Resources

Communicating from Abroad

E-mail

E-mail is likely the easiest and least expensive way to stay in touch from most areas of the world. You can access your Rice email account via the web from http://webmail.rice.edu/ While the connection is simple and secure, it can be rather slow.

Another option, which may prove quicker is to obtain a Hotmail, Yahoo, or Gmail account. It’s easy and free to do - just go to the particular home web sites and follow the instructions for application. You can access them almost anywhere that you can get on the Internet and you can read mail from any other account (such as your Owlnet account) through their pop mail service. Just be sure to set those accounts to forward, as International Programs will use your Rice account as your primary contact. And just to be safe, make sure the country you’re going to allows access to the service you choose.

If you currently subscribe to one or more listservs, you may want to unsubscribe before you leave, so that you won’t receive a frustratingly large amount of mail that will clog your inbox.

Telephone

International Calling Cards: This is generally the most reasonable way to communicate with folks back in the U.S. Phone card service is available with the ISIC, as well as through companies like Sprint. You can also purchase cards while abroad, which may be as cheap as 2 cents per minute. Skype.com provides a cheap, free Internet alternative.

Cell Phones: Cell phones have become increasingly common and less expensive around the world. Some program providers even include a phone in the price of their program. Local calls may be cheap, however, international calls may be quite expensive. Depending where you go, you might be able to buy a SIM card with numbers for your phone.

Keeping in Touch with Rice

If studying abroad, International Programs will keep in contact with you during your time abroad via email. We will use your Rice e-mail address as your primary contact.
It is imperative that International Programs has contact information (address and phone number) for you abroad. We need to know how to find you in case of an emergency. Update your contact information on your account for our database.
Do your college coordinator a big favor and temporarily change your address on things like magazine subscriptions, phone bills, credit card bills, etc. (Note: this must be done individually with each company. It cannot be handled through the post office!) Have them sent to your permanent address or address overseas, so the coordinator won’t be troubled with forwarding everything.
Class Rings: If you will complete 90 semester hours while abroad and would like your class ring as soon as possible, fill out a ring order form at the bookstore before you leave. Your ring order will not be processed until the Registrar has indicated on your official transcript that the minimum 90-hour mark has been completed. You should send your final grades as soon as they become available in order to accelerate this process.
Need a little dose of Rice to chase away the homesickness? You can read the Thresher online at http://the.ricethresher.org. KTRU broadcasts in Real Audio - which means it can be heard around the world via the web. See http://www.ktru.org.

Accessing Rice’s Digital Library

Fondren Library has an online digital library consisting of 35,000+ journals, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and more! The only truly reliable way to access this library while abroad is by creating a VPN account before leaving Rice. You are required to physically go to Fondren’s Help Desk with your Rice ID.

Especially for Seniors Abroad

If spending your final semester abroad, you should submit an application for degree to the Registrar. The form can be completed online at http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~reg/graduation/app_for_degree.html This must be submitted in order to graduate.

Also, the Office of the Registrar must receive your transcript from the study abroad program or from your host university, no later than one week prior to your graduation date. If you are not able to obtain an official transcript, the office of the Registrar must receive an official letter from the program or from your professors listing your courses and indicating the grade you will receive in each course. You must receive at least a C- or the equivalent in order to receive credit for a course.

If you plan to walk in the May ceremony, be sure to let your college coordinator know, and email the Campus Bookstore (book@rice.edu) to order your cap and gown.

Registering for Your Return Semester at Rice

If studying abroad, International Programs will send you an e-mail reminder a week or two in advance of Rice’s registration dates. You should then contact your academic advisor to discuss your enrollment plans. A list of divisional advisors can be found at: http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~acadadv/other/other.html#divadvisors A list of major advisors can be found at: http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~acadadv/majors/advisors.html Only faculty members who appear on one of these lists are authorized to release your PIN number for the ESTHER system.

Following an email discussion about courses (and possible submission of a course plan to the advisor), your advisor will then authorize the release of your PIN number. This will happen one of two ways:

Mailing a completed PIN Release Form to your college coordinator whom will then send you your pin via email.

