Pre-Departure
We assume that once you have chosen a program you will be attempting to locate as much information as possible on your destination country. While it would be impossible to provide country-specific information for all possible destinations on our website, we can nonetheless provide assistance with your search. In addition to the information on this page, the main links on our website will provide information on health, safety, finances, and much more.
Also, all students enrolled in ISP 599 are required to attend a Pre-Departure orientation session, which is delivered by our Education Abroad Ambassadors. These newly designed sessions have received rave reviews from students. Much of the information on this page is provided for your convenience well ahead of the Pre-departure Orientation, but is not considered a substitution for attendance.
For a list of available Pre-Departure sessions, click here.
We assume that once you have chosen a program you will be attempting to locate as much information as possible on your destination country. While it would be impossible to provide country-specific information for all possible destinations on our website, we can nonetheless provide assistance with your search. In addition to the information on this page, the main links on our website will provide information on health, safety, finances, and much more.
Also, all students enrolled in ISP 599 are required to attend a Pre-Departure orientation session, which is delivered by our Education Abroad Ambassadors. These newly designed sessions have received rave reviews from students. Much of the information on this page is provided for your convenience well ahead of the Pre-departure Orientation, but is not considered a substitution for attendance.
For a list of available Pre-Departure sessions, click here.
Country-specific resources
Online media resources
Consult with returned students
Making travel arrangements
Packing
Online media resources
Consult with returned students
Making travel arrangements
Packing
For general information about your destination country, we recommend starting with the websites below:
The US Department of state has a new site dedicated to serving US students abroad. This includes the searchable database of US Department of State Country Background Notes.
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office- Britain's Travel Advice
In addition to general information, you will want to keep in touch with what is happening in the city and country in which you will be living. A cheap and effective way to do this is to read online newspapers from that country. By reading the current events, you will not only begin to pick up cultural clues, you will understand the issues that people will be discussing when you arrive, from their perspective. This knowledge can assist you with initiating conversations with locals about things that matter to them. As your departure date approaches, you will know of any current issues that could affect your travel such as transportation strikes, sudden changes in currency exchange rates, or inclement weather. You may also listen to radio stations from your host country online.
Onlinenewspapers.com contains searchable links to all online newspapers worldwide.
Radio Locator allows you to search for stations worldwide that broadcast via the internet.
In addition to our EASAs, many students who have been abroad have chosen to make their contact information available to students who wish to participate in the same program they enjoyed. If you have chosen a program that is not frequently chosen by UK students, your Education Abroad Advisor can assist you in contacting the program directly. Typically, programs are able to connect you with students at other universities or colleges who have participated in the program you have chosen.
UK students study in hundreds of programs in over 51 countries, and our campus includes students from over 100 countries worldwide. There is no reason why any student would not be able to learn more about a program or country prior to departure!
Most programs do not include airfare arrangements, as participating students often attend a variety of US institutions. While this does add an extra step in the process of planning a program abroad, it allows a certain level of freedom in choosing a departure airport, date of departure and return, and perhaps most importantly, a more affordable flight. Education Abroad at UK does not arrange travel for students; however, we are happy to give general travel advice and to connect you with domestic or international students who have recent experience traveling within the future host country.
- We recommend that you purchase your international flight after your application has been approved by both EA at UK and your program provider.
- Generally speaking, when choosing a flight, we recommend that students have a confirmed date of arrival for their program or know the date on which their orientation will begin. Students should also know the final exam dates, as many universities will not make special arrangements for early exams. Many airlines or agencies will not change the departure date without a penalty, so have this information on hand when making reservations.
- Do you have frequent flyer miles you can use to buy a ticket? Many frequent flyer programs allow members to use miles for another person, so you may know someone willing to donate their miles toward the purchase of your ticket.
- When booking a ticket with an agent or online, read the fine print! Does the agent or online booking source allow flexibility in the return date for a very low fee? Many tickets bought online are not flexible, and therefore, if you are invited to a friend's home in the host country after classes are over, you would be unable to extend your trip by a few days or weeks. A little research into various options before purchasing a ticket is the best way to get the most for your money. Determine the average price for a ticket to the target destination, and then decide if flexibility or economy is the most important factor in selecting a ticket.
