2. Part 5: Preparing To Go Abroad
In this lesson, you will learn about:
• The Accepted Students Site
• Mandatory Pre-Departure Requirements
• Packing
• Finances
Hooray! You’re going abroad and about to
embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
Now what?
3. Part 5: Preparing To Go Abroad
If you haven’t been to this site yet, stop everything and check it out!
Hint: there may be a quiz question on this.
If you have, you know it’s full of useful information and should serve as your
checklist for everything you NEED to do before you can go abroad. Read through
this site carefully and make sure you’re keeping track of deadlines.
The Accepted Students Site and Student Guide also contains links and
information on topics like, getting a cell phone abroad, culture shock, how to
travel while abroad, insurance, and much more.
The Accepted Students Site: www.stjohns.edu/goingabroad
4. Preparing to go: Required Forms/Information
We’re going to need some information from you in order to make appropriate
arrangements for you to study abroad. All required forms and links to surveys
can be found on, you guessed it, the Accepted Students Site! (Remember,
you can find it at www.stjohns.edu/goingabroad).
Paper copies to be submitted to OGS:
• Student Agreement Form*
• Health Disclosure Form*
• Passport Copy
*If you’re confirmed, you should already have submitted these.
Forms to be completed online:
• Emergency Contact Information
• Roommate Questionnaire
• Flight or Travel Information
• Passport Information Form
The deadline to submit all forms to OGS and online is your
program’s Orientation/Cultural Mentorship workshop date.
5. Required Documents: Health Disclosure
• It is important to tell the Office of Global Studies about any pre-existing
conditions, medical or otherwise, so that we can be sure to make any
necessary accommodations or preparations.
• We will work to ensure the confidentiality of the information provided, but
will share it with on-site staff as needed so that they are well-prepared to
meet the needs of students.
• The Health Disclosure Form is a requirement, and must be
completed; however, it is up to each individual to decide what to
disclose. Just remember, we can’t help if we don’t know.
Health Disclosure Form
The health disclosure form is our only source of information on your medical history,
prescription medications, allergies & other important information. Even if you’ve submitted
this information to another office at St. John’s University, the Office of Global Studies can’t
access it. Although disclosure is voluntary and up to you as a participant, we strongly
encourage you to be as forthcoming as possible. The information you disclose could help us
to get you the medical attention you need in case of an emergency, or to accommodate any
particular needs you might have while studying abroad.
6. Preparing To Go: Cultural Mentorship Program
In the Cultural Mentorship Workshop, we’ll talk about preparing to go abroad not
just in terms of logistics (packing, etc.), but also the mental and cultural aspects of
preparation. What do you want to get out of your time studying abroad? How will
your encounters with different cultures shape your experience? The goal of this
session will be to explore the cultural differences you may encounter and begin to
set personal, academic and career goals based on your time studying abroad –
and along the way, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have about
what to expect. Every student who goes abroad must attend a Cultural
Mentorship Workshop. Luckily, your Cultural Mentorship Workshop will be a part
of your program’s Site-Specific Orientation. Along with OGS administrators and
staff, your faculty program leader will be on hand to speak about the specifics of
your program, and answer any questions you might have.
The orientation schedule for Faculty-Led programs is available on the
Accepted Students Site (www.stjohns.edu/goingabroad).
7. Preparing To Go: Visa Information
The best source of information regarding visas is your program’s information page on
our website (or our office) – but here’s a quick overview to help get you started:
• While most Summer programs do not require visas for U.S. citizens, some may. For
more information, check the Accepted Students Page (stjohns.edu/goingabroad)
• Non U.S. citizens may need a visa for other programs – this depends on the student’s
country of origin and the country of study. To find out whether you need a visa, check
with the consulate of the country you will be traveling to. This information is usually
available on the consulate’s website.
• Non U.S. citizens, must work closely with the St. John’s University International Student
and Scholar Services Office to make sure that they complete all required paperwork to
maintain their U.S. visa: iss@stjohns.edu, (718) 990-6083.
• Students can feel free to drop by the Office of Global Studies for advice or to review
their visa applications.
8. Preparing to Go: Baggage
• For transatlantic international flights (e.g. New York to Rome or New York to Paris.) most airlines
generally allow:
– One bag per person with 1 carry-on and 1 personal item (like a purse or laptop bag)
– One additional checked bag may be permitted for a fee
– Checked baggage cannot be over 50 lbs. – airlines will charge fees for any baggage over the
weight limit.
– Any excess baggage weight will result in exorbitant overage fees!
• Remember to pack light - you’ll have to carry what you bring and you may have to walk a good
distance before arriving at the accommodation.
• Take into consideration the weather and any seasonal changes that may take place while you’re
abroad and pack accordingly.