Emailing your college coordinator (and probably cc’ing you) to authorize release of your PIN to you.

Remember that you may need to exchange several email messages with your advisor before your PIN is released. So begin that correspondence early!

Job Searching While Abroad

The time that you choose to go abroad may create particular challenges for finding either a summer or full-time job when you return. It is possible to be abroad and find a job, but it does take planning BEFORE you leave the country. Here are a few tips for managing your job search while away:

Don't try to conduct a job search during the time you are physically out of the country. The whole point of going abroad is to immerse yourself in another country. Trying to find a summer or full-time job while you are out of the country is difficult, frustrating, and unlikely to yield results. After all, an employer may be reluctant to call you in Prague to conduct a job interview. That is why it is very important to develop a strategy before you leave the country about how to manage your job search. The key: Plan ahead!

Prepare a current copy of your resume, including your study abroad experience under the "Education" section or your work abroad experience. This will inform an employer that you are not currently at Rice.

Register with the Career Services Center prior to the time that you leave the country. To register with Career Services, you must 1) create a user profile with RICELink; 2) upload a current copy of your resume; and 3) sign a resume waiver form and return it to the Career Center in order to give us permission to distribute your resume to employers. Once you have completed registration with the Career Center, you will be able to access all of the on-line job listing services.

Meet with a Career Services Staff member prior to the time you leave the country. A CSC counselor can advise you about strategies to use when applying to particular companies and industries. THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR ANY STUDENTS WHO ARE ABROAD DURING THEIR SENIOR YEAR.

Contact companies who regularly recruit at Rice prior to the time you leave the country. If you will miss the fall recruiting season, send a cover letter and resume to the employer expressing your interest in working for the company, explaining that you will be out of the country during the regular recruiting season, and request an opportunity to interview early. You may also suggest interviewing in December if you will be returning for the winter holidays. Especially if you are a graduating senior, it is important to have your resume considered alongside the other graduating students, even if you will not be able to interview at the same time. A CSC staff member can assist you with preparing your letters.

Attend any career fairs scheduled prior to the time you leave the country. Many of the Career Services fairs are scheduled early in the semester, and it is likely you will not yet have left the country. These are a terrific opportunity to network with employers, explain that you will be out of the country, and make alternate plans for interviewing.

Use your winter holiday wisely. If you are planning to return home in December or January, plan to meet with companies and alumni. For summer job seekers in particular, you may be able to line up your summer job during this time.

Have back up plans for your return. You may need to think creatively about your plans for your return. Some programs do not end until well into the summer; summer job seekers may find it hard to secure an internship that will last 4 weeks or less. The summer after your return may be a great time to volunteer in your community or work a casual job to make money. Don't worry that you will be penalized for not having a summer internship -- employers also consider a study abroad experience valuable. If looking for full-time work after a study or work abroad experience, be prepared to work in a temporary job at home for a period of time while you job search.

Travel Documents

Passport

(from The Studyabroad.com Handbook, by Bill Hoffa, found at http://www.studyabroad.com/handbook/)

All travelers between countries must have a passport. The passport is your official identification as a citizen of the United States or elsewhere. In the U.S., it is issued by the Department of State, and is good for a period of 10 years (5 years for those under the age of 18). You must have a valid passport on your person to show border and customs authorities when you enter or leave the United States or when crossing most other national borders, as well as on various other occasions that require official verification of your citizenship.

Be sure to keep it in a VERY safe (but accessible) place. Losing a passport while you are overseas is not the end-of-the-world, but it will seem like it, since the procedures for being issued another are very complicated and often extremely time-consuming. Always take a copy of your passport and birth certificate with you in case it does get lost or stolen.

