Checklist

• Apply for a passport or check to see that your current passport will be valid for six months beyond your program end date. Passport processing can take weeks (see current processing times), and you can apply on campus at the International Center.
• Turn in your supplementary application materials to your MU study abroad adviser.
• If you are a senior, obtain a final 30-hour residency requirement waiver (if applicable).
• Meet with a financial aid adviser to make arrangements to use any grants, loans or scholarships toward study abroad.
• Complete your Course Proposal for Study Abroad. Submit the completed form to your study abroad adviser, and be sure to keep a copy for your records.
• Make your flight arrangements.
• Make copies of your passport — carry one with you separately from the original, leave one with a friend or family member and email one to yourself.
• Be sure that your credit or debit cards don’t expire while you’re abroad.
• Make arrangements to take care of your bills while abroad, as well as your income taxes and FAFSA (if applicable).
• Change your mailing address to your permanent address in myZou in order to receive all important mail from MU while you are gone.
• Obtain cash in the currency of your host country (if applicable).

Travel documents

Apply for a passport

If you haven’t already applied for a passport, you should do so immediately. Passport applications can take up to weeks to process (see current processing times). Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end date of your program. You can apply for your passport at the International Center — call 573-882-6007 to make an appointment.

Visa information

A visa is your official permission to enter a specific country and is granted by that country’s government. Determine if a visa is required for your study abroad program — ask your adviser or go to travel.state.gov. For specific information, go to the consular or embassy website for your host country. Applying for a visa can take several weeks, so start the process early. If you plan to travel outside of your host country while you are abroad, be sure to check the entry regulations for any country you plan to visit. Some countries will require that you obtain a visa just to enter the country, regardless of the purpose or length of your visit.

Health insurance

All MU students studying abroad are required to be enrolled in comprehensive international health insurance. You should print off your insurance cards from GeoBlue and AIG Travel Guard before you leave. Carry copies of these cards with you at all times. MU students may only use the MU enrollment code for official MU study abroad programs. You can purchase GeoBlue insurance directly for other international travel. You should never cancel your domestic health insurance while you are abroad, as it may be difficult to resume coverage when you return.

GeoBlue

This policy provides comprehensive sickness and accident insurance and emergency travel medical insurance, including coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains, which is generally not provided by domestic insurance companies. GeoBlue has also identified a network of doctors worldwide who will provide treatment and file claims on your behalf without requiring payment at the time of treatment. Prior to departure for study abroad, GeoBlue assists students in establishing treatment for ongoing medical conditions while abroad (including doctor visits and continuing medications). For more information about the features and benefits of this policy, please see the brochure in your myStudyAbroad account.

Students participating on most MU programs will be automatically enrolled by Mizzou Study Abroad in the GeoBlue plan, and all charges will be billed to your MU student account. After you have been enrolled and have received your insurance card, you should go to the GeoBlue website. Using the certificate number on the front of your card, sign in to the site to obtain detailed information related to the plan, including a doctor locator, city health profiles and translations of medical terms and phrases. Your family can access the same information by logging in to the GeoBlue parent/guardian portal using your insurance ID number and your email address.

AIG Travel Guard

AIG Travel Guard insurance includes political and security evacuation services, transportation after evacuation and real-time security intelligence. More information about the AIG Travel Guard policy and a copy of your student ID card can be found in your myStudyAbroad account.

Pre-departure health care

You should have physical, dental and eye exams to ensure you are healthy before you leave. You should also assemble your complete medical record, including information regarding current medications, any chronic health conditions, allergies, immunization history, blood type, name and contact information of your primary health care provider and copy of your health insurance policy. Store your records in a secure place, make a copy to carry with you and email a copy to yourself as back-up.

Disclosing on-going health issues

Having a pre-existing physical or mental health issue will not jeopardize your acceptance to a study abroad program. Each year, many MU students who have on-going physical or mental health issues successfully study abroad. If you have an on-going health issue, you will work with U.S.-based health care providers to make arrangements for taking medications and continuing treatment abroad. Developing a plan to manage your health before you depart can allow you to seamlessly transfer the care you are receiving in the U.S. to your study abroad destination.

You are asked to disclose any on-going health conditions on the Health Information Form in your myStudyAbroad account. Each form is reviewed by the MU Student Health Center, and the consultant will provide guidance about how best to manage your health condition abroad. The health information you provide will not affect your eligibility to study abroad. The information will be accessed by the MU director and assistant director of international health, safety and security, and may be released to your study abroad program leader(s) or overseas program staff unless you request otherwise.

All MU study abroad participants are required to have comprehensive health insurance coverage while abroad. You should work with your U.S. health care providers and insurance carriers to locate English-speaking providers in the country(s) where you will be studying.

