Preparing to Depart
Resources and Materials
Read your pre-departure handbook. It is full of helpful information!
Passports and Visas
How do I apply for a passport?
U.S. citizens will need to review the Department of State website to apply for or renew passport. First time applicants will need to apply in person.
Passports are currently taking 12 weeks or longer for routine applications and 4 - 6 weeks for expedited applications.
If you already have a passport, check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for six months beyond your return date.How do I keep my passport safe?
- Make several copies of your passport. Keep one with a relative or friend in the U.S. and one with you, stored separate from your physical passport.
- While abroad, keep a copy of your passport with you on a daily basis, but keep your original passport locked in your room, unless traveling.
What do I do if my passport is lost or stolen?
Contact On Call to help you locate the closest U.S. embassy to replace a lost or stolen passport. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for more information.
If your passport is stolen, report it to the local police.
What is a visa? Do I need one?
A visa is official documentation from the host country allowing you to enter and stay in that country for a specific purpose and specific period of time. Some countries require study abroad students to obtain a visa prior to travel. There may be different processes and requirements depending on your citizenship and the length of stay. Check with the embassy of your host country for more information.
For Consulates that ask TCU to apply for student visas as a group, we will apply on your behalf. But you must provide all the necessary paperwork, exactly as requested.
A visa is stamped in your current passport; therefore, your passport will be submitted with your visa application. Do not make plans to travel internationally for the duration of this process.
For Consulates that ask TCU to apply for student visas as a group, we will apply on your behalf. But you must provide all the necessary paperwork, exactly as requested.
A visa is stamped in your current passport; therefore, your passport will be submitted with your visa application. Do not make plans to travel internationally for the duration of this process.
Flight and Travel Information
How do I make travel plans?
- For most programs, you are responsible for your own travel and all transfer arrangements. Check with your program to be sure.
- Carefully check program dates and check-in information so that you will arrive on time.
- Many international flights are overnight, which may mean starting your journey a day before you need to arrive.
- Allow plenty of time for connections. You may need to collect your luggage during connections and re-check it, as well as navigate large airports.
- If you would like to arrive early or stay after the program, you must arrange and pay for your own accommodations and meals. Your access to On Call Services and insurance is only valid for the dates of the program.
- Once you make your travel plans, add that information to your Global TCU application.
- Numerous discount tickets sites, including student friendly sites like Student Universe offer discounted fares. Research these carefully on your own.
What are some travel tips?
- Arrive at airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure for international flights.
- Keep all essential documents, including passport & visa, arrival address & instructions, medication, and change of clothing in your carry-on. (For more tips, see Packing below.)
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and jet lag. If possible, walk from time to timethrough the aisles of the plane to keep blood flowing.
- If connecting, keep flight info handy and allow plenty of time (2 hours) to navigate through the airport.
What happens when I land?
When you land, you will pass through customs and immigration. During this process, government officials of your host country verify you are allowed to enter the country and that you are not bringing any illegal items into the country. This is a serious, although often tedious process, and should be given the utmost respect.
Have passport, visa and/or acceptance paperwork, as well as housing address readily available.
Keep all medications and dietary supplements in their original containers and if possible, bring a copy of any prescriptions from your doctor.
Follow the instructions provided to you by your program and proceed to the meeting point - it may be the airport or it may be your housing.
Anytime you cross borders – and when you return to the U.S. – you will go through this process again. Always carry your passport and entry authorization (visa or study abroad acceptance letter) when you cross borders.
Have passport, visa and/or acceptance paperwork, as well as housing address readily available.
Keep all medications and dietary supplements in their original containers and if possible, bring a copy of any prescriptions from your doctor.
Follow the instructions provided to you by your program and proceed to the meeting point - it may be the airport or it may be your housing.
Anytime you cross borders – and when you return to the U.S. – you will go through this process again. Always carry your passport and entry authorization (visa or study abroad acceptance letter) when you cross borders.