Obtaining a Passport

Passports are issued at any office of the U.S. Passport Agency or through one of the several thousand federal or state courts or U.S. post offices authorized to accept passport applications. If you have never been issued a U.S. passport before, you must apply in person. You are required to submit the completed passport application (available for download at http://travel.state.gov/passport/get_first_apply.html) along with:

Proof of Citizenship—a naturalization certificate if you are a naturalized citizen or a birth certificate if you are a citizen by birth. Birth certificates must be official, i.e., bearing the seal of the state in which you were born; hospital certificates are not official and will only delay the processing of your passport
application. Applications for official birth certificates can be obtained online at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm

Two Identical Photographs (2" square on white background) taken within six months of the date of your application.*)

your Social Security Number.

The required payment. The standard passport fee is $97.00 for individuals 16 years of age or older. This fee is collected at the time you submit your application.

*Passport photos may be purchased in International Programs during Wednesday drop-in hours (1:30-4pm). The cost is $10 for two photos.

You can apply in-person for a passport at the following Houston locations:

Debora Sue Schapz Post Office
2909 Rogerdale
10:00 am-11:30 am, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm, M-F
By appointment only
713 785-6048

University Station Post Office
1319 Richmond Ave
10:00 am-2:00 pm, M-F
By appointment only
1 800 275 8777

Bellaire Post Office
5350 Bellaire Blvd.
9:00 am-2:00 pm, M-F
By appointment only
713 668-1083

Westbury Post Office
11805 Chimney Rock Rd.
9:00 am-2:30 pm, M-F
By appointment only

Houston Passport Agency*
Mickey Leland Federal Building
1919 Smith Street
Suite 1400
8:30 am - 3:30 pm M-F
Automated Appointment Number: (713) 751-0294

(Note: even though you have an appointment, you will still have to wait in line!)

* Houston Passport Agency serves ONLY those customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel.

If your permanent residence is somewhere other than Houston, particularly if you’re from a smaller town, and you will be home at an appropriate time, it may be less time-consuming to apply from there. The lines at Houston locations tend to be long.

Allow four to six weeks for processing of your application. If you need your passport in a hurry, you may request expedited processing for an additional $60 plus overnight shipping cost (see http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_831.html for further information). This will get you your passport in about two weeks. Regardless, do not delay applying for a passport. Do it now!

If you already have a U.S. passport but it will expire before you complete your time abroad, you should apply for renewal before you depart from the U.S. Your current passport usually suffices for identification of your birth and citizenship, but new photos and a $67 fee are required.

You can renew your passport by mail if you:
1. Already have a passport that is not damaged; and
2. Received it within the past 15 years; and
3. Were at least age 16 when it was issued; and
4. Still have the same name as in passport (or you can legally
document your name change)

Go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/get_renew.html to download the form for renewal by mail. This process may take about two months, unless you opt for expedited service.

For inquiries contact:
National Passport Information Center
Toll Free: 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778)
Customer Service Representatives available
M-F, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays
Email: npic@state.gov

Further passport information is available at http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html

Visas

The forms and requirements for obtaining a visa vary greatly by destination. This is a document that will either confirm your legitimate status as a foreign student (if studying abroad) or will allow you to work temporarily in a foreign country (if working abroad). Visa applications may involve visiting a consulate or sending your passport to one (this means you need the passport before you can apply for the visa). To find the entry requirements for your host country as well as the location of the consulate or embassy, go to http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html.

If you’re studying abroad through a program, your program provider should give you clear instructions about applying for a visa. If you are enrolling directly in a foreign university, begin researching your visa needs as early as possible, as the visa application process often takes time. Many countries require a letter of acceptance, proof of insurance, proof of sufficient funds, or various other documents before a visa will be issued.

One of the major obstacles to working abroad is the law, and it is necessary to obtain a work visa. Remember that many countries that do not require a visa for travel will require one to work. The advantage of working with an organized program as opposed to finding a job yourself is that most program providers, such as BUNAC or IAESTE, make arrangements for you to obtain your work visa. It is virtually impossible to obtain a work visa through a private employer, because they must prove that you have unique skills and abilities not possessed by local citizens. This is expensive and time-consuming to prove, so most employers will not offer a job to a foreigner who does not already possess a work permit (employers who hire illegally are subject to heavy fines).

