First Time Traveler

If you are traveling abroad for the first time, please review the suggestions and resources below.

Ask Yourself:

Is it important for you to retain some cultural similarities with the U.S. while abroad? Or are you looking for as different an experience as possible?
What do you need to do before you go abroad specific to travel logistics and coursework?
What information do I need to share with family and friends?

Ask your Global Experiences Coordinator and other program staff:

What support is available to students while abroad?
How do students build plans to communicate with family and friends while abroad?
How do I access the funds in my bank accout while abroad?

Prepare and Research:

Explore options and look into multiple programs that interest you. Speak with students that have studied or interned abroad in places that are of interest to you.
Learn about your destination.
Find out what kind of items you should pack and what kind of items you can purchase there cheaply. Look at packing tips from Northwestern University and what to bring for your health. Research cultural expectations and average temperatures to guide your packing choices.
Plan for how you will communicate with friends and family while you are abroad
Research plane tickets and what type of transportation you will use once you arrive at your location.
Prepare your finances, including funding and using money abroad.

On-Campus Resources:

Meet with a Well-being Coach at Big Red Resilience & Well-being where you can talk about environmental and cultural well-being along with the other seven dimensions of well-being.
Visit Student Money Management.

Additional Resources:

University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center: Airport Check-In, Ready for Takeoff (navigating the airport), and Immigration & Customs.
IES Abroad Financial & Budgeting Resources.
Travel guides, such as Lonely Planet, are great resources, too!

If I have more questions, who should I contact?

Identities Abroad