Before and During Your Flight

Gather all of the information and documents you might need while you are overseas. When possible, also leave a copy at home for your family and friends.

• Contact information for:
  • Yourself (street address and cell phone number)
  • On-site resident director
  • Home office of program provider or host university study abroad office
  • U.S. State Department Office of Overseas Citizen Services
  • Citizen assistance section of the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest your student’s program site

• Insurance policy number and how to submit claims (Purdue insurance or insurance from the program provider)
• Emergency and communication plan
• Your U.S. bank account, and credit card numbers and contact info in case of loss
• Your passport number
• Duplicate lost passport kit (in case your passport is lost or stolen) containing:
  • Two passport photos
  • Official copy of your birth certificate
  • Copy of your passport information and visa pages
• Name of local physician—if you require medical supervision while overseas
• Personal Emergency Action Plan—plan what you will do in case of an emergency!

Consider purchasing the latest issue of a travel guide in print or an electronic version: Let’s Go, Lonely Planet, Rough Guide,  Insight Guide, or any other travel guides that appeal to you. These books give lots of practical info, useful phrases, even a brief history of your host country, plus some customs and traditions you need to be aware of. 

If you’d rather not carry books, you could instead download electronic versions on your e-reader, tablet, or laptop.

Baggage allowance for international travel can vary based on your ticket type and exact airline - always check allowances and costs before purchasing a ticket. Generally, international travelers are allowed at least one free bag (sometimes two), but not always. Many low-cost or "budget" airlines may not include baggage, or the "basic economy" or no-frills tickets even on major airlines may not include baggage. 

The fees for bringing an extra or overweight bag are hefty, and you want to ensure you can manage whatever luggage you bring with you on your own. Invest in some well-made, lightweight luggage for the time you are studying abroad. Here are a few other things to remember:

• Label your luggage on both the outside and the inside with your name, address, and destination. If you do not know your overseas address, give the program or university address.
• Take a photo of your packed luggage in case of damage or delays.
• In your carry-on bag, pack only essentials (passport, prescriptions, personal hygiene items, a change of clothes) and valuable items (computer, camera, jewelry, tickets, arrival instructions, and other important documents). Pack everything else in your checked bags.
• Make your bag easier to spot on the luggage belt. Attach a bright luggage tag or ribbon to your luggage handle or stick a distinctive sticker on the side of your bag, so it will be easy to distinguish from similar bags on the airport conveyor belt. Just make sure it's not something that will get caught and ripped off. 
• Suitcases could be searched by TSA agents. You can secure your bags with  locks that are TSA-approved, but consider taking other locks with you so you can secure your bags when you arrive at your destination or at hostels, which often provide lockers but no locks.
• If you'll be taking most of your belongings in a duffel bag or backpack, you should have at least one bag that can be locked so you can use it for your valuables.
• If you plan to do a lot of traveling, make your carry-on a backpack that you can also use for school and your weekend travels OR a bag that you can use for overnight trips. Budget carriers will allow passengers to bring only a small bag onboard and a checked bag can be very expensive.
  • Your backpack should be light, durable, and comfortable; you’ll be using it a lot!
  • If purchasing a larger backpack, try it on and adjust the straps, pads, and internal frame. Make sure the pack fits you correctly.
• Pickpockets are prevalent in many major cities. Take a small but durable and secure bag with you for your weekend travels. You can use a daypack, sling bag, or cross-body bag for daily outings while you leave the large backpack in a locker at your hostel or the local train station. Tote bags with an open top are not secure, and we don't recommend keeping anything in your back pocket, either! 

The key to packing for your time abroad is to pack light. Since you will be carrying your own luggage during the trip, often for long stretches in airports, bus and train stations, and from the station to your residence hall or apartment, you must pack sensibly.

Additionally, try not to fully pack your luggage. You can expect that you'll make a few purchases (souvenirs, new clothes, etc.) while you're abroad- so you'll likely need extra space when your study abroad wraps up.

Here’s what we suggest: Pack what you plan to take, then walk around the block or go up and down a few flights of stairs. If you can't make it, you've over packed! The lighter your bags, the better! 