International Student Identity Card (ISIC)

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally recognized proof of full-time student status. It is endorsed by UNESCO, and many programs require you to have one. The ISIC brings with it a number of benefits:

Low Airfares: Many international airlines offer special fares exclusively to holders of International Student ID Cards
Worldwide Discounts: ISIC is widely accepted worldwide for reduced entrance fees at museums and theaters, special rail or bus passes, and discounts at hotels and shops.
Sickness and Accident Insurance: An ISIC purchased in the US provides basic sickness and accident insurance when traveling outside the United States, including emergency evacuation coverage up to $25,000.
24-hour, toll-free Traveler’s Assistance Help Line: Provides a range of emergency medical, legal, and financial services, including locating an appropriate doctor or lawyer, replacing lost or stolen documents, and arranging travel in the event of an emergency back home.

You can obtain an ISIC from the International Programs office during business hours (9:00am-5:00 pm, 1^st floor, Student Center), they will be ready by Friday of that week. You will need:

$22 (cash or check)
Valid Rice ID
Driver’s license or official document showing date of birth

*A special note about all of your ID's: be sure to make at least three copies of everything (including your passport, driver's license, credit cards, ATM cards, and ISIC), so that you can leave one with somebody at home in the United States, keep one stored in your bags while you are traveling or at home in your host country, as well as carry one on you at all times.

Insurance

It is imperative that you check your insurance policy to see what coverage it provides for medical services abroad. In particular, see if your plan pays the foreign health care provider directly or if you must pay yourself, and get reimbursed later (the latter is the most common practice). Often, dental care, optical care, and injuries obtained in high-risk activities (contact sports, skiing, skydiving), are not covered by basic medical insurance. And, if certain pre-existing conditions are excluded from coverage, you should check on the policy’s exact definition of "pre-existing." Be sure you have coverage for medical evacuation, in case you need to be flown back to the U.S. for medical treatment, and for repatriation of remains.

If you are on the Rice Plan, you are covered for up to $10,000 for medical evacuation and $7500 for repatriation. (See http://studenthealthinsurance.rice.edu for further information.) We recommend purchasing a supplemental policy for additional coverage. The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) may be useful as a supplement to a comprehensive insurance policy.

Be sure that you are covered for the full time you are abroad, including periods of recreational travel, as opposed to when you are actually studying or working. Also check if you are covered for continuing treatment of newly acquired medical conditions once you return home.

If you are traveling through a program, check with the program to see what coverage they may provide or require. Some programs include insurance in their program fee. Purchasing their insurance may make it easier for the program staff to assist you if you need treatment. You should still closely examine the limitations in its coverage, and purchase additional insurance if necessary.

We highly recommend insuring any valuables you will bring, such as cameras or laptops.

Health

The Basics

(from the Center for Global Education’s Safety Abroad Handbook, http://www.studentsabroad.com/ and from Health Check for Study, Work, and Travel Abroad, by Judith A. Green and Joan Elias Gore, found at http://ciee.org/health_safety/health/pre-departure_checklist.aspx)

