Some Important tips for the students who wants to
study abroad:
- Students should read the State Department's Consular Information
Sheet for the country in which they plan to study or visit, and
check any Public Announcements or Travel Warnings that may pertain
to that particular country. A Consular Information Sheet is
available for every country in the world and provides an overview of
conditions pertaining to travel in each country.
- Encourage students to learn about the history, culture, politics and
customs of the country/countries in which they travel and study, and
to respect the country's customs, manners, rules and laws. For
instance, various countries and cultures respect certain manners and
dress codes. American students should also abide by these manners
and dress codes as much as possible.
- It is a good idea for students to learn as much as they can of the
language of the country in which they plan to travel or study.
Learning basic phrases of the language can be helpful, and it
indicates a willingness on the part of students to make an effort to
communicate in the language of the country.
- The Department of State publishes Background Notes on
countries worldwide. These are brief, factual pamphlets with
information on each country's culture, history, geography, economy,
government and current political situation. Background Notes
are available for approximately 170 countries. They often include a
reading list, travel notes and maps.
- It is important that students learn about the local laws abroad and
obey them. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject
to its laws! This year, the State Department has issued a spring
break fact sheet for reminding
students about drug laws and drunk and disorderly conduct during
spring and summer breaks.
WHAT
STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OBTAINING PASSPORTS AND VISAS TO TRAVEL,
STUDY AND OR WORK ABROAD
- Students must have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required.
Students studying abroad must be sure that they have the proper visa
to study there. A visitors visa or entry without a visa may not
allow one to study.
- Students should remember to fill in the emergency information page
of their passport.
- It is a good idea for relatives of students abroad to obtain and
maintain a valid passport as well, in case of an emergency requiring
them to travel.
- Students who wish to work part-time in conjunction with their
studies or when their studies are finished, should make sure that
they understand the laws that apply and comply with them.
- The United States requires student visas for study in the United
States.
- Students should make copies of their passport's data page and any
visas. They should keep a copy separately from the originals while
traveling and leave one at home with their family and with their
student advisor. This will help to obtain a replacement passport in
the event that a passport is lost or stolen.
- Students are encouraged to travel with extra photos, in case they
need to get a new passport quickly.
STUDENTS
SHOULD LEARN ABOUT MEDICAL INSURANCE AND EVACUATION INSURANCE IN CASE OF
A MEDICAL EMERGENCY ABROAD
Every
year, hundreds of students become ill or suffer injuries overseas. It is
essential that students have medical insurance and medical evacuation
insurance that would cover a medical emergency abroad.
STUDENTS
ARE ENCOURAGED TO KNOW THE LOCATION OF THE NEAREST U.S. EMBASSY OR
CONSULATE AND TO REGISTER
If
students are going to be in a country for more than a couple of weeks,
they should to register at the American Embassy or Consulate. This is
helpful to students and their families, if there is need to locate
family members in the event of an emergency.
GENERAL
PRECAUTIONS THAT STUDENTS SHOULD TAKE WHILE TRAVELING OR STUDYING ABROAD
- Remember not to leave luggage unattended and not to carry packages
for anyone. The packages could contain drugs or other illegal items.
- Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing
and expensive looking jewelry.-- There are restrictions on
photography in certain countries. Students should check the Consular
Information Sheet for the countries where they plan to visit or
travel. -- Students should avoid demonstrations or civil
disturbances, which could turn violent. Demonstrations could also
turn anti-American.
- The Department of State is engaged in outreach efforts to
education-related organizations to publicize road safety risks in
other countries. Students, who may chose less expensive, often less
reliable methods of local travel while in foreign countries, should
be aware of the potential danger.
Some sites which helps students to study abroad:
www.studyabroad.com,
www.internationalstudent.com
,
www.iefa.org, www.neiu.edu,
www.endicott.edu, www.prospects.ac.uk,
www.centerforstudyabroad.com
|
