Be a Smart Traveler

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Be a Smart Traveler
Planning Your International Experience
Planning Your International Experience
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Logistics and Helpful Hints

• IF FLYING WITH THE GROUP
• Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours in advance of the
  flight. Look for the KIIS representative holding
  the blue KIIS card.
• You will receive your plane ticket, KIIS ID card,
  international student ID card, and Rail Europe
  Pass (if applicable, for European programs) at
  the airport.
• CARRY YOUR PLANE TICKET IN A SAFE PLACE! DO NOT
  LOSE IT! IT IS NON-REFUNDABLE!
• If delayed en route to the airport, call the KIIS
  office at 270-762-3091 to let them know your
  arrival time at the airport.
• Carry snacks with you to tide you over. Airport
  food is VERY expensive!
• IF NOT FLYING WITH THE GROUP
• Be sure to provide a copy of your flight
  itinerary to the KIIS office as soon as you have
  it.
• Establish with the program director where to meet
  the group when they arrive in country.

• PLEASE NOTE This outline was designed as
  general information for all programs, and some
  details may not be applicable to your particular
  program. Those details will be covered by the
  director of your program at the student
  orientation. Make note of your particular
  questions as preparation.

Inform yourself of what to expectyoull have a
head start! Use the Resource Bibliography on
kiis.org as a beginning.
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Post 9/11 Caution Passport Information

• Do not pack any sharp objects in your carry-on
  baggage. Things such as manicure scissors,
  clippers, pocket knives, and other metal
  instruments WILL be confiscated at Airport
  Security. Such objects can safely be packed in
  CHECKED LUGGAGE ONLY.
• Locks on checked luggage MAY be broken by airport
  security.
• Remember NO or

PASSPORTS AND VISAS All travel abroad requires a
passport, except to Mexico. No visas are required
in European countries for KIIS students who are
U.S. citizens (Those who are citizens of other
countries may need a visa). A certified birth
certificate or passport may be used to enter
Mexico. Travel in Cameroon, China and Brazil
carries special visa requirements.

• Bring 2 extra passport photos with you.
• Buy all of the film that youll be carrying in
  the U.S.
• Film and processing abroad is very expensive.
• Do not pack film in checked baggage. The x-ray
  used in the security check may damage film.

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What to pack -

• YOU WILL ALWAYS BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CARRYING YOUR
  OWN LUGGAGE SO PACK ACCORDINGLY!
• If you use luggage on wheels, LARGER wheels are
  better.
• Consider a backpack as a carry-on, which can also
  be used for weekend travel.
• Weather can vary widely. Check with the program
  director or internet sites for average
  temperatures and typical weather conditions at
  the program site.
• Dual wattage hair dryers are recommended
  (available at Wal-Mart, etc.) as are wattage
  converters for other grooming appliances.
  Remember to carry an adaptor plug too.
• Other suggestions small battery-operated radio,
  travel alarm, a LOCK for your suitcase to help
  secure valuables even when not traveling.
• Check on the airlines website (airline
  information will be available after you are
  accepted) to read about weight limits on checked
  baggage, and pack accordingly. If you are over
  the weight limit, the airline may charge you a
  sizeable fee for the extra weight.

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Money, Foreign Currency, Credit CardTravelers
Checks, and Exchange
Checks on American banks cannot be cashed abroad
(except at an American Express office if you have
a card). In most countries, you can get local
currency with your ATM card or Visa or Master
Card debit card. It is MUCH easier and less
expensive than converting travelers checks.
Just be sure to check with your bank and alert
them to the fact that youll be traveling abroad
using your card and iron out any glitches.
Find out what the bank transaction fee is thats
charged by your bank and take that into
consideration. Carry a VISA or MASTER CARD in
your name and perhaps some travelers checks to
have in case of emergency. Purchase a small
amount of foreign currency at the airport or from
your local bank before departure - about 20-50
- to have with you when you arrive at your
destination. Hold on to some US dollars -
approximately 20 - (tuck it away in a safe
place) for your return to the States. Youll be
GLAD you did! THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR WILL INFORM
YOU OF ANY QUIRKS IN THE OBTAINING AND
EXCHANGING OF LOCAL MONEY IN YOUR PARTICULAR
PROGRAM COUNTRY. PLAN YOUR WEEKLY SPENDING BUDGET
AHEAD OF TIME AND STICK TO IT! Plan for weekend
travel, meals not covered by the program fee,
souvenirs and emergencies.
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Keeping in touch

• You will be provided information in your program
  student handbooks about where you can receive
  mail. If not, that means that you will learn
  your mailing address when you reach the program
  site and can provide that to your family at that
  time. Remember that mail can often take up to 2
  weeks EVEN AIRMAIL! And in some countries, you
  will not be able to count on mail reaching you
  during the time you are in country.
• Local calling can be different from what youre
  used to. The Director will let you know at the
  on-site orientation what the local methods are.
  The director will also give you tips on making
  international calls. U.S. phone cards such as
  ATT and Qwest are handy to have if youre
  planning to travel to countries other than the
  program country.
• The director will outline the conditions under
  which you may make/receive calls at the program
  site. Be sure to tell your family and friends of
  those conditions. Learn the time difference
  between the program site and home.

PHONE CALLS
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Health and Safety

• Dont walk or travel alone unless absolutely
  necessary. Develop a buddy system.
• Always inform the program director and one other
  person of your planned departure time,
  destination and return time.
• DO NOT ride in cars with someone you dont know,
  or go to a private home with someone you have
  just met. USE COMMON SENSE and EXERCISE CAUTION!
• If you find it necessary to travel by taxicab, be
  sure that the cab you travel in is licensed and
  metered. IT IS BEST TO CALL A TAXI OR HAVE
  SOMEONE CALL FOR YOU RATHER THAN HAILING ONE ON
  THE STREET. Women should never sit in the front
  seat of a taxi.
• During periods of free time in the program, tell
  at least one other person where you intend to go
  and when you plan to return.
  
• If you do not return when expected, the
  authorities will be notified at the end of the
  day during which you were to have returned, and
  your emergency contact person in the States will
  be called.