Preparing to Travel Abroad
Financial Planning (PDF)
Travel Tips
- Keep your passport and immigration papers with you, not in your baggage.
- Change your money to traveler's checks.
- Dress for a destination that is cold in winter and warm and humid in summer.
- Do not leave your luggage unattended while waiting in the airport, bus, or train station.
Note: The earliest you may arrive in the U.S. is 30 days prior to the program start date noted on your Form I-20 (item 5).
If you travel, it is a good idea to:
- Have medical and dental checkup prior to your departure.
- Review your travel plans with your physician.
- Take medical records with you.
- Make sure your prescription medicines are available in your host country.
- Bring all medicine in their original containers.
Shots and Inoculations
We recommend that all students attending Governors State University show proof of the following information with verification from the student’s physician or health care provider. The immunization should be completed before you arrive on campus. Many inoculations require time. Begin your inquires well in advance of your departure.
Highly Recommended
Tetanus Diptheria (Td) Booster every 10 year
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Tuberculin skin test (PPD/Mantoux test)
Hepatitis B
Varicella vaccine
We recommend that you complete the “Immunization Form” and return it to the Office of International Services before you arrive on campus.
Please note that the cost of completing the immunization requirements may be substantially higher in the United States than in the home country.
Make copies of the following:
- Passport
- Visa
- Medical prescriptions
- All travel tickets
- Traveler's check numbers
Documents You Should Carry When Traveling
- Passport
- SEVIS Form I-20
- Evidence of financial resources
- Letter of admission
- Paper receipt for the SEVIS fee (if applicable)
Recommendations
- Record your passport numbers in a safe place in case your passport is stolen.
- Make photocopies of your passport and visa, and leave one set of copies at home.
- Do not pack your passport in your luggage.
- Never leave your passport unattended.
Bringing money into U.S.
Any amount of money exceeding $10,000 must be declared in advance on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Declaration Form 6059 B, which is given to incoming travelers on the airplane.