Immunizations

You should make sure all your routine immunizations are up to date. Locate your childhood and adult immunization records and take them with you to your pre-travel physical exam. You can make a travel appointment at the MU Student Health Center to have your immunization record reviewed and receive any immunizations you may need. During this appointment, the health care practitioner will discuss other vaccinations, medications or precautions specific to your destination, including issues like traveler’s diarrhea, malaria, food and water precautions, and insect precautions, as well as your personal medical history. Some immunizations require multiple injections over a period of time, so don’t wait to schedule an appointment. To schedule a travel appointment at the Student Health Center, review the information on its website

Prescription medications

You are responsible for confirming that any prescription and non-prescription medications you take are legal and available in your host country and any other countries where you plan to travel before you depart. For example, some medications for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that are commonly prescribed in the U.S. are neither available nor legal in several other countries, including those in the European Union. The U.S. Department of State recommends that U.S. citizens with questions about the legality of medications in other countries contact the embassy or consulate of that country directly. The CDC also provides guidance about traveling abroad with medicine.

You should plan to bring enough of any prescription and non-prescription medications that are legal in your host country to last for the duration of your program. It is not possible to fill prescriptions written in the U.S. in other countries and it is not legal to mail medications from the U.S. to other countries. All medications should be in their original containers and clearly labeled; do not put them in pill boxes or organizers. Ensure they are labeled with your full name, health care provider’s name, generic and brand, and exact dosage. This allows customs officials or airport security to easily determine that your medications are not illegal substances. Bring copies of all written prescriptions, including the generic names for medicines. Leave a copy of your prescriptions at home with a friend or relative in case you lost your copy or need an emergency refill. Ask your prescribing health care provider for a note if you use controlled substances or injectable medicines, such as EpiPens or insulin.

Contact GeoBlue to find information about the availability of your medication abroad. Contact the Office of International Health, Safety and Security (globalhealthsafety@missouri.edu) for information about the legality of your medication abroad and how to refill or replace it.

Billing and financial aid

Study abroad program costs charged to your MU account will follow the MU Office of Cashiers’ billing cycle. For information about due dates and payment options, see the cashiers’ website.

Using financial aid

If you plan to apply financial aid to the cost of your study abroad program, you will need to request a Financial Planning Worksheet from your study abroad adviser. Your adviser will complete one for you and submit it to the Office of Student Financial Aid. You will then meet with a financial aid adviser to discuss your options. Complete all required forms by the specified deadlines in order to ensure that you will continue to receive financial aid while you are abroad. If you begin this process early enough, it may be possible for the Office of Student Financial Aid to re-evaluate your needs and make you eligible for additional loans or grants based on your cost of attendance abroad.

Money matters

Notify your bank

Contact your bank and credit card company to inform them of your upcoming travel dates and destination(s). Failure to notify your financial institutions could result in your account being frozen or your card shut off to protect you from what they see as potentially fraudulent charges.

Managing your money abroad

Before you go, figure out how much money you will need for incidentals not included in your program fee. Research your host country’s and city’s costs of living and exchange rate. You can check daily exchange rates at Oanda or XE. Determine how you’ll be spending money abroad — consider the costs of entertainment, restaurants and regional travel. Proper planning will ensure you’ll be better prepared for expenses while traveling.

Currency

It is a good idea to take a small amount of host country currency with you when you travel abroad. Most U.S. banks will exchange currency for a small service charge, but you will need to give them advance notice of two or more weeks. Some banks in Columbia will order international currency.

Currency can also be exchanged in most international airports, as well as at most major banks and railroad stations abroad. Avoid exchanging currency at hotels, restaurants or retail shops — the exchange rate tends to be less favorable in these places. Expect to pay a commission every time you exchange currency; in some countries, the commission is based on a percentage of the amount you exchange, while in others there is a flat fee regardless of the amount. Remember you will need your passport as identification each time you exchange money.

Whenever you travel with cash, be sure to keep the money either on your person or in the carry-on that you will store under your seat on the plane. Money and valuables can be easily stolen out of bags that are stored in overhead compartments.

Opening a bank account

For students going abroad for a semester or longer, it may make sense to open a bank account in your host country. Research your options and talk to your study abroad adviser. For students going on short-term programs (e.g., summer or winter break programs), it is not recommended that you open an account in a foreign bank.