What to Know About Your Host Country: Learn all you can about the health and safety issues of the countries you plan to visit. This includes reading about the cultural and political climate of those countries, as well as learning about how others view people from your country, race, ethnic group, religion, gender and sexual orientation.
Infectious Diseases and Inoculations: Find out about the infectious diseases endemic to countries in which you will be traveling, get the appropriate shots and pills, and take the appropriate medications with you if your doctor thinks it is necessary. Find out about any potential side effects of shots and pills that you may take.
Physicals and Check-ups: Get a complete physical, eye exam and dental check-up before going abroad.
Can You Drink the Water?: Find out if water is safe to drink in the countries to which you will be traveling. Purify unsafe water before you drink it. Make sure water bottles come sealed when you buy them. Remember that ice can also be unsafe, as well as the water you use to brush your teeth.
Food Safety: Poor refrigeration, undercooked meat, and roadside/outdoor vendors could pose problems related to food contamination. If you get diarrhea or food poisoning, remember to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. As with any illness, consider seeing a doctor if your condition worsens. Give your body time to adjust to new types of foods you will be eating.
Laws and Codes of Conduct: Make yourself aware of both the rules and regulations of the study or work abroad program sponsor, and the local laws and customs of the countries you will be visiting. Understand that you will not only have to conform to the legal system of the country you will be visiting, but also obey the codes of conduct required of program participants.
First-Aid Kit: Consider a well-stocked first-aid kit as a first line of defense. Some items to include, depending on your destination, are: sunscreen, bandages, flashlight, sterile pads, insect repellent, adhesive tape, aspirin, antacid, anti-diarrhea tablets, anti-malarial medication, feminine protection, condoms, rubber gloves, etc.
Fitness and Exercise: Try to get fit in the time you have before departing overseas. A healthy body can help you fight off illness and recover faster if you do get sick. Also, try to stay fit while abroad, even though it may be harder to follow a structured workout routine.
Walking: Get a good pair of comfortable walking shoes. If you don’t have access to public transportation, you may have to do quite a bit of walking. Break in your shoes before you go.
Emergency Contacts: Keep the program staff and an emergency contact at home well informed of your whereabouts and activities and provide these people with copies of your important travel documents (i.e. passport, visa, plane tickets, traveler’s checks, and prescriptions).
Air Travel: When you travel by air, drink a lot of non-alcoholic fluids, stay away from caffeine, eat light, and stretch often to avoid jetlag. A direct flight is usually easier for travelers, but flights broken up by stops can lessen jet lag.
Transportation: Accidents involving in-country travel, whether by air, bus, train, taxi, or car, can be a major cause of injury to students abroad. It is important to understand what the safe modes of travel are abroad.
Alcohol and Drugs: Use and abuse of alcohol and drugs abroad can increase the risk of accident and injury. Many study abroad accidents and injuries are related to the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs. Violating drug laws abroad may result in very serious consequences. In some countries, being found guilty of violating drug laws can result in consequences as serious as death.
Setting an Example: Set a good example. Remember you are an ambassador for Rice. Behave in a way that is respectful of others’ rights and well-being and encourage others to do the same.
Health Condition: Going abroad is not a magical "geographic cure" for concerns and problems at home. Both physical and emotional health issues will follow you wherever you go. In particular, if you are concerned about your use of alcohol and other controlled drugs or if you have an emotional health concern, you should address this concern honestly before making plans to travel. Contrary to many people’s expectations, travel does not minimize these problems; in fact, it often exacerbates them to a crisis stage while you are away from home.

Medical Needs: If you require regular medical care for any condition you have, tell those in your host country who can be of assistance. This may mean simply identifying a doctor or other practitioner who will provide your care. Or it could mean discussing your condition with people in your dormitory and classes in case you need emergency intervention during your stay.

Personal Health Inventory for Overseas Study/Travel Participants

These are potential issues affecting overseas study participants. Which ones concern you? Have you made necessary preparations to avoid problems?

Ability/Disability Issues
Allergies
Contraceptives
Culture Shock
Dental Care
Dietary Concerns
Emergency Resources
Exercise
Eyeglass Prescription
Gender-Sensitive Health Care
Health Advisories
Hepatitis Protection

Immunizations
Insurance
Medications/Medical Supplies
Psychological Issues
Re-entry Culture Shock
Regional Health Issues
Sexuality
Sleep Patterns
Smoking
Support Networks/Friends & Family
Values

Travel Immunizations

Your program provider should give you information regarding any necessary immunizations. You can find out what is recommended for your host country from the Centers for Disease Control (http://www.cdc.gov) or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/ith/).

