Student exploring his surroundings while studying abroad.
Study Abroad

Travel Resources

Travel Resources

From getting your passport to packing, the resources on this page will assist you in preparing for your adventure abroad!

  • For semester abroad programs, flight arrangements are the responsibility of the student. If a group flight is recommended, it will be communicated to students by Education Abroad.

    For Pace Travel Courses, a recommended flight routing option will be provided in accordance with the program dates.

    Know your rights with delayed or cancelled flights!

    The U.S. Department of Transportation states that passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. The rule defines “significant change” to a flight as departure or arrival times that are delayed more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally (effective April 2024). Read more about your rights regarding flights.

    Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance

    For all study abroad programs, Pace recommends that you purchase trip cancellation and/or interruption insurance (known as CFAR/IFAR)... just in case. Such insurance plans can provide financial protection in the event that a student must unexpectedly cancel or interrupt their study abroad program and related travels; having it may prevent unforeseen circumstances from presenting a substantial financial loss for students who must later withdraw from a program to which they are committed. We recommend the students purchase Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) insurance for any prepaid, non-refundable trip costs.

    • Bus2Alps (organized tours for college students studying in Europe)
    • FlixBus (to find routes to/from European destinations)

  • Study abroad is a great opportunity to explore your city, country, or continent. Some students enjoy solo travel or traveling in groups, experiences which can be organized by travel companies. Always do your research to ensure you're working with a reputable company.

  • Passports

    All students need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the end date of the study abroad program. If you don't have a valid passport, apply for or renew your passport as soon as possible. A passport is required for both departure from and re-entry to the United States. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for more information on obtaining a passport. Keep your passport in a safe place and do not carry it with you on a daily basis; carry a photocopy instead. As of September 2024, Americans can now renew their passport online (for those whose passport has expired within the past 5 years or will expire in the coming year.

    Visas

    There are different types of visa requirements - depending on your destination, your country of origin, purpose of travel, length of stay, etc. Most long-term study abroad programs (i.e., semester) require a visa. You must contact the embassy or consulate of your host country to inquire about specific visa requirements.Visas may take months to be issued, so you must allow ample time for this. Remember no visa = no study abroad program!

    International students or students without U.S. citizenship MUST contact Pace's International Students & Scholars to inquire about participation in a study abroad experience. Failure to do so may result in denial of re-entry to the USA! Students should also contact the appropriate host country embassy or consulate to determine any special requirements as a result of the student’s country of residence.

  • Cell Phones

    If you plan to use your U.S. cell phone while abroad, determine what type of functionality you would like to have. One option is to only use Wi-Fi abroad. Applications such as WhatsApp, Skype, and Google Hangouts will all work with a Wi-Fi connection. You will need to learn how to turn off your mobile network on your device so that you will only use Wi-Fi. It is important to note that Wi-Fi may not be as fast, reliable, or available as you are accustomed to in the U.S.

    Another option is to purchase an international plan with your cell phone carrier before you leave. International plans vary in cost and coverage but generally allow you to use text messaging, data, and calling at a fixed rate. You should speak with your cell phone carrier about the types of international plans they offer. This option will likely be the most expensive.

    Or, you may wish to consider buying an inexpensive pay-as-you-go cell phone once you arrive in your host country. In most countries there is no charge to receive texts or phone calls – not even those coming from the U.S.! Purchasing a basic pay-as-you-go phone once you arrive in country and using your U.S. smartphone exclusively on WiFi will almost always be the most cost-effective option. In some cases, your provider will even offer a basic in-country phone to you free of charge, and you only pay for the texts/calls you make.

    Internet and WiFi

    Internet access varies in each study abroad location. Internet cafés are also widely available internationally for public use.

    Laptop or no Laptop?

    While taking a laptop rarely causes problems at customs, and most come with internal dual voltage capabilities, use precaution when taking electronics abroad. Check with your host institution abroad and with students who have already studied at your host institution to decide if you should take your laptop with you.

    Voltage and Electrical Appliances

    The voltage in much of the world, including most of Europe and Latin America, is 220–250V instead of the 110V common in the United States. If you plug a U.S. appliance into an outlet with a 220–250V current, you will overheat and destroy it and possibly shock yourself. However, most computers, cell phone charges, have built-in converters (make sure to check the label). It is best to purchase small appliances that have dual voltage or run on batteries. You will probably also need to purchase adapter plugs to modify the flat U.S.-style prongs into the shapes used in other countries.

  • Everyone gets excited when it’s time to pack for a trip abroad, maybe too excited. Half of the things that you think you absolutely need you most likely will not. You will sometimes find items cheaper abroad than in the United States.

    Download a suggested packing list (PDF) that other Pace student have found useful while studying abroad.

    Pack Accordingly

    Think about the essentials. It's important to research and consider:

    • local dress customs and styles
    • activities you'll be doing
    • weather
    • comfort

    There are destinations where you want to pack more conservative clothing so you won't stand out. Anywhere you travel, if you stand out as a tourist you are an easy target for pickpockets.

    Regardless of how long your trip is, the most important item in your suitcase will be your walking shoes. A sturdy, comfortable pair of shoes is absolutely essential as you will have long days of exploring your new city. Many older cities have uneven, cobblestone walkways that can be dangerous if you are not wearing sturdy footwear.

    Pack Lightly

    For a semester program, we strongly recommend that you limit your luggage to 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on bag.

    • Practice carrying your luggage bags up and down stairs by yourself. If you cannot carry your luggage, you’ve packed too much.
    • Ask yourself if you really need everything. A great tip when packing is to lay out all your luggage beforehand, then remove half.
    • Depending on where you are traveling and your pace of travel, finding a laundromat may not be an option. A friendly tip – bring a small bottle of handwashing clothing soap or pick one up abroad. Planning to wash your clothing by hand in your shower or sink allows you to pack less.

    Pack Smart

    • Check airline luggage allowances and weight limits before departure.
    • If you are going abroad and are expecting cold weather, save room in your luggage by wearing your bulkier clothing on the plane.
    • Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs while abroad. You do not want to have to buy another suitcase only to find out the airline fees for another bag are $100+.
    • Hair dryers, curling irons, and hair straighteners should all be bought abroad. Countries run on different wattage/voltage systems and hot electronics do not have built-in converters or surge protectors; these items often overheat and can blow fuses. To avoid breaking your expensive hair styling tools you should plan to buy these abroad or purchase them from online stores before you leave.
    • For students studying on short-term programs, you may want to get in touch with other students you will be traveling with as you can share some items such as adapters and toiletries.

    Happy Packing!