“Saint Mary’s is an invaluable place where you cannot only grow in mind, but in heart and spirit, and a place where you develop relationships that will last a lifetime.”
How to Apply for a Passport
Need to apply for a passport?
-
Passports need to be valid for 6 months after your program ends.
-
If you don’t have a current passport, begin the process of applying for your passport as soon as possible. The current processing time for a passport can be up to 12 weeks. If you have not applied for your passport yet, you should do so ASAP. You must show proof of your passport or passport application as part of the application process.
-
You can apply for a passport through a U.S. Post Office. Please Note: You will need to schedule an appointment with the Post Office in order to have your appointment. You will need to bring all required documents with you to your appointment.
-
For more information about passports, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website.
Ready to submit your passport in your application?
-
In the “Passport Status” section of your application, please enter in your passport information if you have one. If you do not have a passport and are in the process of applying for it, please upload the receipt showing you’ve applied for a passport. Do not upload your passport application. You can check the status of your passport application here.
-
After you are approved and can view your forms, you will need to upload a full scan of your passport information page. Make sure to include an image of your open passport with 2 pages: the page with your photograph and the page above with your signature. It needs to show all four corners of your passport, no glares or fingers.
How to Buy a Plane Ticket
Before purchasing a ticket for your program abroad, you must have permission from your home or host institution. You should check all details about your program before booking your flight. We recommend you explore fully refundable tickets and travel insurance options to protect against potential travel disruptions.
Timing
-
Flight prices vary depending on the season.
-
Flights are usually cheaper during mid-week travel.
-
If your travel dates are flexible, you can create different itineraries by adjusting your departure and return dates. If your program requires you arrive by a specific date, you must follow those guidelines.
-
It can be cheapest to book your international flight 2-3 months prior to your departure. You can start looking right away to get an idea of the average costs.
-
If you want to do some general flight searching, utilize an incognito browser so your cookies aren’t tracked.
Online Search Engines
-
You can use a search engine to find the cheapest date/time to fly and then go to the airline's own website to book the tickets.
-
Airlines may match or beat other prices listed online. The airline's service is better than going through an airline provider.
-
Sign up for price drop notifications on travel booking websites to receive alerts when fares for your chosen destination fall below a set price.
Search engines include but are not limited to:
Travel Agents
-
Working with a travel agent has benefits and drawbacks. If you book through an agent, we recommend you contact at least three agencies or websites to find the best fare. These agencies may charge a fee, so read the fine print.
-
Travel agents may be able to match an online fare; ensure that your search covers both agents and online booking sites.
General Tips
-
If you purchase a flight outside of the airline, you will need to work with the site you used for flight purchases for any flight changes.
-
Consider booking a flight that has a flexible return date, or inquire with the airline about their fees for changing the return date. This way, you'll have the option to adjust your plans if you want to extend your travel after your program ends.
-
If you're studying abroad for a full academic or calendar year, you might need to buy two one-way tickets rather than a round-trip ticke The airline may not allow you to purchase your return flight far in advance, and you may need a return ticket to enter the host country.
Articles
What to Pack
Deciding what to pack for your program abroad can be difficult. We created a packing list to help guide you as you pack for your program abroad.
Things to Remember:
-
Leave expensive jewelry or other valuable items at home.
-
Clearly label all of your luggage, both inside and out, with your name and destination
-
Check airline regulations for weight, size and number of bags. Going over regulations can result in additional charges.
-
Some prescription medications are illegal in certain countries. Check the CDC website for more information.
-
Buy items with heating elements such as hair dryers and curling/flat irons when you arrive in-country. Their voltage does not convert well to other voltages and can stop working.
-
Items such as deodorant and feminine products may not be available in your host country. It is best to bring them with you.
-
Leave extra space in your bags for things you will want to bring home.
-
Keep a copy of your passport in a different place than your actual passport. Also leave a copy at home and send a scanned version to your email address to ensure a quick handling on-site / at the local embassy or consulate in case your passport gets lost or stolen.
-
Check with your cell phone provider on international plans available for you while abroad.
-
Make sure your bank allows you to make payments abroad with your debit card and that you know your PIN code necessary for ATM withdrawals. Know the maximum limit for daily withdrawals.
-
Notify your credit card company of your international travel and if applying for a new credit card, look for those with no foreign transaction fees.
-
Keep a list of phone numbers to cancel credit cards in case of loss or theft.
-
Save local maps in an app on your phone for offline use, such as google maps.
On the plane:
-
Wear comfortable, loosely fitting clothes and dress in layers to accommodate changes in the temperature as you travel. Bring one set of clothing in your carry-on luggage in case your check-in luggage gets delayed or lost. We recommend wearing compression socks.
-
Before packing your luggage, please read the TSA Guidelines to understand what items are permitted in your carry-on and checked baggage.
-
Pack a change of clothes, important documents (passport, visa, etc.) and any prescription drugs you might need in your carry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost or severely delayed.
-
Pack a toothbrush, deodorant, and sanitary items.
-
Bring valuables on the plane with you, such as your laptop, tablet, purse, airpods, etc.
-
If you are bringing electronics on the plane, make sure you have an outlet adapter with you for charging before you board the plane.
