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Study Abroad Coordinator
Dr. Carlos Mamani
Office: Palumbo 2218
Mamani001@gannon.edu

 

Fulbright Scholarship Coordinator
Dr. Mark Jubulis
Office: Palumbo 2225
Jubulis001@gannon.edu

 

International Internships
Center for Experiential Education
Office: Palumbo 1040

1) Check your current passport for expiration/renew or apply for a new passport:
http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

 

2) Do you require a visa?  Check the Embassy Web page of the country in which you are planning to study abroad to learn if you will need an entrance visa.  Some governments require you to make your application in person, which may mean a trip to New York City or Washington, DC to get your visa.  Most governments also require you to undergo a physical before you are considered for a visa.

 

4) What else do you need? There are many Study Abroad Resource Web sites where you can learn from former Study Abroad students what you might need to consider or take along:

• IIE Passport
• Transitions Abroad
• International Student.Com

 

4) Start packing

A)      Emergency contact information: It is a good idea to put together a list of important phone numbers in the event of a problem or an emergency. These might include:

·         Gannon University contacts

·         Study Abroad program provider

·         Host university’s resident director or coordinator

·         Family members

·         U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your host country

·         Health insurance company

·         Bank or credit card companies

·         Physicians and other health care providers

 

B)       Photocopies of your documents:

·         Passport and visa page

·         Insurance card

 

C)       A travel guide/dictionary to orient yourself to the area and the language

 

D)       An international student identification card (available through STA travel).

This card is nice to have as a second form of photo ID, and it entitles you to some basic travel insurance, along with discounts for goods, services, and entrance fees to popular sites abroad.

 

E)       Medications and toiletries:

·         Prescription drugs

·         Common over-the-counter drugs and ointments for diarrhea, allergies, headache, cuts and scrapes

·         For contact wearers,  contact solution

You may not be able to find the name brands with which you are familiar in the U.S. or you may encounter much higher prices. It is important to determine whether all of your prescription medications are permitted in your country of destination.  Many medications used to treat diabetes or depression, for example, are considered “controlled substances” in other countries.

 

F)       Depending on the country, you may need electrical outlet adaptors for things such as hair dryers, camera battery charger, cell phone charger. Better than adapters, you should consider leaving most U.S. appliances behind.

 

G)      Rail or Bus Pass

If you are planning to travel extensively throughout the host country , transportation passes are typically more economical than purchasing individual tickets; however, they must usually be purchased here in the U.S. or in your home country.

 

H)       International Phone Card

Especially handy for the first few days after your arrival. You will want to call your family to let them know you have arrived safely.

 

I)         Money and Money/Passport Belt or Carrier

Some exchanged cash to get you started, credit cards, ATM card, traveler’s checks, etc. Always keep your money and important documents, close at hand and safely tucked into clothing.