The following are some area clinics that provide travel immunizations:

Medical Center
University Travel Medicine
Hermann Professional Building
6410 Fannin
(713) 704-4317

Medical Clinic of Houston
1707 Sunset Blvd.
(713) 526-5511

MacGregor Medical Association
8100 Greenbriar
(713) 741-2273

Kelsey-Seybold Main Campus
2727 W. Holcombe Blvd
(713) 442-0000

DOWNTOWN HOUSTON:

Milby Clinic
215 Milby (@Harrisburg)
(713) 225-0463

International Medicine Center
One Shell Plaza
910 Louisiana, Suite M155
(713) 973-1453

Rice University

Health Services will write you a prescription for vaccines, which you must fill yourself (you can do this at St. Luke’s Medical Tower Pharmacy, 6624 Fannin, 713-791-9090). You can then bring them back to Health Services, where they will administer the shots.

Prescriptions

(from The Studyabroad.com Handbook, by Bill Hoffa, found at http://www.studyabroad.com/handbook/)

If you take prescription medications regularly, bring a supply to last throughout your time abroad, if practical. Foreign drugs are not necessarily closely related to those standard in the United States, even if they have the same chemical formula. They may be marketed under different names and may not be available in the strengths you desire. It might be wise to also have a letter from your home physician or pharmacist describing your medicines, their dosage, their generic name, and a description of the condition being treated. This letter could be helpful in an emergency.

Make sure all drugs are in the original pharmacy containers and are clearly labeled. You should carry copies of the prescriptions to avoid problems with Customs. In the case of narcotic medicines, it may not be prudent to carry additional supplies because of possible Customs difficulties. In that case, bring a prescription with the drug's generic name.

If you are diabetic or have another medical condition in which a syringe is needed to administer medication, bring a supply of disposable syringes. These are not available in all countries, and are essential to protect yourself against HIV, hepatitis, and other communicable illnesses. Even if you don't routinely inject medication, it's a good idea to bring a few disposable syringes if you will be studying or working in a country where they are not available, in the event that you need an injection. Some countries, however, restrict the import of syringes -- as well as certain medications and contraceptives. Before departure, find out if this applies to your host country.

[If you have] certain conditions such as diabetes, asthma, mild epilepsy, or allergy to penicillin, it would be wise to wear a tag or a bracelet or carry a card to identify the condition so that [you] can be treated properly. Take an extra pair of eyeglasses and/or contact lenses if you wear them. Bring along extra contact lens solution too. Do not pack your medications in your checked luggage. Pack them in your carry on so as not to be without them if your luggage gets lost.

At your request, International Programs will be happy to provide you with an additional handout about prescription medications abroad.

Safety

The issue of safety may be one of your (or your parents!) foremost concerns. Just as no U.S. college or university can guarantee your safety, neither can any study abroad program. Also, when incidents-- whether they involve minor illness, injury, petty theft, or something more major--happen overseas, they can be especially difficult to cope with because you are in unfamiliar territory and your usual support network is unavailable to you.

NAFSA: The Association of International Educators has composed the following safety guidelines for program providers, participants, and the families of participants.

It is the program sponsor’s responsibility to:

Conduct periodic assessments of health and safety conditions.
Provide health and safety information for prospective participants.
Provide orientation to participants prior to the program and as needed on site.
Either provide appropriate health and travel accident (emergency evacuation, repatriation) insurance to participants, or provide information about how to obtain appropriate coverage.
Conduct appropriate inquiry regarding the potential health/safety risks and medical/professional services.
Communicate applicable codes of conduct and the consequences of noncompliance to participants. Take appropriate action when aware that participants are in violation.
Provide information for participants and their parents / guardians / families regarding when and where the sponsor’s responsibility ends, and the range of aspects of participants’ overseas experiences that are beyond the sponsor’s control.

It is your responsibility, as a participant, to:

Read and carefully consider all materials issued by the sponsor that relate to safety, health, legal, environmental, political, cultural, and religious conditions in host countries.
Consider your health and other personal circumstances when applying for or accepting a place in a program.
Obtain and maintain appropriate insurance coverage and abide by any conditions imposed by the carriers.
Understand and comply with the terms of participation, codes of conduct, and emergency procedures of the program, and obey host-country laws.
Accept responsibility for your own decisions and actions.
Follow the program policies for keeping program staff informed of your whereabouts and well-being.