- Student travel agencies, such as STA Travel, offer student discounts and may have flexible tickets with a purchase of the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). The ISIC card allows students to receive travel-related discounts, as well as discounts for some museums, attractions and even local transportation. Please check the STA website for a listing of discounts in your destination country or additional countries you may visit.
Please find below some of the online resources for flight and other tickets frequently recommended by our students. They are not specifically endorsed by the University of Kentucky or Education Abroad at UK.
Once the ticket has been purchased, attention may be turned to packing. The most useful tip for happy travel is also the most ignored by first-time international travelers: PACK LIGHT! It almost seems like a cliché worth forgetting, but anyone who has spent time in international airports, trains, buses and canoes will agree: light packing is a MUST! Nobody wants to be stuck behind the group trying to drag a gargantuan suitcase along a cobblestone sidewalk with no dips at the corners and up a flight of stairs at the train station, only to have to sleep sitting on it because your belongings will not fit in the luggage rack provided. You will hear many tips for packing light; carry, don't roll, your packed suitcase around your home for about 10 minutes to see how it feels; make sure you are able to hold it over your head (you may have to put it above you in a bus or on a train); pack the suitcase, and then take out half of it. It doesn't matter which piece of sage advice you choose to follow, just pack light!
You can talk to returned students to find out what items they took with them, which items they could have left at home, and what items are easy to find abroad. There is no need to pack an 80 ounce bottle of shampoo for the year if it is available overseas. This will only take up valuable space. Liquids and paper typically add the most weight, so consider how many toiletries are needed beyond a travel-size version to last the first week. Make sure to check the baggage limits on your chosen airline and remember that most students come home with more than they take. A good idea is to pack light in one suitcase or backpack, and include an empty duffle bag that can be used to bring home extra items bought overseas. In addition to the suitcase, a daypack is recommended as a carry-on that can hold an extra change of clothes or anything valuable (such as a laptop or camera) in case luggage is delayed or lost. The daypack can be used later for weekend trips, allowing you to leave the larger suitcase at your residence hall or host family's house. Refer to your airline's website for restrictions on carry-on items. Note that many airlines now charge a checked bag fee.
It has never been easier to communicate internationally, and many new methods cost little to nothing. Students use email, Facebook, Myspace, and other web-based social networking tools to keep in touch with family and friends. Occasionally, you might even send or receive a letter the old fashion way via snail mail!
Currently, one of the most popular means of communication is Skype. This internet-based communication service allows free computer-to-computer communication using video and microphone technology. If your computer and/or laptop does not have these features built-in, they are fairly inexpensive to buy from any store that sells computer accessories. In addition to their computer-to-computer service, it is possible through Skype's website to call land lines or cell phones internationally for a very low price. It is worth comparing your local long distance provider's rates with the Skype rates for calling between the US and the destination country.
If you don't have easy internet access, most long distance companies will quote rates for calling the country in question, and of course pre-paid phone cards found in grocery and convenient stores will work for international calls. HTH, our travel medical insurance provider, offers a calling card as well.
We recommend that you discuss in advance with your friends and family how often you will communicate from abroad. Returned students often lament that they spent too much time in internet cafes or communicating with people back home, instead of connecting with new friends and exploring the host environment.
Housing
If you live on campus and will be unable to fulfill your housing contract due to an Education Abroad experience, contact your Education Abroad Advisor. He or she will send an official notice to Residence Life on your behalf. If you will be applying for on-campus housing for the following semester, take note of application deadlines and procedures.
Some items that are easy to take and invaluable as you travel:
- Plastic zipper bags in several different sizes - Travelers find many uses for these bags, including keeping snacks fresh, stowing wet clothing items or washcloths during a short trip, stowing liquids for flights, and keeping anything of value (more) waterproof in case your pack or bag is exposed to rain or snow.
- Luggage locks - Make sure you follow the airline regulations for locking bags during flights. Beyond your international flight, these locks are handy deterrants of theft during bus or train rides. You may also wish to lock your zippers whenever your bag is left in a hotel or hostel. While they do not prevent the bag from being stolen, they may deter thefts of opportunity.
- Nalgene bottle - In an effort to reduce the number of water bottles clogging landfills, we recommend the classic re-usable Nalgene bottle available at sporting goods stores and other department stores. They are easy to attach to a daypack when traveling and weigh next to nothing (when empty). You may consider a stainless steel bottle as well. Some thrifty travelers also wind a good length of duct tape around the bottle in case they need to patch a bag temporarily or you discover the many other ways in which duct tape can be used.
