Before hopping on the plane, make sure you have all the essentials: passport, visa, and plane ticket. But don’t forget to throw these items in your carry-on.
In the days of e-mail, Facebook, Skype, and MSN, is a phone card really necessary? Well, when mom wants you to call her the second you get off the plane, that phone card will definitely come in handy.
You won’t regret having a little yen in your pocket just in case. There’s no reason to stand in line at the ATM while you could be hailing a taxi.
Starbucks you say? That’s right.
You don’t want to miss out those first few days because of jet lag, so guarantee yourself a caffeine jolt in the morning courtesy of your Starbucks gift card.
The U.S. is one of the few places in the world that serves cold drinks. That’s right, say goodbye to frappuccinos and Coke with ice, and say hello to hot tea and room-temp, carbonated Pellegrino.
Studying abroad isn’t going to be a breeze the whole time. Brace yourself for a few language slip-ups, look forward to some missed trains, and expect to meet a few U.S. policy bashers. But take it all with a grain of salt. It’s all part of the experience.
Parlez-vous Francais? No? Wo ist die Toilette? Having a book with essential phrases will make your international travel a lot easier.
We’re not talking your grandma’s travel books. Watch Kuro-Obi on DVD to get a feel for Japan. Discover Sweden in Per Wästberg’s romantic Stockholm novels. Or get downloads about hot travel spots, tasty restaurants, and must-see entertainment from iTunes.
Even if studying abroad doesn’t cost more than studying at home, you’re still in college, and you’re poor. Stretch your money with a study abroad discount card that saves you money worldwide. So whether you’re in line for the Tower of London or the Taj Majal, bust out the discount card to keep some money in your pocket.
Study abroad is your chance to get a literal taste of the world, but let’s face it: there’s a big chance you might chomp into something gross. To avoid an international incident at the dinner table, keep a straight face—a skill polished by all those rounds of Texas hold ’em—in the presence of the locals.
Are all three parkas necessary? Do you really need seven pairs of Converse shoes? Are you seriously going to play your PS3 in Costa Rica? Cut your packing list down as much as you can. You’ll appreciate the smaller suitcase when you step onto the not-so-smooth European sidewalks.