NAFSA makes the following recommendations for parents and families:

In Study Abroad as in other settings, parents, guardians, and families can play an important role in the health and safety of participants by helping them make decisions and by influencing their behavior overseas.

When appropriate, parents / guardians / families should:

Engage the participant in a thorough discussion of safety and behavior issues, insurance needs, and emergency procedures related to living abroad.
Keep in touch with the participant./li>
Be aware that some information may most appropriately be provided by the participant rather than the program.

You will receive important information about safety at the mandatory study abroad orientation sessions provided by Rice and your program provider. You are required to attend those sessions. Additionally, Center for Global Education’s "Study Abroad Safety Handbook" is an excellent source of safety information and advice. It can be found at http://www.lmu.edu/globaled/studentsabroad/index.html

Drug Use and Abuse

With very few exceptions, other countries are extremely intolerant of recreational drug use and make no distinction between "hard" and "soft" drugs. Being caught with even a tiny amount of a controlled substance can result in arrest, deportation, and/or imprisonment. You can be held for months or even years without a trial. Prison cells are usually more than merely uncomfortable; they may have no furniture or running water, and may be infested with rats or insects. Prisoners can be limited to bread-and-water diets. If you are arrested for drug possession, there is nothing that your family or the U.S. government can do to affect your release.

Find out about the local laws and take them very seriously. "Not knowing" is not an acceptable excuse in a foreign court. Keep in mind, also, that many countries have zero tolerance policies in regard to driving while intoxicated.

Money Matters

Budgeting

If you are studying abroad and receive financial aid, part of the application process includes reviewing the budget for your experience (See Financial Aid for further information). If working abroad, it is important to review your budget in detail and understand what your stipend, salary, financial aid, or scholarship will cover.

Find out what the program fee covers so that you can budget for incidental costs. Keep in mind that the overall cost of living abroad can be higher or lower than it is in the U.S. Expenses associated with study/work abroad include:

Travel: International and domestic.
Local transportation: How do you get to and from classes/work every day, and what are the associated costs?
Meals: If only some are provided, obtain a cost estimate for others. Are meals provided during any orientation period? Remember to budget for meals while traveling to and from the program site.
Housing: Will the program bill you for housing, or will you pay housing expenses directly? Are you required to provide a deposit? What about interim housing, when you first arrive at the program site or between semesters?
Insurance: This may or may not be included in the program cost. If it’s not, you must make sure you are adequately covered. In most countries, you need to pay cash for medical treatment and then submit claims to your insurance company. It is a good idea to have an emergency medical fund available. Make certain that you understand the process and know what kind of documentation is required for your insurance company. Remember to carry proof of insurance with you. Additionally, strongly consider insuring your camera, laptop computer, and any other valuables.
Books and lab fees.
Personal expenses: toiletries, clothing, entertainment, etc.
Funds for activities or side trips.
Additional fees: Obtain thorough information about who is responsible for costs involved with visa applications, airport taxes, entry fees, language schools, administrative fees at your host university, and internship placements.

Dealing with Money Abroad

Many countries have the same services available here in the United States. Credit cards are easy but be careful: credit card companies charge an "exchange rate" conversion fee of approximately 3% on all charges. Also, high interest rates might apply if using credit cards for cash advances and/or late payments. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are the most accepted credit cards worldwide, but they are not accepted everywhere.

A debit/ATM card is another option. ATMs are common in most countries these days and your bank might waive the international charge if you ask in advance. Also, the exchange rate is reasonable and there are no interest fees. Make sure you do not overdraw.

If you will be in away more than a month or two, you may want to consider opening a bank account in that country. This will make it easier to withdraw money without fees. Inquire with your study/work abroad program or host institution to see what they recommend.