- Mechanical pencils - It is always handy to have something to write with, and if you have ever had your favorite ink pen break during a flight, you will want the backup of a pencil. Having something to write with when traveling and touring will help you out when you ask for directions and you need to jot down a street name or contact phone number.
- Small clothes line and pins - You can often find a small traveler's clothesline at travel stores and sporting goods stores. This is especially useful if you will be camping, or traveling for an extended period, and may need to wash some things in the sink.
- Biodegradable laundry soap - This recommendation is for students going to developing countries or rural areas where you will be doing your laundry by hand. This soap prevents harm to the ground where your laundry is rinsed, and your host families and local environment will be grateful.
It has never been easier to communicate internationally, and many new methods cost little to nothing. Students use email, Facebook, Myspace, and other web-based social networking tools to keep in touch with family and friends. Occasionally, you might even send or receive a letter the old fashion way via snail mail!
Currently, one of the most popular means of communication is Skype. This internet-based communication service allows free computer-to-computer communication using video and microphone technology. If your computer and/or laptop does not have these features built-in, they are fairly inexpensive to buy from any store that sells computer accessories. In addition to their computer-to-computer service, it is possible through Skype's website to call land lines or cell phones internationally for a very low price. It is worth comparing your local long distance provider's rates with the Skype rates for calling between the US and the destination country.
If you don't have easy internet access, most long distance companies will quote rates for calling the country in question, and of course pre-paid phone cards found in grocery and convenient stores will work for international calls. HTH, our travel medical insurance provider, offers a calling card as well.
We recommend that you discuss in advance with your friends and family how often you will communicate from abroad. Returned students often lament that they spent too much time in internet cafes or communicating with people back home, instead of connecting with new friends and exploring the host environment.
Housing
If you live on campus and will be unable to fulfill your housing contract due to an Education Abroad experience, contact your Education Abroad Advisor. He or she will send an official notice to Residence Life on your behalf. If you will be applying for on-campus housing for the following semester, take note of application deadlines and procedures.
Immunizations
If you require immunizations prior to travel, please make an appointment with your physician or the University Health Services as soon as possible. Some immunizations are taken in a series and must be started well in advance of your departure date. If you are currently taking prescription medication, we advise you to obtain a written prescription just in case your medication is lost while traveling. Some countries have regulations about medications brought into the country by visitors. If you are unsure, your physician should be able to discuss solutions or alternatives.
If you require immunizations prior to travel, please make an appointment with your physician or the University Health Services as soon as possible. Some immunizations are taken in a series and must be started well in advance of your departure date. If you are currently taking prescription medication, we advise you to obtain a written prescription just in case your medication is lost while traveling. Some countries have regulations about medications brought into the country by visitors. If you are unsure, your physician should be able to discuss solutions or alternatives.
University of Kentucky Health Services- 859-323-2778
University of Kentucky Travel Clinic- 859-257-5150
University of Louisville Travel Clinic- 502-852-3691
Register to Vote
If you will be missing elections while overseas, it is easy to register to vote from abroad with Youth Vote Overseas.
If you will be missing elections while overseas, it is easy to register to vote from abroad with Youth Vote Overseas.
Finances
Before leaving, notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be abroad. Some financial institutions will deactivate cards with suspicious charges abroad (i.e., dinner in Paris) to protect you against fraud. It is always wise to prevent situations where you no longer have access to your funds.
Before leaving, notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be abroad. Some financial institutions will deactivate cards with suspicious charges abroad (i.e., dinner in Paris) to protect you against fraud. It is always wise to prevent situations where you no longer have access to your funds.
Do you know how you will access your funds abroad and what will you do in case your main source of funds is unavailable? Develop a backup plan, and know at least two ways in which your family may add to your funds in case of emergency. Investigate your liability if your card is lost or stolen. This may be different between debit and credit cards, and between different banks.
One option worth exploring is to pay a credit-balance onto a new credit card (or existing paid off card) and use the card at ATMs abroad. You may be able to avoid cash advance fees and your liability may be less than with a debit card.
One option worth exploring is to pay a credit-balance onto a new credit card (or existing paid off card) and use the card at ATMs abroad. You may be able to avoid cash advance fees and your liability may be less than with a debit card.
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Last modified 09/23/2008
