Get ready to go abroad by attending a pre-departure workshop to get tips, tricks, and support before you embark on an adventure overseas. Information from each workshop will be added after the event.
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Unpacking Budgeting Abroad: How to Make Your Money Last
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Sample Budget Worksheet
Program: Journalism in London, summer 2024
Days abroad: 35
Currency: British Pound (£)
Exchange rate: 1.25
| Expense title | description | local currency cost | exchange rate | USD unit cost | Unit | total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed | |||||||
| Ticket for Cabaret | Cheapest seat | £50 | 1.25 | $62.50 | 1 | $62.50 | |
| Ticket for Six | Better seat | £70 | 1.25 | $87.50 | 1 | $87.50 | |
| Dinner at Ottolenghi | Entreé & drink | £63 | 1.25 | $78.75 | 1 | $78.75 | |
| Flight to Paris | Luton | $200 | 1 | $200 | |||
| Paris airport Uber | Euros | €50 | 1.1 | $55 | 1 | $55 | |
| London airport Uber | £75 | 1.25 | $93.75 | 1 | $93.75 | ||
| Ticket to Louvre | Euros | €17 | 1.1 | $18.70 | 1 | $18.70 | |
| Boat ride on Seine | Euros | €20 | 1.1 | $22 | 1 | $22 | |
| Eiffel Tower ticket | Euros | €20 | 1.1 | $22 | 1 | $22 | |
| TOTAL | $640.20 | ||||||
| Variable | |||||||
| Meals | Breakfast paid by GEO | 1.25 | 35 | $1,500 | $42.86 = £39.42/day | ||
| Other | 1.25 | 35 | $450 | Hygiene products, souvenirs, etc. | |||
| Paris hostel | Euros | €40 | 1.1 | $44 | 3 | $132 | |
| Breakfast in Paris | Euros | €8 | 1.1 | $8.80 | 3 | $26.40 | |
| Night out | Euros | €30 | 1.1 | $22 | 2 | $66 | |
| TOTAL | $2,174.40 | ||||||
| Grand total | $2,814.60 | $865 over GEO budget |
Download a blank budget worksheet
First Time Travelers: Tips for Planning, Packing, and Winging It!
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Before You Leave
- Notify your bank and credit card companies of your departure. Travel with some cash ($50 - $100), but not too much!
- Make sure your passport is valid for 6 months after your planned return date.
- Register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- Find information regarding passports, visas and other necessary travel documents on the US State Department site for student travelers.
Packing Tips
- Pack Light:
- Emphasize the importance of minimalism to leave space for souvenirs.
- Three-Bag System:
- A small backpack for daily use, a carry-on for valuables and essentials (more below), and a checked suitcase (optional for shorter trips) under 50 lbs.
- Electrical Appliances:
- Limit these and check compatibility with local systems; consider buying locally if needed.
- Clothing:
- Research the climate and local dress codes (don’t overthink it!) Opt for layering and versatility, and prioritize comfortable walking shoes. Limit to three pairs of shoes.
- Gifts:
- For homestay guests, bring a small, meaningful gift that represents your background.
- Journaling:
- Encourage daily entries to capture experiences, feelings, and growth. Writing down your thoughts and feelings about this exciting time will prove invaluable to you later as you look back upon how much you have grown and changed.
Packing Your Carry-On
- All prescription and over the counter medications.
- Anything valuable (jewelry, laptops, tablets).
- Extra clothes.
- Important documents.
- Make multiple copies of all your important documents that you plan to travel with, including passport, drivers license, student ID, visa documents, debit cards and credit cards. Give 1 copy to someone you are close to (parents, roommate, siblings) for safekeeping and another in a safe space once you reach your destination. Include a list of important phone numbers: local police, debit and credit card, nearest US Embassy, etc.
- Information regarding your destination.
- Phone/laptop chargers.
- Some toiletries (Note: Airlines restrict liquids to 3oz. or under).
- Empty water bottle that you can fill up once past security.
Smart Phone Travel Apps
- FlightTrack- follows flight paths and detailed info including departure gates and delays.
- XE Currency- currency converter.
- Packing Pro- helps you pack the essentials.
- Tipulator- calculate the appropriate amount to tip wherever you are in the world.
- Skyscanner- for booking flights.
- Hostelworld- for booking budget hotels and hostels.
- PinPin ATM finder- helps you find ATMS in over 220 countries.
Final Tips
- Planning: Make lists, copy essential documents, and keep all important items in your carry-on.
- Packing: Packing is more of an art than a science. Practice to see what works best for you and try not to overthink it.
- Winging It: It's okay if things aren't perfect. Travel can take you out of your comfort zone, which is part of the adventure.