Remember - you will be able to buy items when you are there if you've forgotten something, so don't stress too much about packing perfectly and focus on making sure you have the items you can't as easily replace or will need immediately - passport, prescription medications, medical devices, glasses, phone chargers, laptop, etc..

With limited luggage and a whole semester ahead, deciding which clothes and shoes to bring overseas is big deal. Our suggestions:

• You DO NOT have to pack whole term’s worth of clothes. Pack about two week’s worth and do laundry. Chances are you will also go shopping for new clothes while you are there.
• Choose clothing and accessories that can be mixed and matched, allowing you to create a variety of outfits while carrying a minimum number of items. In some countries students may dress nicer for class, so pack items you can dress up or down.
• In many countries, dryers are not common and laundromats may not be easily available. Don’t bring clothes that need to be dry-cleaned or ironed.
• Some countries may be humid and clothes will take longer to dry. Clothes made with tencel, microfiber, jersey knit, microfleece, microsuede, or other modern fabrics are great for traveling because they are light and easy to care for. Denim jeans and cotton sweatshirts and are comparatively heavy and bulky, dry slowly, and do not wick sweat away from your body.
• Pack dark-colored pants or bottoms so dirt won’t show easily.
• Consider packing clothes in space or compression bags to reduce the bulk. Fleece pullovers and winter coats can take up a lot of space.
• If you are going to a cold place, the key to staying warm is to layer your clothing. Rather than packing bulky or heavy items, take a few lighter items that can be worn together.
• If you plan to do some vacation travel while overseas, especially staying in hostels, consider investing in a quick-dry travel towel.
• Leave expensive and dearly loved items at home. You shouldn’t pack anything you can’t afford to lose.
• You don’t have to pack absolutely everything! Some items (like bed linens, towels, and toiletries) are best purchased overseas or may be provided for you. 
• If you can’t do without your regular hair products or make-up bag, bring only the basics. The last thing you need is a ton of cosmetics and grooming products weighing you down as you travel.
• Invest in good footwear. You will do a lot of walking on campus, within your host city, and while traveling. Aching, blistered feet are a nightmare while abroad! Pack band aids and blister relief just in case.
• Consider the climate and your priorities, both for clothes and shoes. Nothing is worse than filling up half your bag with bulky items you don’t end up using, but that worn-in comfortable pair of hiking boots may be worth the space if you plan on lots of hiking.
• if you don't wear it here, you're probably not going to like it abroad either
• pack one outfit that can be used for more formal occasions if needed, more than this is usually not necessary unless you are participating in an internship with a formal dress code (this may not be necessary on shorter programs where you have strict itineraries and nothing requires this)
• Check that anything that plugs into the wall can handle the different voltage overseas before packing - don't waste space on things that won't work there anyway

Most students will book your flight independently, unless you are participating on a departmental program that arranges a group flight. To get the best price, you can compare the cost of fares since they vary between airlines. To compare prices, you can check out many different travel sites, though these three are a good starting point for students:

• Google Flights
• Student Universe
• ScholarTrip

If you find a fare you like on one of these sites, also go directly to the airline's own website to see if the price is the same there. Some airlines offer discounted student fare for flights. You can look for an option to select you are a student when booking online; sometimes lower student fares are available, but not always. 

Typically, booking directly with an airline will give you the best customer service and options should anything go wrong. However, sometimes other sites such as Student Universe may make the most sense for you - always weigh your options. Student-focused websites may also offer deposit programs, where you can book your flight now for a deposit and pay the remainder of the cost closer to your departure date once you are more likely to have access to any financial aid funding you may receive. 

Don’t focus solely on the cheapest airfare. Pay attention to layover time between connecting flights, how many connections, and your arrival time at your final destination. Choose flights with reasonable layover times to avoid missing connecting flights if there is a delay.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid layovers of less than two hours. Traveling overseas can be exhausting and bewildering, so the fewer connections you have to make, the better off you are. If a nonstop flight costs just a little bit more than another that has several connections, opt for the former. The additional price will be worth it.

If you live within driving distance of multiple airports, you may also look at routes from various departure airports to see which offers the best options.

