Flights:
Most programs will require you to purchase your round-trip airfare independently.
Hamline Faculty Led programs tend to book group flights from Minneapolis to help offset the costs of studying away.
If you need to purchase airfare, make sure you are accepted into the program and accepted by Hamline before your purchase the flight. The Global Engagement Center also recommends purchasing travel insurance on your flight - not mandatory, but highly recommended.
There are sites online that assist students in finding low cost airfare. Some of these include (but are not limited to):
Lodging before/after programs:
Youth hostels are a great way to save on safe and clean places to stay. Make sure to read the reviews to make sure you find the best fit for your travel needs.
Hostels not your thing? Then try discount sites like Hotels.com to find cheaper prices for hotels worldwide.
- Hotels.com
- Expedia, Travelocity, Kayak and more also have hotel services worldwide.
If you do plan on extending your adventures abroad or travel during your free time, make sure to budget lodging, food, transportation and other costs. See Money Management for budget templates and online cost of living estimators.
Travel International:
Depending on your program there might be a daily commute to your school or you want to explore other places while abroad. Make sure to utilize international student discount rates for all kinds of travel!
For example:
In Europe: Eurail passes, Ryanair, and more
In Japan: Rail Pass, Skymark Airlines, overnight buses, and more
Do some research on your destination and discounts on getting around. Check out blogs like:
Remember to be realistic with your time and budget on how much do or see. Make sure to take time and enjoy some relaxing time abroad as well!
STEP Program
The US State Department has put together important information specifically for students going abroad. Please take a moment to browse the Students Abroad site to read up on information ranging from what kinds of travel documents you will need to how to stay health to driving abroad and much more!
Don't forget to register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so they may reach you in the event of an emergency in the country you are visiting.
If you are going on a Hamline faculty led program, the GEC will enroll you prior to departure.
Medications & Vaccines
It is always a good idea to consult with your doctor before going abroad. Hamline University also strongly recommends that all students going abroad complete a travel medicine consultation prior to departure.
To schedule a consultation, Hamline has a partnership with the Health Partners Travel Clinic; Health Partners has two sites with travel specialties in the metro area - one just off of Phalen Boulevard in Saint Paul and one in St. Louis Park. The telephone number to make an appointment at Health Partners location is 952-967-7978.
Though Health Partners is recommended for travel medicine consultation, students may also visit an International Travel Health Facility approved by the State of MN . The Ramsey County Department of Public Health also provides travel consultations.
Check the Center for Disease Control and the US Department of State’s websites for official recommendations on vaccines and health related tips for international travel.
If you need to bring prescription medicine into another country, please plan ahead and work with your local doctor and insurance company.
- Check country laws and limits on prescription drugs.
- Obtain dose and prescription information from your doctor in a signed letter–keep the medications in their ORIGINAL bottles.
- Check with your program official or the GEC if you need special accommodations or assistance with your prescriptions.
- ALWAYS have your medications (and documents) in your carry on bag.
Communication Abroad:
You might not always have internet access while abroad. There, we said it. That is part of the adventure!
Make sure that you check your phone’s international plan/ability. Sometimes it might be cheaper and easier to get an international SIM card or a pre-pay phone when you arrive.
You can also use free apps that use wireless signals to text, call, and video chat (telegram, kik, whatsapp, groupme, wechat).
If you need to communicate with family while abroad, come up with a plan on how frequent and what times (keep in mind timezone changes) work.
Research YOUR destination:
Don’t go into international travel without doing a bit of research on things like weather, basic country information and things to do while there.
These links can be helpful to browse:
- StudentsAbroad.com - handbooks and good info for many countries
- Travel.State.Gov - US Dept of State’s site with information on entry documents, vaccines, and country history.
- Weather: Know what to pack with average temps and other items to bring.
- International News: CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera (in English) options keep you and your family in the know about current happenings in your new home country.
Money Management:
Cash, check, or plastic? How do locals use money in your destination?
Understanding how to use money in your host location is critical to know- that can help you plan ahead for shopping abroad!
Card Based:
- Bring an ATM card, and a few credit cards.
- Other Tips: Europe
- Visa “TravelMoney” (check with your bank for availability)
Cash Based:
- Exchange USD for currency ahead of time at your bank, or at the airport.
- Use ATMs for getting cash in country
- Don’t be a dinosaur! Traveler’s Checks are still options at most banks, but are no longer accepted widely or easily.
Always have emergency funds in the form of cash and/or a credit card. Don’t place all your money in one place- spread out the money in different bags and place. Use hotel safes to lock up large amounts of money.
Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel- you can submit a travel itinerary with most companies online.
Budget like a BOSS!
Knowing your spending limits and sticking to a budget will help you to enjoy your full program. We don’t want you eating PB&J for the last week of your program!
Set up an appointment with the GEC to go over study away budgets and to get a better estimate on how much your TOTAL cost is for going and being abroad.
Airports and Beyond:
Is this your first time going international? Even if it is not, TSA and immigration can be a bit stressful. Here are some tips to consider when packing and heading to the airport:
Knowing the TSA Information for items that are allowed or prohibited is key for getting through in a timely manner.
- Want a faster TSA experience? There are paid services to help expedite the process like Global Entry or Pre-Check.
First Time Video - from a blogger that walks you through US security, airports, and much more.
Search around YouTube for other videos or blog posts to help easy any anxiety about international travel.
Carry On Vs Checked Bags:
Carry On
|
Checked
|
Passport and travel documents Copies of plane itinerary Address of hotel/program location Medications & medical documents Travel size liquids (3-1-1 TSA policy) Computer/cell phone Clothes (change of clothes) Charger/external battery packs
|
Clothes Larger liquids Larger items like hair dryer (if needed)
|
Always make sure to label your bags with your contact information. Also, a lot of bags are black, add something distinctive to your luggage like a colored luggage tag or ribbon for easy visibility.
SAMPLE Packing List
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Customs:
It is a good idea to have a folder with you that contains all your important documents and have it handy when getting into any line for security or customs. Have you passport ready to hand over at the counter or when asked.
ALWAYS be polite and answer questions of the customs officials. It is ok to take a minute once off the plane to refresh and then head to the customs area- it can be a bit of a wait in certain airports.
Important Documents include (but not limited to):
- Passport (consider keeping a copy in another bag or online for easy access)
- Visa or travel documents (Letter of invitation/program information)
- Plane itinerary
- Contact info for home, program officials, GEC
- Insurance information/Medication documents