Travel Resources
General Travel Resources
- Smartphones Abroad
It is strongly recommended that you bring a smartphone capable of international calling and data (some programs require you to bring a smartphone) in the event of an emergency. Please consider the following information:
- Unlocking a Smartphone & Using a Local SIM
- International Plans Through US-Based Carriers
- Purchase a Phone & Plan Abroad
- Check with professors or program coordinator to confirm what technology you should bring
- Suggested Apps
- WhatsApp (needs to be downloaded before you leave)
- FaceTime & iMessage (Apple Users)
- GroupME
- Tripit
- Subway Map Apps (search App or Play store for whichever city you're going to)
- Google Maps
- XE Currency
- Google Translate
- Duolingo
- Purchasing a Plane Ticket
For students, before purchasing a ticket for your program abroad, you must have confirmation from CEHS Global Office. Check all details about your program before booking your flight. Keep in that check-in and/or immigration lines can be up to 4 hours in some locations, it is best to do research before purchase. It would not hurt to look into TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
- Online Search Engines
- Consider using a search engine to find the cheapest date/time to fly and then go to the airline's own website to book the actual tickets.
- Many times airlines will match or beat other prices listed online and the service/security you receive with the purchase is better when purchasing directly from the airline.
- Sign up for price drop notifications on some travel booking websites which alert you when a fare for your chosen destination drops below a specified threshold.
- Search engines include but are not limited to:
- Skiplagged
- Agoda
- Momondo
- Skyscanner
- Google Flights
- Priceline
- Travelocity
Passport & Visa Information
All OSU faculty, staff and students going abroad are required to obtain the mandatory travel documents (such as a passport and/or visa) for the international experience.
- What is a Passport?
A passport is a travel document that identifies you and authorizes you to travel locally and more importantly, internationally. Passports are issued by your national government stating your identity and nationality. Almost all international travel requires you to have and carry a passport. For United States citizens, passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State and have several uses:
- When presented abroad, it is a request to foreign governments to permit you to travel or temporarily reside in their territories and access all lawful local aid and protection.
- It allows you access to US Consular services and assistance while abroad.
- It allows you to re-enter the United States upon your return
A passport must be valid for at least 6 months after re-entry to the United States.
- How do I apply or renew my passport?
Keep in mind
Passport processing times are:
- Routine: 10 - 13 weeks (mailing time additional 4 weeks)
- Expedited 7 - 9 weeks (additional cost of $60)
- What is a Visa?
A visa is an official document or stamp in your passport authorizing you to travel, work, or study in another country for a specified length of time. Some visa you will obtain upon arrival, others you will need to apply for prior to departure. Check with your faculty leader or international office on visa requirements.
Keep in mind:
- The requirements to obtain a visa depend on country, type, duration, and nationality of the applicant. Please make sure you review the requirement (vaccinations, bank statements, health physical could be requirements that need to be done in advance).
- Visa processing time can vary greatly. It's important to start early.
- Being granted a visa is a privilege, not a right. A consular officer may deny your visa application, so it is best to adhere to their requirements.
Customs & Immigration
When you arrive in a country different from the one your plane departed from, you will need to go through immigration even if your flight is connecting through that country. Each country has their own agency that oversees this process. Check all details about your program before booking your flight. Keep in that check-in and/or immigration lines can be up to 4 hours in some locations, it is best to do research before purchase.
- Immigration Arrival
When you exit the plane and enter the immigration area passengers are split into two sections: nationals and visitors. Depending on the country you are entering, there may be another line for specific groups such as EU Citizens. Do not use your cell phone or camera in the immigration area.
Immigration Steps:
- When it is your turn to speak with the immigration officer, hand them your passport and any other required passenger travel documents.
- They may ask you some questions such as what the nature of your visit is, how long you plan on staying, and where will you be staying. There may be additional questions that are asked.
- The immigration officer will stamp your passport once you are approved and granted admission, some countries have with gone stamps.
- Customs: Return
After you go through immigration and collect your baggage, you will need to proceed through the customs area before you can exit. Customs is the area where you declare any items brought into the country. Items that are usually banned include: fresh fruit or other plants and soils, animal products, and others.
- Complete customs form on the plane before arrival
- Declare any goods you have with you that might have restrictions or were purchased in your host country when returning to the US
- Present your form to customs officials and answer any questions they have
- Each country and airport have varying processes for going through customs. Review the country specific information before departure.
You can find additional information on the U.S. Department of State website.
