Making the Most of Study Abroad:

Safety Tips for Studying Abroad

Here is my final money saving tip and a safety tip for studying abroad. Buy a passport/document protector (preferably with a lanyard so you can hang it over your shoulder or around your neck). You might think it’s a little ridiculous, but it might be the most important way to save money when you’re traveling abroad.

The world, both here at home and abroad, is an unpredictable place and the people who live in it aren’t always honest. It’s possible that you’ll be missing your wallet after someone bumps into you on the subway. Passports, visas, and all of those cards you keep in your wallet aren’t cheap to replace. In the long run, replacing any lost documents could cost you more than your entire trip. (I know my student visa cost me $230 originally, and I’m sure it would cost about the same to get another copy.)

Save yourself the trouble and just keep all of your travel documents, (i.e. your passport, visa, documents you keep with you for customs, birth certificate, proof of address, etc.), and extra money inside the passport document protector/ holder.

While most of that should stay in your locked locker back at the hostel, you’re going to have to take it out at some point - even if it’s only on your way to and from the airport. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Not to mention most protectors go under your jacket/sweatshirt/top layer so the rest of the world won’t judge you for wearing it.

Travel Tips:

1. Check out Google maps before you leave on your trip. It’s useful for finding relative locations as well as metro/underground routes.

2. Don’t drink the tap water – purchasing bottled water is always the best option. Buy gallon jugs that you can use to refill your reusable plastic bottle.

3. Stay alert of your surroundings and use good judgement