentals, your baggage is worth at least $300–$500.

Plan to be covered from your date of departure until the date you arrive home. Check with your airline to find out what coverage, if any, is included in the price of your ticket.

Miscellaneous

Information Sharing
Save your parents or guardians from anxiety by telling them everything about your program. This information is deeply ingrained in your own brain, but have you told anyone else?
• Go over any and all information your program sponsor sends you, even if it seemS trivial or non-essential.
• Write down dates, places, contact phone numbers, time differences, addresses, itineraries, town and university names. Make two copies: one for you to bring and one to remain home with your emergency contact.
Assume your family doesn’t know anything about your program. This is probably the first time they are sending their child overseas for an extended period of time.
• Send them the link to this web page from Travel Resources.
• Make sure they understand the details your specific program.
Keeping your loved ones informed will help calm their potential anxieties or worries.

Rail Passes
If you plan to travel extensively either before or after your program, consider purchasing a Eurail pass, or other bargain travel passes. Plan a possible itinerary, how much each leg of the trip will cost, and then compare that final amount to the cost of a multi-ticket pass.

Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy the tickets individually. These passes cannot be purchased outside the United States. Detailed information can be obtained by calling 1-888-COUNCIL. Also visit www.ricksteves.com.

International Student Identity Card
Your International Student Identity Card (ISIC) card will provide discounts on airfares, hotels, transportation, shopping, eating out, and attractions. Features include a 24-hour help-line for medical, financial, or legal emergencies abroad, basic accident and sickness insurance for travel outside the U.S., including hospital benefits, dismemberment, emergency medical evacuation, and coverage for repatriation of remains.

While the card’s benefits should not be used as the primary insurance coverage, the benefits included are an excellent "extra," and at a very low price. Some airlines are now requiring proof of student status before booking flights — the ISIC is acceptable proof. Applications are available in the CIEE Travel booklet or in Student Traveler Magazine.