How do I deal with jet lag?
Many travelers struggle with jet lag when they arrive.
To adjust, get outside during the daytime. Drink plenty of water. Try not to nap, but rather wait and go to bed at a regular (early) bedtime.
Packing and Electronics
What should I pack?
Pack less than you think you need! Savvy travelers often say, “pack your bag and then take half of it out.”
You need to manage all your luggage by yourself in airports, train stations, etc. which often do not have elevators or ramps, and then store everything in much smaller rooms. If you cannot manage all your bags, they are too heavy. Rolling bags and backpacks are easier to carry.
Check with your airline for information regarding weight and size restrictions and additional fees. Typical weight restriction is 50 pounds per bag. Review guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to determine restrictions and limitations on certain items in carry-on and checked luggage.
You may NOT leave your luggage in your apartment/room/homestay while traveling before or after the program ends. It is very expensive to have bags shipped home or stored at an airport or train station.
The Suggested Packing Checklist will give you a general idea of what to pack. You should also review information provided to you by your specific program.
You need to manage all your luggage by yourself in airports, train stations, etc. which often do not have elevators or ramps, and then store everything in much smaller rooms. If you cannot manage all your bags, they are too heavy. Rolling bags and backpacks are easier to carry.
Check with your airline for information regarding weight and size restrictions and additional fees. Typical weight restriction is 50 pounds per bag. Review guidelines from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to determine restrictions and limitations on certain items in carry-on and checked luggage.
You may NOT leave your luggage in your apartment/room/homestay while traveling before or after the program ends. It is very expensive to have bags shipped home or stored at an airport or train station.
The Suggested Packing Checklist will give you a general idea of what to pack. You should also review information provided to you by your specific program.
Can I take my laptop?
If you plan to bring a laptop computer, consider the following:
- Check with program to see if internet access is available in housing abroad.
- Internet access abroad can be much slower than you may be accustomed to.
- Some of your courses may require you to use a computer for preparing academic course work.
- Do not ship your laptop overseas. Your laptop may be held for inspection by customs officials and customs fees are quite costly, even for older laptops.
- You should be certain your laptop is fully insured in case of loss or theft as TCU does not provide insurance for personal property.
- Make sure your laptop has antivirus software, runs smoothly and has been serviced recently. Repairs on-site are expensive and time-consuming.
- Never set the bag containing your laptop out of reach. Laptops are among the most frequently stolen items from travelers.
- Make sure you laptop is equipped with a voltage converter allowing you to use the 220V electricity, and bring an adaptor to plug it in. Please read your manual to confirm.
How will my cell phone work abroad?
It is extremely important to have a cell phone with local access during your time abroad. In case of an emergency, TCU and program coordinators will contact participants via their local cell phones. Cell phones also allow participants to contact the local staff in case of an emergency as most housing is not equipped with telephones.
We have found that students often pursue one of the following options:
- Purchasing a SIM card for an unlocked phone upon arrival
- Purchasing a moderately priced pre-paid cell-phone on-site
- Using a U.S. cell phone number abroad ■ Contact your cell phone provider for a breakdown of the fees associated with using your cell phone abroad and options for plans
What should I pack in my carry-on?
- Passport and all travel documents
- All necessary acceptance letters provided to you by your host program
- Credit/bank cards and cash
- Address and other contact information for your program and details of where you are to go upon arrival
- One change of clothing and a toiletry kit in case your checked luggage does not arrive with your flight. (Remember 3—1—1 rule for liquids)
- Prescription medications in original containers and doctors’ notes
- Laptop
- Phone Charger
- Eyeglasses/contacts
- Jewelry / Other valuables
- Adapters / Converters if necessary. Check here to see what voltage and plug your country uses.
Is there anything I shouldn’t take?
We recommend you leave at home:
- Anything you would regret losing; anything that has sentimental value, or is expensive/meaningful (such as heirloom jewelry).
- Your Social Security card and any extra credit cards, store cards, etc. that you do not plan to use while abroad.
