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how to study abroad: additional resources

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The Center for Global Education maintains a list of study abroad-related links to sites you will find helpful as you prepare to study abroad. These sites range from insurance providers to discount airfare vendors. Although this list is not intended to be comprehensive, it does furnish the prospective traveler with a starting place.

HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SECURITY

PASSPORT & VISA SERVICES

TRAVEL & HEALTH INSURANCE

CULTURE SHOCK & RE-ENTRY

DISCOUNTED AIRFARES

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD & BENEFITS

TRAVELLING & LIVING ABROAD

CURRENCY CONVERTER

STUDY ABROAD RESOURCE LIBRARY

STUDY ABROAD/INTERNSHIP/CAREER RELATED SITES

 

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HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SECURITY [back to top]
Your safety and health abroad are important to us. The best way to be safe is to educate your self by doing research - on your current physical and mental health and on your study abroad destination. Get a check up. See the dentist. Seek out host-nationals to speak with regarding what life is like in country. Do you have faculty or friends who have been to the country? Get a good recent history of the country and read it before you go. Maintaining a healthy life style here before go will be important to remaining healthy while you are abroad.

  • State Department Students Abroad website: Register your time abroad here!
  • CIEE Personal Health Check-list
  • HotSpots o US Department of State (Bureau of Consular Affairs)
  • US Department of State (Drug Warning)
  • Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

 

PASSPORT & VISA SERVICES [back to top]
A Student who wants to study abroad for any length of time will need a valid passport. If you do not have a passport apply for one as soon as you have decided to study abroad.

Many countries also require a visa for entry. A visa is a document issued by a country allowing an individual to enter the country for a specific purpose during a specific period of time. It can be stamped inside a passport or issued as a separate piece of paper. You will need your passport to apply for a visa. Contact the Embassy or Consulate of the country where you are planning to study abroad for specific information on if you need a visa and how to obtain one.

 

TRAVEL INSURANCE [back to top]
Many of your health insurance plans may not cover general health care while abroad. On Center for Global Education programs we insure each student for emergency evacuation and repatriation of remains. This coverage does not include less severe medical expenses such as doctors' visits for the flu, medications, or a sprained ankle. The International Student Identity Card also provides students with emergency medical and repatriation coverage. If your medical insurance does not cover you abroad we recommend you purchase additional insurance to cover medical expenses.

Before you depart for your program it is important that you understand your coverage and how it works. Be aware that in many countries the cost of medical services must be paid in advance by the patient (and then reimbursed by insurance). Many study abroad program insurance only covers you for the duration of the program. You want to be insured if you are traveling independently before or after the program. Look into liability insurance to cover any valuables your will take on the trip, such as a laptop computer, camera, or video recorder. Also consider tuition, trip, travel, and luggage insurance. DO NOT BRING IRREPLACEABLE OBJECTS SUCH AS FAMILY JEWELRY.

It is recommended that you retain your U.S. health insurance while abroad. Should you have an accident or illness abroad that requires long term care, you will have insurance upon your return to cover these expenses. Otherwise you may find it difficult to purchase a health plan if you return to the U.S. with what an insurance company considers to be a pre-existing condition.

 

CULTURE SHOCK & RE-ENTRY [back to top]
Culture shock refers to the anxiety a person feels when moved to a completely new environment. It is a physical and emotional discomfort. It is a process that evolves over a period of time at a different time table for everyone. It covers the progression from not knowing to knowing what to do or how to do things or what is appropriate in a new environment.

Although, one can experience real pain from culture shock; it is also an opportunity for redefining one's self, for learning and acquiring new perspectives. Culture shock can make one develop a better understanding of oneself and stimulate personal creativity.

Students who have spent some period of time abroad often experience a similar process upon their return - Re-Entry.

Learn more about the process and better prepare yourself for your experience by reviewing the following sources.

 

DISCOUNTED AIRFARES [back to top]
The plethora of internet search engines and frequent flyer miles has made is more common for students to prefer to book their own travel arrangements to their study abroad destinations. Therefore, international airfare is not included in many of our program fees. Here is a list of a few of the search engines out there.

Make sure you understand all the restrictions and costs that apply to your fare. Many tickets are non-refundable or you can not change your return date. Often additional taxes and fuel surcharges apply.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTITY CARD & BENEFITS [back to top]
The Center for Global Education is authorized to issue the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) and the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC). The card is recognized worldwide as proof of status and offers various travel discounts and limited insurance around the globe. Students who are not participating in a Mason program can still purchase the ID card at the Center for Global Education office.

To obtain an ISIC card, you must be a student who is 12 years old or over, enrolled for the current academic year at an accredited institution and matriculating towards a diploma or a degree.

Note: Continuing education and language school students are not eligible.

To obtain an ITIC card, you must be a teacher or a faculty teaching for the current academic year at an accredited institution.

Please bring proof of your student/faculty status (i.e. school ID, current transcript, or a letter on school stationery from department chair verifying current faculty or student status), two passport-size pictures, and the application fee of $22. The Center for Global Education can only accept exact change cash.

Should you have any questions, please contact Center for Global Education at cge@gmu.edu. Additional information about the various benefits provided through the ISIC can be found at www.myisic.com.

 

TRAVELLING & LIVING ABROAD [back to top]
The following sites are good sources of information that you will need abroad. The CIA World Factbook is a good place to get a quick overview on a country's political and social structure. The Department of State Study Abroad site provides useful information on health, safety, US consulates and embassies abroad, and how to prepare for your trip.

CURRENCY CONVERTER [back to top]
A currency converter can help you figure out local currency costs in US dollars. Bookmark one for future reference!

STUDY ABROAD RESOURCE LIBRARY [back to top]
The Center for Global Education invites students to browse through our resource library which is open to students and the general public Monday-Friday from 9:30 am-5 pm. We have a large selection of study abroad materials, college and university guides, and a variety of travel literature and videos available for students thinking about studying abroad. Flyers and applications for our short term programs are always on display at the office. The Resource Library is located in the Center for Global Education, Johnson Center, Room 235.

 

STUDY ABROAD/INTERNSHIP/CAREER RELATED SITES [back to top]
Once you have explored the various Center for Global Education programs you may find that you have an academic need that is not met by our programming. This does not mean that you cannot study abroad! Mason will allow students to participate in any accredited program and being back transfer credits. Please see the Non-Mason program [link to page] page for the specific application procedures. Or maybe you have returned from a successful education abroad experience and now wish to research opportunities for after your graduation. The following web-sites may help you research appropriate programs and organizations.

 

 


George Mason University | Center for Global Education | 235 Johnson Center, MSN 2B8 | George Mason University | 4400 University Drive Fairfax, VA 22030-4444 | voice: 703-993-2154 | fax: 703-993-2153 | cge@gmu.edu