Travel Tips

Start out on the right foot! Keep an open mind when traveling. Things will not always go the way they are planned, people might not always be helpful or friendly (but usually they are!), and schedules are not always followed. Embrace the moment, learn from the challenges, and remember the positives - they will outweigh any problems when traveling with the right outlook!

Safety

• Have emergency numbers with you at all times - for course leaders, local "911", in-country hosts, U.S. Embassy or Consulate, Penn State Global Safety, and family at home.
• Destination country laws can be very different from U.S. laws, in areas such as smoking, taking photographs, drugs, etc. Some helpful sites to learn about these laws and other issues are:
  • US Government Safety Tips
  • US Government Travel Advisories Enter the country into Filter by destination and scroll to local laws.

Be a Smart Traveler

• Check out Penn State Global's travel safety tips for useful travel safety tips!
• Never explore on your own; make sure you are with at least one other person from your group at all times.
• As a class, designate meeting points throughout the trip when the group is not together.
• Avoid political and other demonstrations!!
• Free time activities like swimming, hiking, going out at night, etc., carry certain risks – be aware and use caution.
• The biggest risk to student safety while traveling abroad is vehicle-related. Stay alert at all times in traffic (especially when visibility is poor, at intersections, and in large cities).
• Make sure your cell phone has service in case of an emergency if you are exploring without your course leaders.

Behavior

• Remember that you are a Penn State student throughout your trip. Any violations of the Penn State Student Code of Conduct will result in being sent home early at your own expense, and can involve the Penn State Office of Student Conduct, consequences to your student record, and legal consequences when you return.
• On your trip, you are a representative of Penn State, and of the United States to anyone you come in contact with. Leave a positive impression with your actions and behavior.
• Be on time to all course activities and participate fully in the program. Respect your classmates, course leaders, and hosts; you will be seeing a lot of each other!

Communication

• Have a realistic communication plan with family and friends. You might not always have access to WiFi, and calling can be expensive. Check with your cell phone carrier about your international calling and data options. Use Zoom, WhatsApp, etc. Remember to turn off data on your phone; it can be extremely expensive if you are not on an international plan.
• Consider blogging or keeping a journal or video diary when traveling so you can remember everything as it happens and have a full record of your experiences. It is so much fun to read through your travel journal years later to bring back memories!

Health

• Keep your International SOS (ISOS) insurance information with you at all times. Check Penn State Global international health insurance for contacts and details about coverage.
• Bring all medications you need and extra prescriptions. Make sure your medications are legal in the country you are traveling to, and if not, work with your physician to find a replacement before you leave. The ISOS member portal at the link above has this information and more. The Centers for Disease Control should also have this information available. You can also check the CDC link for health information about the location you are traveling to, immunizations you might need, etc. Then visit the University Travel Clinic, or your primary doctor, if you need immunizations before traveling.

Packing

• It is good practice to have at least two ways to access the money you will need when traveling. Some ideas are to bring a credit card with a PIN # for ATMs, bring a pre-paid credit card that can be reloaded online, or have a secured option in your phone wallet. Cash can be useful abroad and accessed at ATMs or exchanged. Never carry all your cards/cash in one place, split them up in case of theft, and research what types of payment are typical in your destination country before you arrive.
• Keep copies of your passport and credit cards with you in another bag in case your purse or wallet is stolen. Also, leave a copy at home with family.
• Pack less than you think you will need; remember, you have to be able to manage your own luggage. Use rollable space bags or packing cubes for extra suitcase space, use a cross-body zipped purse or bag, or wear your backpack in front in crowded areas. Wear a money belt or hidden bag under your clothes to carry your passport and money.
• Know what electric adapter you will need and if you will need a converter. Check REI's World Electricity Guide for details.
• Do not leave your luggage open or unattended. Depending on the country and location you are in, theft, or an unwanted souvenir (snake, scorpion, etc.) could occur with or in your luggage.
• Check airport security requirements at
  • TSA Security screening rules on liquids, aerosols and gels
  • TSA "What can I bring?
  • Don't Pack a Pest

Most of all...embrace each moment of your study abroad experience and make memories. Happy Travels!