- Anything that would be considered a weapon, including pocketknives and pepper spray.
- Toiletries and amenities that can be readily purchased on-site. Check with your program to see if there are any specific recommendations.
- Hair dryers, curling irons, or straighteners: if your country uses a different voltage system, it is best to buy them on site if they are necessary.
- Logo clothing and baseball caps. Shirts and other clothing with American or team logos will tend to make you stand out.
Money and Banking
What do I need to know about money abroad?
Most countries will use a different currency and will have an exchange rate. Visit http://www.xe.com/ucc/ to see the latest exchange rates. Check with your bank / credit card company regarding fees for the use of international ATMs and other currency transaction fees.
We recommend that you choose several different forms of money so that if you have a problem with one, you will still have access to funds. This could be a combination of different credit / debit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks. See option details below.
We recommend that you choose several different forms of money so that if you have a problem with one, you will still have access to funds. This could be a combination of different credit / debit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks. See option details below.
How can I withdraw cash from ATMs?
- We strongly recommend that you bring an ATM card linked to your checking account in the U.S. This is by far the easiest way to access your money overseas. Ask your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.
- Confirm with your bank that your PIN will work abroad.
- Some banks have sister banks overseas which may not charge you withdrawal fees.
- Notify your bank of your plans to study abroad, including any additional trips you take.
Should I carry cash?
- We highly recommend that you purchase $100 to $150 worth of foreign currency from a bank or exchange office before leaving the United States. Arriving with local money in hand will ensure you have money for the first day or two until you get to know the layout of your neighborhood.
- It is expensive to exchange U.S. dollars at the airport, and there are limited places outside the airport where you can exchange U.S. dollars.
- While abroad, we recommend you not carry large amounts of cash, which can be lost or stolen!
Should I take credit cards?
- Credit cards are useful in case of emergencies or for larger purchases.
- Check with your credit card company to see if the country where you are studying abroad accepts your credit card.
- Credit cards should have a “chip” and PIN. Confirm with your credit card company that your PIN will work abroad.
- Notify your credit card company of your plans to study abroad, including any additional trips you take.
Housing
What do I do about my housing in Fort Worth?
Students are responsible for managing their Fort Worth housing. TCU Global does not assist with Fort Worth housing, on- or off-campus, and it cannot release names of study abroad students. Many students need housing for single terms, so while housing is a common concern, it rarely poses serious problems.
If you live in on-campus housing, inform Housing and Residence Life that you will be studying abroad. While abroad, you can sign-up for campus housing online, just like any other term at TCU. If you live off-campus, you can also contact Housing and Residence Life for suggestions and advice. Previous study abroad students have also found success by advertising their housing needs through TCU Announce and within their extracurricular organizations.
What will my housing abroad be like?
Your housing abroad is carefully selected considering cultural standards, safety, and practicality. Your housing experience is one of the primary ways you get to experience real life abroad.
Space, size, amenities are different, and you should be prepared to be adaptable to these differences.
Please remember:
- You are required to stay in the program-arranged housing.
- You may not have overnight guests in the program-arranged housing.
- You must follow all rules of housing.
- Any damages incurred will be charged to your TCU student account.
What will it be like when I arrive?
You will probably have a mix of feelings, when you arrive: excitement, disappointment, anticipation, anxiety. These are all normal!
It may take a little time to adjust. For many travelers, the first 48 hours abroad can be particularly unsettling. Lack of sleep, dehydration, and change in time zones can exacerbate reactions to cultural differences and inhibit adaptation to your new environment. Generally, you can expect to find your footing within a few days.
Remember that initial disappointment or anxiety may be due jet lag and lack of sleep. Give yourself a chance to adjust before becoming too upset about the differences or unmet expectations.
You may have variations of this arrival shock and culture shock throughout your time abroad. For advice, see our Homesickness Tip Sheet.
