UW-River Falls

Study Abroad Handbook

Section C – Useful Information for Study Tour Coordinators

3.0 Practical Stuff

3.1 Passport
3.2 Checking in at the Airport
3.3 Immigration and Customs
3.4 Communication from Abroad
3.5 Phone Cards, Internet and Postage Stamps

3.1 Passport:
All travelers between countries must have a passport, your official identification as a citizen of the United States issued by the Department of State. It is important to remember that your passport is your most important legal document while traveling overseas.

It is a very good idea to make two copies of your passport (the page with your picture and personal data) in case your passport is ever lost. One copy should be carried separate from your passport and the other can be left with your parents or a friend. If you lose your passport, you will need to speak to the American Citizens Services unit of the Consular Section at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
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3.2 Checking in at the Airport:
You should plan to arrive at the airport at 2-3 hours prior to your departure time for check-in and adequate time for security screening. You will be asked to present your passport and any required visas.
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3.3 Immigration and Customs:
As you enter any country from another country via an international flight (or other means) you have to show your passport and any required visas and proof of immunizations. This usually occurs just after you have left the plane and entered the airport but before you have your luggage. Remember that admission to the country is entirely at the discretion of the immigration officer. It is wise to be polite and to dress neatly. The immigration officer, who determines the length of stay to be authorized and stamped into you passport, will normally ask you about the purpose of your visit and how long you plan to remain in the country. All of this can be unnerving at times, but it is nevertheless generally routine and always required.

After your passport has been stamped, and you have collected your luggage, you must pass through a customs inspection. You will probably receive a customs declaration form to be filled out on your plane (or train). Customs officials will examine this when they look at your luggage. The customs declaration form requires your local address, so do not forget to carry it with you on the plane. Your bags may be very carefully examined, and you may be detained or asked to pay duties if there are any irregularities or violations of customs regulations. You may also be waved through with no special attention whatsoever.

Virtually all countries impose duties (import taxes) on items purchased abroad which exceed a certain value or are restricted in quantity permitted (e.g., tobacco). Items which you bring with you into the host country will be subject to these limitations.

So-called "duty-free" stores are found in most international airports and on-board international flights. Do not be confused by the name. Such stores allow you to purchase certain items (commonly liquor, tobacco, candy and perfume) without paying any country's consumer tax. This often, though not always, means that you can buy these items for less than you would pay in either a typical U.S. or foreign store.
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3.4 Communication from Abroad:
Just some tips:

Have your students call their family/supports at home on a regular basis; lack of contact creates worries and then panicked calls to the Office of International Programs.
If you have a problem, especially if it’s an emergency, call or e-mail the Director of International Programs
Check the time difference before calling to avoid 2 a.m. phone calls. http://www.timeserver.com
Read your e-mails before sending them to be sure they are appropriate. If angry or upset, write, take a walk or have a cup of coffee, then edit.
Before you leave, make a list of important phone numbers and e-mail address.
Rediscover the lost art of letter writing – they are great keepsakes if your friends return them to you.
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3.5 Phone Cards, Internet and Postage Stamps:
It’s definitely recommended to wait to buy calling cards until arriving in your host country because they may be cheaper. Calling cards bought in the United States and used from abroad get only a fraction of the call time that they’re worth. Check these websites for calling cards and rates for calling various countries:

http://www.freemusiccallingcard.com/cognidial.html

http://firstphonecard.com

This database contains listings for verified cyber cafes, public internet access points and kiosks in 168 countries, updated regularly: http://cybercaptive.com

Like currency, each country has a postal system that is unique. Stamps bought in the United States cannot be used to mail letters/postcards/packages from a foreign country, just as foreign stamps cannot be used here in the US. Wait until you arrive in your host country to buy stamps.
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