LibGuides: Campbell University Study Abroad: Pre-Departure Resources

Quick Currency Converter

The Basics

Obtaining a Passport
U.S. Department of State
Do You Need Any Vaccines?
The Center for Disease Control's list of recommended and/or required vaccines for every country in the world.
Optional: International Student Identity Cards
Some students choose to use this card to benefit from discounts at major tourist sites throughout the world. Do some research! Consider how often you may use this card before deciding whether or not to purchase it.

Cultural Competence Training

Culture Matters: A Peace Corps Cross-Cultural Workbook
Flip through this workbook and do some of the exercises to think through your own cultural assumptions and prepare yourself to be culturally sensitive in your host country.
Maximizing Study Abroad: Strategies for Language and Culture Learning and Use
Aimed at students who want to make the most of their study abroad experience, this flexible and user-friendly guide helps students identify and use a wide variety of language- and culture-learning strategies. Portions of the book may be downloaded free.
Online Cultural Training Seminar
This seminar will help make the transitions to living abroad, and coming back home, easier and make your experiences abroad more rewarding.

Currency Converter & Currency Strength Heat Map

This is an excellent tool that not only allows you to view world currency changes on a color-coded world map, but you can also compare currencies with your country of choice. Click on any other country to update information in the currency converter below the map.

US Department of State/ Embassy Information

Country-Specific Safety/Visa Information
Select the country to which you are traveling to learn the entry/exit requirements for US citizens, country-specific safety information, and the location of the US embassy in that country.
Enroll in STEP
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency. STEP also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Students Abroad
The US Department of State site just for students traveling abroad. A VERY helpful resource!
How can the US Embassy Help in an Emergency?

What to Bring and Leave Behind

Bring:

Campbell University Office of Study Abroad: Packing Tips
Electrical Adapter Plugs
Medical necessities

Leave Behind:

Make two photocopies of the passport identification page, airline tickets, driver's license and the credit cards you plan to take. Leave one copy of each with family or friends at home, and pack the other copies separately from the originals.
Leave valuable or expensive-looking jewelry, irreplaceable family objects, all unnecessary credit cards, social security cards, library cards, or similar items.

U.S. State Department. "Tips for Traveling Abroad." travel.state.gov/travel/tips_1232.html#take_with

Research Your Country

CIA World Factbook
The World Factbook provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for 267 world entities. Their Reference tab includes: maps of the major world regions, as well as Flags of the World, a Physical Map of the World, a Political Map of the World, and a Standard Time Zones of the World map.
BBC Country Profiles
Instant guide to history, politics and economic background of countries and territories, and background on key institutions. Organized by Overview, Facts, Leaders, Media, and Timeline.
Culture Watch (by Country Watch)
CultureWatch is a database tailored to young students exploring the countries of the world and global events. Included in the CultureWatch Database is a combination of background information on specific countries, current events coverage, a guide to the formation of countries within global context, as well as curriculum-based resources, and colorful international images.
Library of Congress: Country Studies
The Country Studies Series presents a description and analysis of the historical setting and the social, economic, political, and national security systems and institutions of countries throughout the world.
UN Data: Country Profiles
Statistical profiles of countries compiled by the United Nations; with economic, social and environmental indicators.
Country Reports
A visually engaging site that provides cultural, historical, and statistical country information.
Country Codes for Phone Calls
Prepare for Success: Resources for Students Traveling to the UK