My first international flight was magical. I flew to Spain to begin my semester-long study abroad in Seville. Recently, I was reminded of my flight while reading my study abroad journal. Sidebar: keep a study abroad journal. You will not regret it. Reading about my flight brought back many great memories of the planning, the actual flights, and the arrival in Spain. I believe those extraordinary experiences traveling abroad for the first time were possible because I was given some good advice to plan ahead. This post is to offer some of that same advice.
I flew from Texas to Chicago to Madrid, Spain. From there several fellow students and I caught the airport shuttle to the train depot, and then traveled by train for a couple of hours to Seville, Spain. Reading my journal jogged my memory of the preparations I undertook for my first international flight to be a success. I remember being extremely nervous at the thought of navigating U.S. and European airports, as well as unfamiliar foreign cities by myself. Since then, I have successfully flown internationally to Amsterdam, Lisbon, London and Paris.
Flying for the first time to another city or country by yourself can be daunting. But if you follow my simple guideline, your first flight overseas can be magical, as well.
25 Tips for a Magical First International Study Abroad Flight
1. Apply for a Passport as Early as Possible
If you’re thinking about traveling abroad, apply for a passport. If you’re thinking about studying abroad, apply for a passport. If this is your first international flight, the odds are that you do not possess a passport yet. Make this a priority. It will be good for 10 years! Plus, holding your passport for the first time will excite and encourage you to follow through with your dream of studying in another country. Remember, without a passport, anything else you do in preparation for study abroad will be a waste of time.
Passports can take up to eight weeks to receive in the mail. Avoid the stress and added expense of getting a passport the month before departure. Do it early. Do it now! The process is simple and similar in every country.
For the United States, a passport application can be found at a nearby passport office or a United States Postal Service (a local post office). The following is required to obtain a passport:
Application form. The application is provided at the location of choice and may be filled out at the post office, or you can take it with you to complete. Be sure to bring it with you when you’re ready..
Proof of US citizenship. Your birth certificate is a good option, but make sure it meets the requirements.
Proof of Identity. A driver’s license is the easiest if you have one.
Recent color photograph. There are certain requirements a passport photo must meet.
To avoid any issues, the post office or passport office has the capability to take your passport photo onsite. It costs extra, but it’s worth it because it is guaranteed for approval. Also, you only need to make one stop to apply. I suggest that you request at least two extra prints of your photo. You will need them if you need to apply for a visa.
One extra tip regarding photos. If you choose to have your photograph taken at the USPS passport office, ask the photographer to let you know when they are planning to snap your photo. If you don’t, your photo may end up resembling a mug shot. Let’s just say that I can’t wait until my passport is up for renewal so I can get a new photograph.
Cash or Credit card. Unfortunately your passport is not offered free-of-charge by the U.S. Government. It costs approximately $145, plus a small fee if you need to have your photo taken. The post office will also accept checks with a few restrictions, as well as money orders.
2. Choose Your Study Abroad Program
Many of the following tips require you to know your destination. Once you’ve selected the college and country where your study abroad program is located, you can begin following the remaining tips.
3. Apply for a Visa
After obtaining your passport and selecting your destination, the next thing to do is apply for a visa. Unless your study abroad program is shorter than one month, a visa is necessary to legally enter the country you will be living in for the next few months. Each country has different expectations regarding their requirements, so I suggest checking online for availability and directions. Ask your study abroad office or program advisor if they are familiar with your study abroad destination.
Also, be aware that applying for a visa requires two photos to be sent with your passport to the country’s consulate in the U.S. As I mentioned in Tip #2, request two extra printouts to use for your visa when you get photographed for your passport.
My study abroad program made applying for a visa very simple. I filled out the required paperwork. Then my advisor mailed my passport, photos and visa paperwork to the Spanish consulate in Houston. The consulate returned my passport ready for use with the visa inside. Check your study abroad office to see if they offer the same services!
4. Check Immigration Requirements of Your Host Country
It’s always a good idea to check on the immigration requirements of any foreign country that you pass through, as well as your destination country. There are a few countries that require proof of continuing travel out of the country before they allow you in. Your college’s study abroad office and a US consulate should have up-to-date information on the immigration requirements.
PLAN YOUR TRAVEL
5. Determine Start Date and End Date of Program
Now that you have your passport, visa, a destination and specific dates related to your program, it’s time to book your flights.