Did you know you can even start your journey here at Purdue's own airport? This is a great option if the best route takes you through Chicago, as flights from Purdue will go first to Chicago, which has many connections around the world. 

Always refer to the arrival directions or information provided by your program before booking a flight. This will tell you if there is a specific date or time you must arrive by, and if housing is arranged by the program, when you are allowed to check in.

Booking a flight too early may result in arriving before your housing is ready or too late to join the required orientation. Purdue is not responsible for additional costs or change fees associated with changing your ticket if you book this without consulting your arrival details. 

Unless directed otherwise, it is better to arrive at your destination on a weekday and during work hours. You are expected to be at your program site before the program begins or in time to participate in an orientation. If you are arriving before the recommended arrival date, note your program accommodations may not be available yet and you may need to book accommodations for extra days. In an emergency, you can call the onsite program or study abroad office at your host institution and are likely to reach someone who is in a position to help you.

Some visas do not allow you to arrive early, or have specific guidelines on when you can enter the country and when you must leave by - you should also understand this before booking your flight.

When you've booked your flights, complete the Travel Itinerary form on your My Study Abroad page.

When purchasing your tickets, make sure the ticket is under the exact name that appears on your passport and that your birthday is correct. You may prefer to go by your middle name or a nickname and have used this on many documents all your life, but you will be denied boarding if there is a discrepancy between the name on your passport and the name on the ticket.

If possible, book directly with the airline for better customer service. Be aware that when purchasing through discount sites, customer service may not be all that great. Pay attention to if your ticket is refundable, what the charges are if you need to change it, and if baggage fees are included. Discount sites are often not very helpful if something goes wrong or you need to make changes.

When arranging your flight, it’ll be cheaper and safer to purchase round-trip airfare even if you are not sure when you want to return to the U.S. You may not be allowed to board your plane or could be denied entry into your host country if you are holding a one-way ticket. Some airlines may also have open returns or changeable tickets that allow you to change the return date for no extra fee.

• Travel Documents (Passport/Visa)
  • While traveling, the most important thing is to keep your passport secure at all times! Before you leave, scan or photocopy the main page so that if you lose it, you have a back-up copy to speed up the replacement process.
  • Many governments require a student visa if foreign nationals wish to study in their country. A visa is official/legal permission to enter a country for a stated purpose and specified period of time and is granted by the government of that country. Visa requirements differ from country to country.
  • For more information on passport, visa, and travel document considerations, please visit this page.
• Medical Documents
  • Appointments with Dr/DDS
  • Prescriptions (letter from doctor if necessary)
  • Insurance card and policy statement
• Acceptance letter
• Credit Cards with PINs
• Currency of host country (to tide you over for a day or two)
• Plane tickets
• Health Documentation
• Extra ID
• Student ID cards
• Emergency information
• Ensure self-recovery is set up for Purdue accounts

• Laptop or tablet
• Kindle or E-book reader (if wanted)
• Mobile phone that will work
• Adaptors
• Chargers and USB connectors

• Luggage
• Purse/crossbody bag
• Sewing kit
• Good lock/keys
• Luggage Tags
• Toiletries and cosmetics
• Pens, pads, notebooks
• Small gifts for host family
• Diary or journal
• Travel Guides

• Prescription medication/Contraceptives
• First Aid Kit with band aids
• Antiseptic cream
• Sunscreen
• Tweezers and a small pair of scissors (pack in checked luggage)
• Painkillers and decongestants
• Antacid
• Bug Spray
• Malaria Pills (where needed)
• Other OTC medication you take
• Spare set of glasses or contact lenses

• Minimum care clothes
• Layerable clothes for weather changes
• Waterproof jacket
• Winter coat (if necessary)
• Comfortable shoes
• Flip-flops for communal showers
• Socks
• Hat or visor
• Gloves/scarf
• Pants
• Tops
• Swimsuit
• Underwear
• At least one nice outfit (for social or cultural events)

• Towel & washcloth (for travel)
• Leisure reading
• Umbrella
• Sunglasses
• Plastic zip-lock bags (various sizes)
• A sack, garbage bag or pillowcase for dirty clothes
• Lots of patience, a good attitude, and a sense of humor