Deciding
- Visit our "Checklist" page for tips on how to research study abroad options.
- For other links, try http://www.iiepassport.org, http://www.studyabroad.com, and http://www.blogabroad.com; and http://www.studyabroadfunding.org, to learn about study abroad scholarships and grant opportunities.
Passport
You can apply for a passport in Ithaca or your hometown. Find out all the information you need on the U.S. Department of State's website. If you don’t already have one, apply for a passport as soon as you are seriously interested in study abroad. It can take several months. If you wait until you apply to a program, you may have trouble completing paperwork before departure. Citizens of other countries should contact their Embassy in the United States.
Culture
Begin learning about the country you hope to visit. Use the web, (studentsabroad.com is helpful), read guidebooks, take a language or history class, talk with your classmates and faculty. Use all of your available resources.
Currency
Do you want to know the current exchange rate for the country you are visiting? Check out Expedia's Currency Exchange page or BEVUK's "Cheat Sheet" for Travelers and print out the table. Keep the table in your wallet while traveling. This makes it much easier than using a calculator every time you want to buy something.
- Order currency or checks. You can order foreign currency or travelers checks from Tompkins County Trust Company. It takes about 4-5 business days, so plan ahead.
Identification while you're abroad
Apply for an International Student ID; it's useful and allows you to save on airfare, train tickets, hotels, phone calls and much more. Applications are available at STA Travel.