The first items to know are the start and end dates of your study abroad program. By now you should know if you can arrive early, or if you should arrive on the day your program begins. Your housing arrangements will also determine your options.
6. Determine If You Want to Arrive Early or Remain Longer
Some students like to arrive early and sightsee for a few days or weeks. You should determine if you are able to do some sightseeing before your program begins.
7. One Way or Roundtrip
As I mentioned, I booked a one way flight to Spain. I wanted the option of staying longer in Europe after my study abroad program ended. Many of my fellow travelers booked roundtrip tickets. Buying a roundtrip ticket may save you some money, but you’ll be locked in to leaving on the date your ticket shows. It can be very expensive to change dates after you’ve purchased a ticket, so avoid this situation if you can. But if you choose one way, which I highly recommend, you don’t have to choose a day to fly back until it gets closer to the end of your program. Waiting to purchase your return ticket will allow you to postpone your return trip if some wonderful opportunity to stay longer presents itself.
8. Research Flights
After you’ve made a final decision on your arrival and departure dates, it is time to check for available flights. I just performed a Google search of flights to Seville, Spain. I was surprised at the number of options available to me. The number of options may be a little overwhelming, but your search will give you a good idea what airlines are out there and the price range for tickets.
Also remember to check the travel sites that list international flights.
9. Book Your Flight(s)
Location of departure is known. Destination is known. You have been accepted into your specific study abroad program. The date for departure (and return) is known. Ticket type is known. Airline is chosen. Now it is time to book the flights.
Websites nowadays are so user friendly to book flights. Enter the above information into the appropriate boxes, click the button to advance, and voila the website spits out available flight options.
Things to consider:
• Reserve a seat that fits your needs. Don’t wait until the last minute to select a seat, you’ll get stuck in the middle seat for as much as 10 – 14 hours. That is not the best option for a memorable first international flight.
• Check the airline’s restrictions on their change fees. If you’re not sure when you plan to return or if you book a return flight you may want to change it to a different date or time. Check with the airline to see if you can change a ticket without high fees of $100 – $500, or more.
• One major tip when choosing the flight option is to look at the layover times. If possible, you want to avoid having a five-hour layover when you can have a one-hour layover. Also, you don’t want too small of a layover because there is a risk of missing the connecting flight. Navigating a large international airport to your gate will take time. Choose the flights with enough cushion for layover time for less stress on the day of your first international flight. In addition, do your best to book a specific seat on the airplane(s) that fits your needs.
• Focus on your specific destinations. Some large cities offer more than one airport, so you want to be sure you understand the specifics of your arrival.
• Make note of any special dietary needs you may require. This option is often available during the ticketing process. You may be required to reserve a special meal in advance of the flight. Contact your airline for the details.
• If possible, check with your study abroad office to determine if other students at your college or university are traveling to the same location. You may enjoy coordinating travel plans with a classmate, or at least someone from your college. It’s much easier to navigate the many aspects of the journey with a partner or two.
After taking these items into consideration, this step suddenly makes it all very real when you get a confirmation email that confirms your airline reservation to a foreign country. Now the hard part begins – waiting until the date of departure!
Personally, I booked my one-way flight through STA Travel. My cousin told me about the website. She had experience booking international flights through the company and was very pleased with their service. The company works with students, uses reputable airlines, and often provide less expensive tickets. The website was easy to use. Could I have purchased cheaper tickets? Maybe. But I was happy to save the time and effort required to get a “better deal.” For me, STA Travel is worth it.
10. Make a List of Every Item You Need to Pack
The minute you decide to study abroad, start a list. From that day forward, keep it nearby so that you can add items to the list. I’ll add another post highlighting the items on my personal list.
11. Make Physical and Digital Copies of all Your Documents
I recommend that you have copies of all your important documents. Pack them in a separate location from the originals. These items should include your passport, visa, credit cards and anything else you require. Photocopies come in handy if any of your documents get stolen.
12. Check your Local Banks to See if They Will Exchange US Dollars for Currency of Host Country
It’s nice to have money available when you arrive in your host country. Although many countries accept US dollars, it’s often better to use their own currency to buy food or snacks, pay for local transportation, and to offer the appropriate tip. The host country’s airport may not offer a good exchange rate, so having some money beforehand could be very useful. I took about $200 in Euros with me when I flew to Spain.
