Tips for Students Traveling Abroad

This month, many college students will board a flight to a new educational adventure when they study abroad for a few weeks or even for an entire semester.

According to NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the number of U.S. students studying abroad for credit during the 2015-2016 academic year grew 3.8 percent from 313,415 students to 325,339 students.

Whether you or your child will be studying abroad this semester or you are waiting for the chance to do it over the summer, here are some tips from travel experts on how to maximize your opportunity and, of course, stay safe and healthy.

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It's great to connect with other Americans while abroad, but Tiffany Harrison, U.S. Marketing Manager at STA Travel, said that sticking with familiar people and places defeats the purpose of studying abroad, which is learning and living a different culture.

“Check out the smaller, locally-owned shops and restaurants for an authentic (an oftentimes cheaper) experience that offers the opportunity to interact with locals,” she said.

Determine which activities, restaurants and destinations are the can't-miss experiences while you are there.

“After doing research to calculate how much those experiences will cost, it's easier to budget the remaining money and know how to spend throughout the rest of your study abroad experience,” said Harrison.

If you want to fly to other nearby destinations during your study abroad experience, now is the time to monitor these airfares.

“Set flight alerts for those top destinations as early as possible and take advantage of student discounts for the best possible deal,” Harrison said.

Of course, having fun and traveling is a big part of studying abroad, but it’s important that you stay safe and healthy too.

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“Dealing with another country’s unique customs and traditions may not be the same as what you are used to in your home country,” said Pete Canavan, a university public safety authority and the author of The Ultimate Guide to College Safety. “Misunderstandings can and do occur. Some may be innocuous, while others may be purposely hostile and represent a direct threat to your personal safety.”

Doing a bit of research on the country you are visiting is extremely helpful. For example, Canavan said that you should know the equivalent of 911 in the country you are visiting.

“Also, know the phone number and address of your local embassy or consulate,” he added. “Be aware of any specific health challenges that could exist in the country you are visiting and receive any special immunizations. Be aware of any travel alerts or travel warnings related to the region or country you intend to visit by visiting this website."

Do you need to carry a particular medication for your allergies or other medical condition? Be careful because packing it in your carryon may cause you more trouble than you think.

“Some medications may not be legal in the country you are visiting, so do the smart thing and plan ahead,” said Canavan. “If you take any medications and will be traveling with them, get a note from your doctor that says what the medicine is and what it is for, the dosage and the prescription duration.”

If your college does not offer health insurance that covers you while you travel abroad, look into travel insurance.

“Many domestic health insurance plans cannot be used overseas, requiring you to purchase travel health insurance,” said Canavan. “Having it can be a literal life-saver if you have to get medical treatment overseas.”

READ MORE: 5 Ways to Save on Travel Insurance

When it comes to your personal safety, Canavan said that some protections in the United States do not exist in other countries.

“Do not assume that buildings in other countries have fire alarms, fire escapes or fire departments that are as capable as those you are used to,” he said. “Some may be better, but some may be worse or non-existent. Once you leave your comfort zone and have to deal with new cultures and ways of doing things, you are at a distinct disadvantage to those who live and work in the area.”

While you may want to bring home a suitcase full of souvenirs to document your trip, Harrison suggests skipping the tchotchkes and investing in experiences instead: “Those will make for the best photos, a souvenir that lasts longer and feels more personal."

Finally, Harrison said to be prepared for your study abroad plans to change by investing in travel insurance or flights with a date change pass: “These are great ways to add more flexibility and freedom because, really, the best travel stories come from those unexpected twists and turns."

Here are some sights to register with or visit before you go. Consider registering with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to get travel updates on your destination; the Centers for Disease Control website,which provides important health information, and the TSA website (https://www.tsa.gov/).