DeDe Long, from the Office of Study Abroad, came to our class today to give us information on our insurance coverage through the University of Arkansas while we’re out of the country. If you ever go abroad, be sure to get this information!!! The insurance you have in the United States will probably not work outside the country.
Our program secured the proper insurance documents for us, but if your group doesn’t provide this, you should definitely consider purchasing it. It is through the Lewer Agency, Inc. and Scholastic Emergency Services.
She also gave us some pretty valuable information based on her experiences working with previous groups.
Definitely check out the U.S. State Department website and CDC.gov because they have up-to-date information on all issues related to health & safety in the specific country that you are visiting. It is very important that you check on the recommended immunizations to receive before going abroad.
Also, be sure to let your bank and credit card company know that you will be traveling abroad. If they see charges in another country, they will automatically assume that your card has been stolen and they will freeze your account. You don’t want this to happen because it could definitely put a damper on your souvenir shopping!
Be sure to make plenty of copies of your driver’s license and passport as well! Leave a copy at home with your emergency contact, keep one in every piece of your luggage, etc. Passports are very valuable and can get stolen easily.
The most important thing I learned during this meeting was to pack plenty in your carry on! When traveling internationally, apparently your luggage doesn’t always get there the same day you do, so you need at least two days worth of stuff in your carry on to get by with.
More tips on trip preparation to come!
No comments:
Post a Comment