Debit/ATM cards

Most students find that using a debit/ATM card to withdraw money while abroad is the most convenient way to access their money. You can use either a dedicated ATM card or a debit card to withdraw money from an ATM abroad. Although your money is in U.S. dollars, the ATM in your host country will give you the local currency. Please remember that exchange rates fluctuate, and the rate applies on the date a purchase or withdrawal clears your bank, not on the date you made the transaction. It is helpful to translate your dollars into the foreign currency in a separate bank book or spreadsheet, and then track all of your withdrawals and purchases in that currency. That way you can estimate how much money you will have left in your account, and you can get the exact amounts when you receive your bank statement or look at it online.

You may want to have a parent or guardian added to your bank account so they can help solve any problems with the account while you are abroad. Additionally, you should consider setting up online banking so you can access your account and check balances from abroad.

You should ensure your particular account is accessible in your host country and know how it will function abroad before you leave so you can plan accordingly. Be sure to ask about any fees that may be associated with foreign transactions and that you have a four-digit PIN that functions internationally. Be warned though, not all ATMs in your host country will accept your card. You should have some other way to access money in case the machine doesn’t take your card. Some banks also have a daily withdrawal limit set on debit/ATM cards to prevent excessive fraudulent withdrawals. It may be possible to increase or decrease this limit depending on your needs — generally, you will want a limit of $350–$500.

Several large banks participate in the Global ATM Alliance, which allows you to use ATMs without paying additional fees. You should check with your bank to find out if and where you might be able to use such ATMs. Some debit cards offer ATM usage abroad with no ATM or conversion fees, or will reimburse your checking account for charges applied by the bank that owns the ATM. Keep in mind that not all merchants abroad accept all brands of debit cards. Generally, students have the most success with Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Also, you are likely to run into merchants who don’t accept debit or credit cards at all — you may want to buy gifts or souvenirs from small shops or bazaars that do not accept them, so it’s a good idea to keep a little cash on hand.

Credit cards

Credit cards can make foreign transactions easy, and they are invaluable in a financial emergency. Take a credit card with you, but use it wisely — it’s easy to overspend. Service fees and interest charges can be costly, and the loss or theft of a credit card can inconvenience you, especially while traveling. You should ensure that your particular card will be accepted in your host country and know how it will function abroad before you leave so you can plan accordingly.

You and your parent or guardian may be interested to know that, at a cardholder’s request, most major lenders will issue an additional card in the name of another person authorized to use the account. If you plan to use someone else’s credit card account, be sure that they request the additional card in time to receive it before you leave and that it uses your name as it appears on your passport. If you choose this method, the line of credit is the same amount as is on the cardholder’s account. The monthly bill will still be sent to the primary cardholder. Additionally, most lenders will issue credit cards to students with a parent or guardian as co-signer, but be aware that these cards often carry a very limited line of credit.

If your card is lost or stolen

Be sure to record your card numbers and the 24/7 phone numbers for all cards you are taking abroad and store them in a safe location. Please note that toll-free numbers are generally not accessible from overseas. This way, you will be able to contact your bank or credit card company to have your card deactivated if it is lost or stolen. You may also want to leave this information with a trusted family member or friend in the U.S. so they could assist if necessary.

Travel preparation

Information about flying

If this if your first international flight or you haven’t traveled in a while, check the TSA website for current baggage guidelines, and check your individual airline’s website for baggage restrictions and fees. It is also important to remember that for international flights you should plan to arrive at the airport at least two to three hours in advance of your boarding time. Check your specific airport’s recommendations. For more tips on flying, see WikiTravel’s tips for flying.

Mizzou technology abroad

Review Mizzou technology abroad for information about multifactor authentication, VPN and eduroam internet access.

Register your travel with the U.S. Department of State

If you are a U.S. citizen, you should register your trip with the U.S. Department of State Traveler Enrollment Program. This travel registration makes it possible for you to be contacted in case of an emergency in the U.S. or in your host country. Mizzou Study Abroad and some MU divisions will register you automatically for the duration of your study abroad program. If you are unsure if you will be registered in STEP, please check with your program coordinator. Additionally, if you will be traveling independently before, during or after your program, you should register that travel online. Through this free service, your family can pass an emergency message to you through the Office of Overseas Citizens Services by calling 888-407-4747 (from the U.S.) or +1 202-501-4444 (from abroad). In accordance with the Privacy Act, the Department of State cannot release your information without your express consent. Go to usembassy.gov to locate the nearest embassy or consulate.

Registering personal travel in myStudyAbroad

Your myStudyAbroad application should include a date-specific itinerary for your program. You are also required to register any additional side trips you choose to take before, during or after your program – including personal travel. The university uses this information to quickly locate students in case of emergency.

• To register a trip, select the “add a side trip” button in the itinerary panel of your application.
• Internet access is not always available when traveling. Register your planned travel in advance whenever possible.

