There are three main categories of resources that you should utilize during your study abroad experience:

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1. Emergency resources are an absolute necessity while being in a foreign country. These include knowing the phone number to the local police, having the contact information of your program's faculty, and knowing basic directions of where the closest hospital is. These rules apply to every country you visit, not just the one where your program is located.

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2. Mobile device resources will vary depending on the person and program. However, apps you should consider downloading prior to your trip include multiple GPS apps (such as the highly recommended and free 'Citymapper'), location-sharing apps (like 'Find My iPhone' or even Snapchat), a language translator for realtime conversation and print, and an alternative texting app like 'Whatsapp' to avoid international data charges while communicating with people back home. 

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3. Program resources are also greatly beneficial to recognize. Examples of these would be mental health counseling, career or internship advising, health and safety teams, optional clubs, and anything else your program may offer you during your session. Don't hesitate to utilize these resources at any point while you are abroad.

Tend to over/under pack? Have no clue where to start? Here's the basic breakdown of what you actually need for your time abroad:

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What you do need:

• The essentials: passport, plane tickets, ID's, all appropriate paperwork for local border control, visa papers if applicable, phone, laptop, backpack, etc.

• Extra charging cords for all electronics- they're easy to lose during travel

• Climate and culture appropriate clothing- RESEARCH THIS AHEAD OF TIME

• International voltage and plug-in converters- these are essential if you don't want to blow a fuse or break one of your appliances 

• All of your prescribed medicines and an assortment of over the counter aids in case you get sick (Tylenol, TUMS, allergy medicine, etc)

• A local SIM card or international phone plan

• Currency in cash and card- many smaller stores only accept one or the other

• Extra space in your luggage if you plan on bringing back souvenirs or gifts for your loved ones (especially if they're Christmas presents)

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What you don't need:

• Self defense weapons- in many countries items like pepper spray are not legal to carry, so consider purchasing alarm key chains or related emergency devices instead

• Bedding- most of the time this will be provided for you, and it takes up a lot valuable room in your luggage

• Kitchen cookware and food- if needed, it's easiest to buy abroad

• Anything that will keep you stuck in your room (like electronic games, dvd players, etc)- you only get to go abroad once, make an effort to go out and experience it!

You've found your dream program, done all the paperwork, packed everything- and now? You get to anticipate the adventure of a lifetime.

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If you find yourself too excited to sit around and count down the days until your flight, consider planning tourism trips in advance. While abroad, many students chose to travel to neighboring countries on the weekends or academic breaks. Whether you plan to travel with friends or embark on a solo trip, narrowing down your list of places to visit and creating itineraries for them is a great way to prepare. While you may have specific places you definitely want to visit in mind, you can also find inspiration on our 'Weekend Trips' Blog page; it features several student-written blogs and itineraries from the weekend trips of past study abroad participants.

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An equally alluring way to anticipate your trip is to learn more about your country of residence. Oftentimes students get so caught up in traveling to neighboring destinations that they overlook the country they are staying in. Create your own unmissable itinerary by researching iconic local attractions and traditions, and make it a goal to visit each one while you are abroad.

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Finally, take the time to recognize that you are setting out for the opportunity of a lifetime. This is a privilege that so many people aren't able to experience- so make a mental note to appreciate of every single moment of it. We at COMPASS support you fully and wish you the best during your adventures.