Packing can be a big project – so don’t put it off until the last minute! Depending on the
airline or class of ticket, you may have different baggage allowances. The best source for
those details are the airlines themselves, but here’s a primer:
9. Preparing to Go: Packing
• Put everything that you would like to
pack on your bed. Now, put back half.
(You won’t miss all those extra clothes –
we promise!)
• Make sure you pack enough plug
adapters or converters and pack one
of each in your carry-on.
• Pack a versatile wardrobe – one that
layers well and washes easily
• Bring good walking shoes (not heels!)
• Leave room for souvenirs!
Still concerned about packing? No worries – here are some tried and true
tips from expert travelers and global studies alums:
10. Preparing to Go: Appliances and Electrical Devices
• The electric outlets in many countries are different than in the U.S. There are also
voltage differences that need to be taken into consideration (example: 120V in the
U.S., 240V in Europe).
• You’ll want to bring a couple plug adapters and converters (there is a difference)
depending on how many devises you’ll want plugged in at any one time.
– A converter allows you to plug into the wall AND converts the voltage.
– A plug adapter just allows you to plug the device into the wall.
• Most electronic devices (laptops, cameras, smart phones, etc) have built in voltage
converters. You can confirm this by looking at the AC Adapter connected to the
cord. The “input” value will tell you what the voltage range is (ex: 100 – 240v). If
you bring appliances that have a built-in converter, you’ll still need to bring the
adapters so you can plug them in to the wall.
• Don’t bring items that generate heat, like hair dryers and curling irons. Even if
you plan to use a converter, they are a safety hazard and will likely result in a
power outage in the building, and will damage the item so that it will not work
properly (or at all!) when you try to use it again in the U.S. If you need a device that
generates heat, you can always buy it abroad or share with a friend.
11. Preparing To Go: Cell Phones Abroad
All students are strongly to have a cell phone while abroad. There are a number of cell phone
options available but remember that cell phones are for quick/emergency calls only.
U.S.-based Travel Phones
• Some companies specialize in providing cell phones to international travelers. Many of these
companies will offer you a cell phone and/or SIM cards for use abroad, a local phone number in
the countries you'll be traveling in, and rates that are competitive with local providers.
Local Pre-Paid Cell Phones
• It's generally cheap and easy to find a pre-paid phone in each location that you'll be studying in,
and you'll have the comfort of knowing that you won't be shocked by a large phone bill at the
end of your program. Buy as many minutes as you think you'll need at the beginning and re-fill
as necessary. Keep in mind, though, that you will not be able to get your money back for pre-
paid minutes not used.
Using Your Current Cell Phone
• Depending on the type of cell phone and carrier you have, it may be possible to use your US
cell phone overseas. Options include setting up an international plan with your US-based carrier
(this can be costly, so make sure you're aware of all fees and rates included) and purchasing a
local SIM card that will work in your current phone.
Make sure you turn off data!
12. Preparing To Go: Communicating While Abroad
Cell phones, while important for emergencies, are not the best way to stay in touch
while abroad due to cost. However, it’s important to stay in touch while you’re abroad;
and there are a number of ways you can do this affordably.
• VoIP and Skype technology are best for longer calls as they are the cheapest
(usually free) means of communicating. There are number of services that allow
you to make calls over the computer with an internet connection. Here are a few
popular services:
– Skype
– Facetime (available on Apple products)
– Google Hangouts
– Viber
– What’s App
• E-mail, instant messaging, Facebook and Twitter are also very useful for keeping in
touch while you’re abroad.
13. Preparing to Go: Money Abroad
• There are multiple methods of accessing your money while you’re abroad:
– ATM
• The recommended method – safe, convenient, and usually accessible in an emergency
• Know your PIN! Most ATM machines abroad require a 4 digit PIN
• Check with you bank to make sure your card will work overseas (e.g., Plus, Cirrus, Visa
Check Card, etc.)
– Credit Cards (Visa and Master Card are the most widely accepted)
• It’s good to have an emergency credit card on hand in the event of an emergency. This
should be kept in a separate location from your wallet/purse so you’re not enticed to use
it and you have a back-up available if your wallet is lost or stolen.
– Travel Money Cards
• These cards are pre-filled, reloadable and a secure way to manage
your money abroad. Ask your bank or search the internet to
see all the options available and find the best one for you.
• Be aware of exchange rates – don’t get ripped off!
– Use websites like www.xe.com
• Utilize online banking to keep track of your money.
• Consider bringing some local currency with you for when you first arrive. You can
usually get local currency from your bank as long as you give them advance notice.
• Manage your money!
– Make a plan for how much you’ll spend each week and stick to it.