13. Pack Your Larger Suitcase(s)
Check the airline’s baggage requirements before starting to pack. The weight of your luggage is important. You’ll pay extra if it weighs too much.
Airlines often have different policies concerning baggage. Check the airline website to determine how many checked bags you can have, the size requirements for your carry on, weight limits, etc. When I went to Spain, my first checked bag was free (as long as it was under 50 pounds) and I was allowed to take my backpack and small duffel bag with me as carry-ons. You don’t want any surprises to distract you before your airplane’s takeoff.
Traveling with one large suitcase was so much easier as I navigated airports, train stations and local transportation. I saw one student miss a train because she was trying to pull two large suitcases, while carrying a purse and a backpack.
I suggest that you purchase a portable luggage scale to weigh your bag as you pack. If you’re packing too much, the scale will help you determine what items may be too heavy to include. It can’t tell you what to pack and what to keep at home, but it will tell you what is heavier and what is lighter. Once you’ve finished packing you can place the scale inside your bag and use it for your return.
Check this blog to read a more in-depth post that offers my recommendations for packing.
14. Pack Your Carry-on Luggage
As I mentioned, I carried a backpack and a duffel bag onto the airplane.
• Pack snacks for the long flight
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Bring a light jacket or sweater
• Carry a travel pillow
• Don’t forget a portable charging device
• Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can be a lifesaver
• Chewing gum can help release the pressure on your ears during take-off and landing. Hard candy can help too.
• Books, magazines, a Nook or iPad, or a laptop can help pass the time
• A paper journal
• A pen to write in your journal, and to fill out any forms required by the airline before landing in your host country
15. Check in With the Airline 24 Hours Before Departure
Most, if not all airlines let you check in 24 hours prior to departure. Name and flight confirmation number are generally what is needed. Also, seat options are normally a part of this phase. When the check in process is complete, the boarding pass can be printed, emailed or opened through a mobile app. I went through the above process, but I wanted an “official” ticket for a keepsake. So, I had them printed at the airport, which is always an option too.
16. Check Your List One Last Time Before Leaving for the Airport
Remember the list you made? Check it. Do you have your passport, debit/credit card(s), phone, luggage, important documents, etc.? If your list is thorough, you’ll be fine.
17. Arrive at the Airport Early
The travel day has finally arrived. You should arrive at the airport with enough time to check your bags, pass through security and get to your gate well in advance of your departure time. Arriving early reduces the stress of wondering if your plane will leave without you because you’re late to the airport. The most general recommendation is to arrive at the airport 2 hours in advance.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE AIRPORT
18. Check In
First you will go to the ticketing line where you will check in with the ticket agent and check in your luggage. The associate will weigh your bag. If the bag weighs more than the allowed maximum weight limit, the airline will charge a fee. Once your baggage is tagged and ready to go, the agent will send your item(s) on a conveyor belt into the bowels of the airport where they will then be transported to the plane.
The ticket agent will probably ask if you want a printed copy of your ticket. It’s your decision if you want to use your smart phone or a paper ticket. It’s totally up to you.
19. Security
Next is passing through the security area. In US airports, TSA agents follow guidelines required by the government to ensure you and your carry-on luggage is safe to transport on an airplane.
This is the line most of us dread. Often this is the most time-consuming part of your journey to get on the plane. For this reason you should arrive early. Signs will inform you of the procedures. Airport personnel will be available to point you in the right direction. around giving instructions.
A security official will check your ticket and passport. Make sure you have both ready before it’s your turn.
Although rules change over time, the most general rule is to take out any liquids from your carry on (they should be in a plastic bag), laptops, and iPads. You will probably be asked to remove coats, hats, belts and shoes. Be sure to empty your pockets, as well.
Your carry-on items will be placed into buckets on a conveyor belt and x-rayed. You will then pass through a body scanner. If nothing on your person causes suspicion, then keep going and your items will be waiting for pick up on the other side.
When I went through security at my hometown airport, my duffel bag was pulled for inspection. I wondered what could be in my bag worth inspecting, but I knew I had nothing inside to cause alarm. So I gathered the rest of my stuff, put my shoes on, then went to see what triggered their curiosity. When I found out, I was so embarrassed! My mom packed me a bunch of snacks to take with me. In order to make room for everything, I stuffed them in my each of the outside pockets individually. The security guard removed every single bag of Cheez-its and goldfish and gummy bears to make sure nothing was inside. He advised me to pack my snacks into Ziplocs next time. Lesson learned. If you want to avoid the embarrassment, heed his advice!