General Tips
- General Tips
- Check the CDC Travelers' Health website for required and encourage vaccinations.
- Do not bring expensive jewelry or other valuable items.
- Clearly identify ALL luggage inside and out with your name and destination.
- Check airline regulations for weight, size and number of bags– best practices take one carry-on and one checked bags. Room space will usually be limited.
- Some prescription medications are illegal in certain countries. Check the CDC website for more information.
- Items with heating elements such as hair dryers and curling/flat irons do not convert well to other voltages abroad. Advise not to bring and/or buy there.
- Items such as deodorant and feminine products may not be available in your host country. It is best to bring them with you.
- Leave extra space in your bags for things you will want to bring home.
- Pack a change of clothes, important documents (passport, visa, etc.) and any prescription drugs you might need in your carry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost.
- Keep a copy of your passport in a different place than your actual passport. Also leave a copy at home and send a scanned version to your email address to ensure a quick handling on-site / at the local embassy or consulate in case your passport gets lost or stolen.
- Check with your cell phone provider on international plans available for you while abroad. Or look to see additional plans abroad (like purchasing a sim card in country).
- Make sure your bank allows you to make payments abroad with your credit card and that you know your PIN code necessary for ATM withdrawals.
- Exchanging money abroad can be tricky in some locations, utilize the ATM/Exchange Desk at the airport if you are unsure where the next ATM/Exchange Desk. It is best to have a mixture of both small and big bills.
- Keep a list of phone numbers to cancel credit cards in case of loss or theft.
- Check out the weather forecasts for your travel destinations (e.g. https://weather.com) to decide on appropriate clothing.
- Take clothes that are easily washed, dry quickly, and require minimal ironing.
- Work around a basic scheme of mixing, matching, and layering.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes.
- On the Airplane
- Depending on location you could be on the plane for a long time. Wear comfortable, loosely fitting clothes and dress in layers to accommodate changes in the temperature as you travel. Bring one set of clothing in your carry-on luggage in case your check-in luggage gets delayed or lost.
- Please read the TSA Guidelines before packing your luggage so that you will know what you are allowed to bring with you on the airplane in your hand luggage and what is allowed in your checked luggage.
Packing List
This packing list may or may not reflect what you need to bring to our specific program, Please check with your faculty leader or CEHS International Office on what is necessary. This is just to help you start thinking of what to bring. It is important to take into considerations the season(s) you'll be traveling (specific to the location).
- Basics
Travel Documents:
- Passport + Copy
- Visa + Copy
- Driver's License Copy
- Insurance + Copy
- Emergency Contact Info.
- Airline Tickets
- Itinerary
Funds:
- Wallet
- $100 Cash (Local Currency)
- Credit Card
- ATM (Debit) Card
Technology:
- Voltage Adapter/Converter
- Cell Phone + Charger
- Laptop + Charger
- Camera + Charger
- Music Player + Charger
- Headphones
Travel Gear:
- Water Bottle
- Snacks
- Travel Pillow + Blanket
- Sleeping Mask
- Ear Plugs
- Travel Lock & Keys
- Luggage Tags
- Hand Sanitizer
- Sewing Kit
- Money Belt
- Journal
- Umbrella
- Hospitality Gifts
- Map/Guide of Host Country
- Clothing
Essentials:
- Underwear/Bras
- Socks
- Pajamas
Casual:
- Athletic Wear
- Swimsuit
- T-Shirts
- Long Sleeve T-Shirts
- Jeans
- Shorts
Dressy:
- Blouses
- Sweaters
- Slacks
- Skirts
- Dresses
Outerwear:
- Light Jacket
- Coats
- Raincoats
- Hats
- Gloves Scarves
Footwear:
- Sandals
- Athletic Shoes
- Flats/Loafers
- Dress Shoes
- Boots
Accessories:
- Backpack
- Purse
- Belt
- Watch
- Jewelry
- Sunglasses
- Hygiene
Shower:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Face Wash
- Shaving Cream
- Razors
- Washcloth
Dental:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
Hair/Makeup:
- Brush/Comb
- Hair Products
- Hair Bands/Pins
- Makeup
- Makeup Remover
Medicine:
- First Aid Kit
- Prescription Medication
Misc:
- Lotion
- Lip Balm
- Sunscreen
- Extra Contact Lenses + Solution
- Glasses
- Perfume
- Deodorant
- Lint Roller
- Feminine Products
- Pocket Translator/Dictionary
- Student ID and/or ISIC Card