What college students need to know about official documents before studying abroad or traveling
Thinking of studying abroad next semester? Or maybe you’re plotting a little European backpacking adventure once finals are done and dusted? Either way, before you grab your passport and hop on that plane, there’s one thing that can make or break your trip: Official documents.
Yes, although they may be boring and not the most fun thing to think about, there are a few must-have documents that are absolutely essential for traveling abroad.
A forgotten passport application, an expired student visa, or missing paperwork can seriously derail your plans… and we’d hate for that hostel in Barcelona to go to waste, right?
Whether you’re jetting off for your semester abroad in Australia or just ticking off places on your travel bucket list, here are the documents that college students need to have before heading overseas.
The essentials: Passport, visa, and more
Let’s start with the big one: Your passport! It’s your ticket to international travel (literally), and without it, you won’t be able to leave the United States.
If you don’t already have a passport, be sure to start your passport application at least a few months in advance. Processing times vary, but it can take anywhere from 4 to 11 weeks (or even longer during the busy season) until your shiny new passport is in your hand.
Already have a passport? Double check and make sure that it’s valid for at least six months. Many countries have a “six-month validity rule” where your passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into that country. It’s very serious, and many people have been turned away from boarding their airplane because their passport only had 3 or 4 months left!
Next, you need to have the proper visa, which depends on where you’re going and what you’re doing. If you’re studying abroad, you’ll most likely need a student visa, which often involves bank statements, forms, and sometimes an interview at a consulate.
If you’re just traveling for fun, things might be simpler, but don’t assume you can just hop off the plane and waltz through customs. Some countries require tourist visas to be secured in advance, while others have a simpler electronic travel visa (ETA) that you can apply for online. Other countries might let you apply for a visa on arrival (VOA), and others don’t require a visa at all!
Visa rules change frequently, so it’s best to check the visa requirements ahead of time before clicking “Book now.”
Planning to visit museums, take public transportation, or explore cultural sites? Taking your student ID is a must!
A valid one can get you discounted (and sometimes free) entry to tourist attractions, and in places like France or Germany, you’ll have access to cheaper transport passes. That said, not every place will accept a U.S. student ID, so if you want to be extra prepared, look into an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which is recognized in over 100 countries.
Last but certainly not least, travel insurance. Nobody wants to think about things going wrong, but if they do — like a missed flight, lost luggage, or a trip to the hospital after some bad street food — you’ll be glad you have it. Travel insurance might seem like an extra expense, but it can save you hundreds (or even thousands) if something unexpected happens.
Other documents for studying abroad
Once you have your essential documents sorted, there are a few other things that are easy to overlook but equally important, especially when you’re doing a full study abroad program.
Your host university will usually send you a letter of acceptance, which you’ll want to print and bring with you. You might also need to show a certificate of enrollment from your home university, particularly when applying for your visa or registering with local authorities once you arrive.
These documents aren’t glamorous, but they prove you’re not just some random tourist and can save you major headaches if anyone questions your purpose abroad.
Health-related paperwork is another thing that sneaks up on people. Some universities — especially outside of Europe — ask for proof of certain vaccinations before they let you register. It’s worth asking your program coordinator what’s required ahead of time, so you’re not scrambling for your childhood immunization records the night before your flight.
Speaking of health: if you’re taking any prescription medication, bring both the original prescription label and a doctor’s note. Some medications or pills that are common in the United States are banned or restricted in other countries, so it’s best to be over-prepared in this case.
Final thoughts
Getting your paperwork in order might not be the most thrilling part of planning your trip, but it’s definitely one of the most important. A little preparation now means a smoother and less stressful adventure later on.
Your future self — the one eating gelato on a beach, watching a nice sunset, and not stuck dealing with airport drama — will be very grateful.