20. Locate Your Gate
Signs are posted all over the airport with arrows pointing toward the direction of the gates. Just follow the directions to your gate. If you get confused or lost, don’t be afraid to ask someone at the information desks. Once you find the gate, just sit and wait for boarding. This is the time to fill up the empty water bottle you brought from a water fountain. Or purchase a large water bottle from the many kiosks around the airport.
21. Board the Plane
The moment you have been waiting for months has arrived. The gate’s ticket agent will announce the boarding instructions. Wait for your group to be called and then board the plane and find your seat.
THE TIME TO LEAVE IS FINALLY AT HAND
22. Time for Lift Off
The plane has boarded, you found your seat, it is time for takeoff. Take a moment to catch your breath. Your study abroad journey is about to start. Takeoff is fun. Look out the window to watch the ascent. It is amazing how small everything looks from the sky. After admiring the view for a while, it’s time to settle in. You can take a nap, read, watch videos on your electronic devices, color or whatever you want to do to pass the time. It might be fun to talk to your neighbor at some point during the flight. I’ve found that fellow travelers are often friendly, supportive, and may be able to offer suggestions of things to do or things to avoid, or they may offer some useful advice concerning their experiences traveling or living abroad. Whatever you do, do your best to ignore the crying baby a few rows away.
23. Make Use of Your Layover(s)
Unless you live in a big city with an international airport that goes straight to your destination, you will potentially travel on multiple flights in one day. So, prepare for layovers! When your plane lands, you and your fellow passengers will disembark the aircraft. Find your way through the maze to the inside of the airport and look for the information screen with flight information. Determine the gate for your next flight and make your way there. On the way, scope out bathrooms, water fountains and food options. Then wait for the next flight. Check out the souvenir shops, as well. You probably won’t want to purchase anything but make a note of anything you may want to buy on your flight home. Hopefully you packed enough items in your carry on to entertain yourself. My first international flight required me to travel on three airplanes and endure two layovers. This number will vary for everyone.
24. Surviving the Transoceanic Flight
The flight taking you out of the United States will probably be the longest flight of the day. Most airlines provide pillows and lap blankets for the flight. Also, complementary meals may be expected.
My flight was at night and we arrived in Madrid by morning. The airline served dinner in the evening and hours later, breakfast. Each airline offers their own unique twist concerning meals and snacks.
A variety of movies, television programs or videos will also be available on the flight. Be sure to bring personal headphones. Oftentimes airlines charge a fee for passengers to purchase their headphones.
So pick a movie, plug in your headphones and enjoy the ride. At this point your body will probably be exhausted. I recommend that you get some sleep because when the plane lands, you must be ready to go.
It’s also wise to stand up and walk around after the seat belt signs shut off. Sitting for hours at a time often cause muscles to cramp, and you can avoid this by moving around the airplane.
25. Prepare for Landing
It’s time for your arrival in a foreign country. You’ve spent many hours in airports and airplanes. But you’re not quite finished.
An hour or so before your plane is scheduled to land, you will be asked to fill out an immigration arrivals card and a customs declaration.
Take these forms seriously. You’re traveling to a foreign country will different rules, laws and expectations. If you see something on the form that appears to be illegal, be sure to claim it on the form. It’s better to be honest than to get caught with something in customs during a search of your luggage.
If you arrive at your final destination, you’ll need to pass through customs. If you still have a shorter flight to your final destination, just follow the tips discussed above. Whatever the case, you’re probably worn out by now. You’ll feel like you need a shower, but you will have made it safely to your destination.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Flying internationally is not a scary process. You will get the hang of navigating airports and scoping out the cleanest restroom and finding yummy airport snacks. By the time you land in your host country, you will feel like you can conquer anything! Now that you’ve arrived, it’s time to navigate your way out of the airport in order to get a taxi, bus, train, or whatever transportation you will need get to your “new home” in your host country.
GOOD LUCK
I wish you the best of luck. If you’ve followed the journey described above, you’re ready to accomplish something only 10% of American college students experience: a Study Abroad Experience. Congratulate yourself on getting this far. You deserve it.