Walnut Creek, CA (ContentDesk) August 17, 2005 — For most students, back to school means buying a new backpack and No. 2 pencils, and getting the laptop computer ready. But for students studying outside their home country, the preparation is much more challenging. Aside from studying a new language and learning new customs, both U.S. students studying abroad and international students coming to the United States must plan for the duration of their trip whether it’s a semester or a year.

Here are a few pre-departure tips for making the study abroad experience easier:Back up your important records. Make three photocopies of your passport, visa and other important documents, such as Travelers Checks. Leave a copy at home, keep one and provide one to your study-abroad leaders. Having copies of these documents will expedite replacement if the originals are lost or stolen.Purchase international student health insurance. Every year, thousands of students studying outside their home country require emergency medical treatment and are unprepared for the high costs involved.

Study USA-HealthCare meet most program requirements while offering comprehensive coverage. Purchase pre-paid phone cards or an international cell phone to make calling home simple and less expensive. Remember to pack an up-to-date address book and include all important phone numbers for family and friends, as well as physicians, the number for your own embassy and contacts at your college or university.Prepare your finances. This requires more than just budgeting for your stay. Make sure you take enough cash to exchange when you arrive taking into account incidentals.

Pages: 1 2