Emergency Funds

Discuss emergency funds with your program provider before choosing between cash, credit cards, traveler’s checks, etc. Also find out whether the program temporarily covers costs incurred in a medical emergency, allowing you time to have funds wired from home (see below). It is likely that you will be advised to reserve $100-300 in cash dollars for emergencies.

Any time you travel, be prepared for theft and loss, including your money. We recommend that you not carry large amounts of cash at any given time, even in a money belt, as these can also be picked while unaware. Travelers’ checks can be replaced if lost or stolen, but make sure to keep your receipts separate, with copies of all back home or online. Also keep track of the numbers – of the ones you’ve used and haven’t – for reimbursement purposes.

Transferring Money from Home

If you run out of money or an emergency comes up while you're abroad and you don’t have an ATM or credit card, there are several other options for getting money from home.

Cash or traveler's checks can be wired to you through companies such as Western Union or an American Express office (located in major cities). This service is fast but expensive.

Postal money orders are another option. A family member or friend can buy a money order from a U.S. post office and send it to you. You'll be paid the amount of the money order at your local post office. Postal money orders have the advantage of being inexpensive, but are slow: they take as long to get to you as an airmail letter.

Power of Attorney

Power of attorney is a legal process through which you can assign another person the power to act on your behalf in certain situations. You may find it helpful, particularly if you are on financial aid (to deal with the completion of financial aid transactions in your absence), or to file your State and Federal Income Tax forms if you are away during the spring semester.

There are two ways to assign power of attorney: make an appointment with an attorney to draft the document (this will generally require a fee); or purchase a generic power of attorney form from an office supply store or online, fill it out yourself and have it notarized. Because assigning power of attorney is a serious legal process, we recommend seeking trained legal advice before drafting a power of attorney document.

Should you chose to obtain a Power of Attorney while studying abroad, please notify International Programs, Student Financial Services (if on financial aid), and your study abroad program provider. If you chose to obtain a Power of Attorney while working abroad, please notify your program provider.

Packing

Everyone says it: I took TOO MANY CLOTHES! You are going to have to carry your bags BY YOURSELF, so pack light. The best advice is to pack for variety and flexibility rather than quantity. You can always layer or buy more.

Take casual comfortable clothes that can be washed by hand but that are sturdy enough to stand up to non-US washers/dryers, as the machines and detergents can be very hard on your clothes. Clothes should need minimal care and be appropriate for classes and travel. One nice outfit is usually sufficient. For men this means an oxford shirt, tie, slacks and jacket and for women, a skirt and blouse, dress, or suit.

Also be sure to find out the local customs for dress and pack accordingly. In some cultures, for instance, jeans or shorts and sleeveless shirts may be inappropriate. Remember that you are a guest in your host culture and expected to act respectfully.

In addition to clothing, consider packing the following:

Backpack
Small clothesline and clips
Swiss army knife with corkscrew & bottle opener (But not in your carry-on!)
Washcloth and towel
Prescription Medicine (in original bottles and with proper documentation)
Extra pair of eyeglasses (copy of prescription)
Contacts and Solution
Contraceptives
Basic first aid kit, including general remedies such as Tylenol, aspirin, Pepto Bismol, Imodium
Camera and film or extra memory cards
Foreign language dictionary
Sleeping bag or sheets for youth hostels
Small daypack
Money belt
Travel alarm clock
Small music device (CD or mp3 player)
Rice General Announcements
Rice Directory
Photos of family, friends and hometown
Small gift for host family (regional, American)
Copy of Lonely Planet, Let’s Go, or other travel guide
Passport
International Student ID
Eurail Pass
Youth Hostel Card if planning on staying in hostels
ATM Card
Credit Card

Photocopies of identification documents including your passport, visa, driver's license, credit cards, ATM cards, and ISIC

Toiletries are usually available but you should take enough to last the first couple of weeks. By then you will know which of the local shops stocks what you need. Shampoo, deodorant, hand soap, laundry soap, suntan lotion, notebooks and other stationery items are readily available. Sanitary napkins and/or tampons are available in most locations, but not all brands or styles.