International Student Identification Card

ISIC is an internationally-accepted student ID card and proof of current student status. The card also offers more than 150,000 discounts in 130 countries, cell phone and calling card packages, limited insurance coverage and an emergency help line. You are not required to obtain this card for your study abroad program, but it may come in handy while traveling. Cards cost $4–$25 (depending on country of issue) and you must present proof of full-time student status at the time of purchase. If interested, you can purchase an ISIC online.

Take cash with you

Plan to have the currency of your host country on hand when you step off the plane. It is good to have cash with you in case your debit or credit card doesn’t work or you don’t have access to an ATM right away.

Communicate your arrival

Before you leave the U.S., establish a communication plan and let your family know that you will contact them within the first few hours of your arrival in your host country. It is important to let them know that you might not be able to contact them immediately because you will need time to settle into your accommodations and determine where you can use the phone or internet. Once you have the opportunity, call or email your family and friends with a short message saying you have arrived and are safe. If you forget or wait too long, you may cause unnecessary worry or stress.

Make flight arrangements

You are responsible for arranging and purchasing your own airfare once you have been accepted into your study abroad program. If you are going on an affiliated program, check with your program provider as they may have a group flight option that you can take advantage of.

Schedule your initial flight to arrive in the morning or early afternoon in your host country. Remember that arrival procedures, including customs, can take time. By arriving earlier in the day, you will give yourself enough time to find food and accommodations or to get to your final destination before it gets dark and shops close for the day. A couple of websites that can be useful when booking flights for study abroad are STA Travel and Student Universe. STA Travel has a “book now, pay later” option that allows you to secure a plane ticket for $49–$300. If you have difficulty paying for your flight due to the timing of the disbursement of your financial aid, contact an adviser in the MU Office of Student Financial Aid.

Packing

Figuring out what to pack for study abroad can be a challenge. It will help to know the customary dress of your host country. What is appropriate to wear? Are pants or shorts worn? On what occasions? Do people wear jeans? You should also prepare for the weather of your host country. Will it rain often? Does it snow? It can also be nice to bring a few small mementos from home, such as photos or favorite music, for moments of homesickness and to share with your new friends or host family.

You will want to pack lightly. At the end of your adventure you will need to bring everything back with you, plus all the things you’ve collected while abroad. Resist the temptation to buy lots of new clothes before you leave; save your money to try out some of the new styles in your host country — you may feel more comfortable if you are able to blend in with the locals a little. You should also remember that you will be responsible for carrying your luggage through the airport, on trains and buses, etc. Some sort of backpack suitcase will make it much easier to get around than trying to lug a cumbersome duffel bag or rolling suitcase. Keep things simple to save yourself stress later.

Attach a luggage tag with your contact information to each of your bags — both checked and carry on — in case you lose them. Be sure your contact information is covered as someone may see your name on a luggage tag and take advantage of the situation. You should also include your contact information inside each bag in case your luggage tag is lost or detached.

Suggested packing list

Carry-on luggage

• Passport and state driver’s license or ID
• Airline ticket(s) and itinerary
• U.S. and foreign currency (preferably in a money pouch or belt)
• Credit and debit/ATM cards
• Copies of important travel documents and emergency contact information (always carry an emergency card containing important emergency phone numbers, including the number of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and your insurance cards)
• Prescription medications in their original containers
• Camera, memory cards/film
• Laptop and any small electronic devices
• Chargers or extra batteries
• Extra change of clothes and undergarments
• Wash cloth and soap in a travel case or travel wipes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Contact lenses and solution, glasses
• Earplugs
• Books/magazines
• Snacks, gum or mints
• Watch

Checked luggage

• Extra copies of important travel documents and emergency contact information
• Seasonally and culturally appropriate clothes that can be mixed and matched and layered
• Undergarments, shoes and accessories
• Jacket or coat appropriate for host country climate
• Flip flops for the shower
• Swimsuit, beach towel and sunscreen
• Toiletries
• Feminine hygiene products (certain types may not be available in your host country)
• First-aid kit (including over-the-counter pain reliever and motion sickness and anti-diarrheal medications)
• Extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses
• Small umbrella, poncho or rain coat
• Insect repellant
• Battery operated alarm clock
• Contraceptives (if applicable)
• Music/photographs
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Small bag for weekend travel
• Power converter/adapter
• Sunglasses
• Combination or key locks (to secure luggage in accommodations, if necessary)
• Travel guides and language phrase book
• Diary or journal
• Small flashlight

Voting while abroad

You have the right to vote while abroad via absentee ballot. You must complete and send the federal postcard to your local election office prior to traveling abroad. For more information, see the Department of State’s voting abroad guide

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