Logistics

Luggage

Check with an insurance or travel agent about insuring your luggage and other personal effects.

Avoid oversize and overweight luggage. Check your airline’s Website for weight limitations, overage charges and checked bags fees, as many airlines are now charging hefty fees where once there were limited or no charges.

Mark your luggage tags ahead of time with a clear indication of your name, address and phone number of your destination.  Also keep this information inside your bags

Keep your luggage close to you and locked with a TSA-approved lock!

If you intend to travel before or after your program, make arrangements for storage of your luggage.  Do not assume that your luggage can be stored at your housing location during dates outside of the program. Daily storage charges in train stations and airports can be quite costly.

Airlines restrict the amount of luggage that passengers are allowed to carry.  In general, passengers on international flights are allowed one or two checked bags (sometimes there is a charge for one or both bags), each weighing no more than 50 pounds.  In addition to checked bags, passengers are generally allowed one or two carry on bags that can fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat. Requirements vary from carrier to carrier, and it is your responsibility to contact your airlines to determine these requirements.  Please note that intra-country flights usually have even lower limits.  Therefore, if your program includes an in-country flight, you should pack less or be prepared to pay for extra luggage.

You will have to carry your own luggage.  It is a good idea to pack your bags a few days before departure and try to carry them when you are tired.  Eliminate items that are not essential.  Don't take anything you would hate to lose.  Leave at home all unnecessary credit cards, expensive jewelry, or irreplaceable family objects!  Take a collapsible piece of luggage or leave room in your bags for items acquired abroad.

When packing your carry-on luggage we suggest you include:

• an extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses and cleaning solution (less than three ounces)
• a map or directions to your destination
• any medications you use (keep medications in their original labeled container to make customs processing easier; carry a letter with you from your physician attesting to your need to take them, especially if your medications contain narcotics)
• basic toiletries (containers must be less than three ounces each and all must be placed in a quart-sized, clear plastic bag)
• a sweater or sweatshirt
• a change of clothes.  
• Do not pack any sharp items such as jackknives, scissors, etc. in your carry-on luggage.

Electrical service varies throughout the world.  Most outlets will not accept the two- or three-pronged plugs that are standard in the United States.  Therefore, if you intend to take small appliances you will need a set of adapter plugs that will “adapt” U.S. plugs to the plug system of your host country.  Additionally, you will need a voltage converter to “convert” the U.S. voltage of your electronic device to the local voltage.  These items can be purchased at electronics stores such as Radio Shack or Best Buy. 

Electric converters work for appliances up to 1600 watts, at least for a while, but good ones are expensive; don't be fooled by cheaper versions because they will burn up your appliance and perhaps cause a fire.  Because of the voltage difference, U.S. appliances often short out, even with a converter.  It may be to your advantage to buy electric appliances on-site.  If you are bringing expensive electronic equipment such as a computer, obtain all necessary conversion information from a professional before departure.