Travel Tips
               

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Informatic Services has a well co-coordinated Travel Desk that offers the following services to students:

? Passport Application (New and Renewal)
? Visa Guidance
? Discounted Air Ticketing
? Discounted Courier Services
? Foreign Exchange Requirements
? Internal Travel Arrangements
? Tours Arrangements for Students with their Families
? Airport Pickups

What is Financial Aid

Financial aid is a means by which students can reduce or eliminate the expenses that they will incur in the course of their education overseas.
Since education and living costs overseas can turn your life and pockets upside down; Financial aid is provided by various sources to minimize the financial burden on parents and students.
Financial Aid is a term used to describe a number of sources and programs that assist students fund their education. There are three main types of financial aid, they are:
• Scholarships /Grants /Fellowships /Assistantships / Need based aid - do not have to be paid back to the institution that provides it. They are given to students on a merit basis. Students applying for the MS degree, if you have a good academic record, can expect to fund your education abroad almost free of cost! Money is available from the universities in the form of a TA (teaching assistant) or a RA (research assistant) which enables the students to support themselves completely
• Loans – have to be paid back. Loans can be borrowed from financial institutions or banks. Therefore if for any reason you are not eligible for a scholarship/fellowship/grant then this is an avenue to explore to fund your education
• Student Employment programs – Money earned does not have to be paid back. Student employment programs are designed for students to work and earn. These enable you to work and pay off for your education costs simultaneously

Sources of funding:
There are two main sources of aid – one in your home country and the other abroad

The amount of financial aid needed is assessed by the amount parents can contribute minus the total cost of education. The difference of this will be the amount of Financial Assistance required by the student.
Sources of financial aid:
The Government of your Country:
Inquire with your government and find out if they have any funding for students looking to pursue their education overseas. The Government may put down certain terms and conditions, which the student will have to abide by, but this could be one of the avenues for financial aid. Some communities have trusts that offer students of the community, scholarships to pursue higher education.
Colleges and Universities Overseas:
A number of colleges and universities offer financial assistance to international students in the form of scholarships or need based financial assistance. While scholarships are determined on your merit, need based financial assistance is evaluated on your family’s economic profile.
Private sources:
Private sources and organizations offer financial assistance in the form of grants and loans to international students. There are a number of requirements that a student will need to fulfill while applying for these grants and loans.

Safety Tips!

Intitutions and organizations involved with student travel have always sought to protect the health and safety of those participating in international educational activities. In the last few years, this effort has become better co-ordinated and more comprehensive.
In addition to any safety information provided by the host program's study abroad office, remember these tips from Bill Hoffa's It's Your World handbook:
The most important factor in your safety abroad is likely to be your behavior. It's wise to do the following:
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don't wander through unfamiliar areas alone, and always remain alert.
Don't go out alone at night. Even when you're with friends, stick to well-lit streets where there are a lot of people.
Don't flash jewelry, expensive cameras, or electronic equipment.
Use caution when walking or jogging. Remember that in some countries, drivers use the left side of the road. In certain areas, drivers may not expect anyone to be running along the road.
When crossing streets, keep in mind that pedestrians may not be given the right of way.
Be careful with alcohol. If you drink, make sure it is only with people you know and trust, and designate one person to remain sober. As in the United States, never drink and drive. (Drunk driving laws abroad are sometimes much more severe than those in the United States.)
Don't attract attention to yourself with provocative or expensive clothing or boisterous conversation in public. Observe local students' behavior, and try to mimic it.
Use only official taxis. Unless meters are used, agree on the fare before you get in.
Before you travel from your program site, find out what methods of transportation are safest and whether any roads should be avoided.
Read the local papers to find out where high crime areas are and whether civil unrest is brewing.
Stay away from demonstrations or any kind of civil disturbances. Even innocent bystanders can be hurt or arrested.
Protect your passport. Keep it with you, in a front pocket or your purse. Be careful when displaying it.
In general, avoid being engulfed in a crowd. This is the preferred environment of pickpockets.
Accidents can happen anywhere. If driving, know what local traffic laws are and follow them. Always use a seat-belt. Make sure you understand local road signs and signals.
Remain alert when walking. Before crossing streets, remember to look both ways; in some countries, traffic will be coming from the opposite direction from what you would expect.

Packing tips

Smart packing is a must for any study abroad excursion regardless of whether the program lasts a few weeks or a few months. Many hosting universities have packing checklists available, which will eleviate any uncertainty when deciding what to bring and what not to bring. Following these tips will also help with the process:
" Find out what the typical weather pattern in the selected country during this time period.
" Research how many pieces of luggage can be taken on an international flight and what is the allowed weight limit is for each piece.
" Make sure the luggage meets all of the safety and customs requirements for international flights.
" Be conscious of whether the student be required to carry all of this luggage for any length of time or distance.
" Leave extra room in luggage or bring an empty backpack, which can be used for souveniers that the student plans to bring home.
" Always keep valuables such as money, passport and camera equipment in a carry on bag, which should stay with the student at all times during the flight.
" Insure the baggage and personal effects for the full period abroad.
" When traveling with a camera, buy a lead-lined film bag. Contrary to posted airport claims, some X-ray devices ruin film.
" If your child has a large amount of baggage, check with the host institution to see if some of it can be shipped in advance.