Concordia College

Travel Tips for Students

Well, you’ve turned in your application and paid your deposit. How will you spend the weeks leading up to your departure? Here is an overview of things to do and think about before your trip. Download more in-depth information about these topics and more.

Your Health
Your health and safety during your study abroad experience will be affected by the choices you make and precautions you take prior, during and following your time overseas. Before your departure, make sure you are in good health, get any immunizations that are required and learn as much as you can about the health and safety conditions in your host country.  

Travel Documents
Proper documentation is required for entry to other countries and for re-entry into the United States. Each country has its own special requirements for entry. Find out what these requirements are and plan to obtain the necessary documents from embassies or consulates. Several times during the year, the Office of Global Education hosts a passport night where you can fill out your passport application. You should apply for documents as early as possible since the process can take anywhere from an hour to three months, depending on the document.

Language
Though fluency in a foreign language is not required for most Concordia programs, it’s a good idea to be familiar with common phrases to be both considerate and prepared for emergencies. Use the library, Internet and travel guides to learn such phrases.

Personal Safety
Making sure you’re safe is a top priority for the college, but there are precautions you can take to ensure you are safe abroad: use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home. Be especially cautions in or avoid areas where you are likely to be victimized. These include crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites, market places, festivals and marginal areas of cities. 

Money
Preparing for financial needs during a study abroad experience requires planning and foresight. It is important that participants have easy access to money while overseas and that they bring enough money with them to last the entire overseas period. The following information provides general guidelines regarding money matters. 

• Traveler’s Checks — Participants should always remember to keep traveler’s check stubs separate from the checks, so that reimbursement is easy in the case of theft or loss. It is also a good idea to leave a record of the traveler’s check numbers with someone at home for reference if assistance in obtaining replacement checks is necessary.
• Credit Cards — We recommend that all participants carry a major credit card in their name. VISA and MasterCard are accepted in most program locations or in major cities. Depending on the program location, some credit cards are more accepted than others, and in a few cases, credit card use may be very limited. Even if payment by credit card is not preferred for daily expenditures, a credit card might be important in case of an emergency.  In addition, major credit cards are well protected and easy to replace if lost.   
• Instant Cash Cards — In some major cities, instant cash cards can be used. Participants should check with their local bank to see if any instant cash cards offered are widely used in the country of destination. Most major credit cards can also be used for instant cash at machines if a PIN number is assigned to the account. The back of the credit card will state whether it is a Cirrus or a Plus card. Cash can also be withdrawn on a credit card account in the participant’s name at most major banks with a passport for identification.
• Money Belts — To keep money, passports and other important items safe during travel we recommend money belts and other similar devices that are kept close to the body. Contact the Office of Global Education at 218.299.3927 to find out where these can be purchased.

Communicating Home While Abroad
While abroad, you will want to stay in contact with your family, friends and professors in the U.S. To do so, remember to bring the addresses, phone, fax numbers and e-mail addresses of everyone with whom you may want to communicate. Don’t forget your parents’ work numbers in case of an emergency. In addition, it’s important to have phone numbers for your credit card company and/or bank in case any problems arise. You should leave your contact information abroad (phone number and mailing address) with your family and friends before you leave. Provide them with the phone number of the program’s director or contact person, as well.

Cultural Adjustment
Learning about your host country’s people, culture and geography will help you adjust to your new environment and allow you to get the most out of your overseas experience. Knowing the basic factual information about your host country and their present-day problems and current national affairs will aid in intercultural understanding and help you communicate though the barrier of cultural differences.