It may take a little time to adjust. For many travelers, the first 48 hours abroad can be particularly unsettling. Lack of sleep, dehydration, and change in time zones can exacerbate reactions to cultural differences and inhibit adaptation to your new environment. Generally, you can expect to find your footing within a few days.
Remember that initial disappointment or anxiety may be due jet lag and lack of sleep. Give yourself a chance to adjust before becoming too upset about the differences or unmet expectations.
You may have variations of this arrival shock and culture shock throughout your time abroad. For advice, see our Homesickness Tip Sheet.
What is it like to live abroad?
You already know that things will be different, and that you'll need to adapt. But sometimes you may be surprised by the range and types of things that are different!!
Here are a few things you may need to get used to:
- Different amenities (no central heating or AC, no dryers, limited hot water)
- Smaller sizes (smaller rooms, smaller closets, smaller refrigerators)
- Different availability of products and fresher foods that don’t last as long
- Limited WiFi and bandwidth
- Living with non-TCU students (either in the apartment or in the building)
- More street and neighbor noise, increased security, and keyed front entries
- Restrictions regarding guests and noise in your apartment
- Different (often shorter) store hours
- More walking
Health and Safety Preparation
Where should I keep important health information?
If you feel comfortable, please disclose health information, including serious and chronic conditions, allergies, and mental health concerns, with your Program Leaders.
We recommend storing medical information on your phone using a Medical ID app:
Please keep in mind that health care access, delivery, and structures may be different abroad. Consult with your health care practitioners to develop a health care plan for managing your health needs abroad.
Who do I call for help?
You have lots of resources available to help you:
- Your on-site leaders and staff
- On Call International (TCU's Global Assistance Provider): 1-603-952-2062 . For more information, see the On Call Resource Hub.
- TCU: 1-817-257-0000 or emergencyabroad@tcu.edu for serious emergencies
What should I do before I go to have a safe and healthy trip?
- Visit the Department of State Traveler website for information regarding your destination and travel abroad in general.
- See the Students Abroad section for student-specific information.
- Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to provide the Department of State with information that can be used to better assist you in the case of an emergency. Your parents can register too, to stay informed.
- Download the Smart Traveler app for country-specific information, travel alerts, travel warnings and access to the U.S. Department of State Facebook and Twitter accounts.
- Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for health advice and immunization requirements. Get your immunizations 4–6 weeks before you travel.
- Schedule check-ups with your primary healthcare provider, dentist, etc. to avoid issues abroad. Request enough prescription for your entire stay abroad.
- Review our Health, Safety, and Emergencies page, in particular the services and coverage of On Call Resource Hub.
Do I have health insurance coverage while abroad?
YES
- All TCU students, faculty and staff traveling abroad on TCU programs or business are automatically covered under the university’s accident and illness insurance plan through On Call at no cost to the individual.
- You are covered by On Call International’s insurance for the program dates only.
- You should also maintain your own U.S. (or home country) health insurance while abroad. Consider the On Call insurance as a supplement to your own personal policy.
- For more information, review the On Call Brochure.
How do I take my medication with me?
- Contact On Call to see if your prescription medication is allowed in your host country and discuss a plan if your prescriptions are not allowed or are illegal.
- Keep your medication in its original, labeled container. Pack medications with you in your carry-on luggage, not in checked luggage.
- Where appropriate, bring a copy of the prescription or letter from the attending physician describing the medical condition and the generic name of the prescribed medication.
- Bring enough medication for your entire trip, or make arrangements in advance for options to refill the prescription while you are abroad. It is generally not advisable to have medication mailed to you.
- The effect and effectiveness of your medications can change with changes in stress, diet, and climate. Even if you have been stable and doing well on your medications, plan in advance what you will do if your medications become problematic.
- Maintain your medication schedule, even if it is inconvenient while you are on the road. Ask your treatment provider to advise you on how to adjust your medication schedule to a new time zone.
- Consider packing a health travel-kit with over the counter medicine for minor needs.