How do I prepare for handling money internationally?
- Tell your bank your destination and travel dates.
- Get to know your bank’s policies for international transaction and exchange fees.
- Make sure you have a chipped debit or credit card, and request a pin for ATM withdrawals.
- Get to know the exchange rates for currency in your travel destination.
- Consider that many countries are more cash-based than the US, so you can't always rely on a debit card or credit card for small purchases. Make a plan for having local cash upon arrival.
- Always have a backup plan! Work with trusted family or friends to understand how you will access funds if you need them in an emergency.
Will my phone work internationally?
It’s essential that you have a working phone with data throughout the duration of your global learning program. Check with your cell provider to ensure you can add an international plan to your coverage or replace your SIM card with a local (or international) SIM/ e-SIM in advance or upon arrival. If you opt to replace your SIM card or e-SIM, make sure you double check with your provider that your phone is not locked.
How can I prepare for my medical/mental health while off-campus?
We recommend a physical checkup with your primary care provider prior to travel. For further support, don’t hesitate to reach out to RISD Health and Wellness. If you take daily medications, request a refill with enough medication to last the duration of your trip. If this is not possible for your semester-long program, ensure you have at least enough to cover the first few weeks. If you currently see a mental health professional on a regular basis, share your travel plans and brainstorm how you can maintain your mental health away from home.
Once enrolled in your travel course/program, we encourage you to contact our international travel health insurance provider in advance to explore local services in your travel destination and even order appointments and prescriptions in advance.
I identify as LGBTQ+. What should I think about prior to travel?
It’s important to inform yourself and be prepared for the legal, historical, and cultural context of your travel destination as it relates to your LGBTQ+ identity. Learn more:
Some transgender travelers have reported difficulties entering a country with a passport bearing a name and photo that no longer correspond to their gender presentation. Learn more: transequality.org.
For further support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Intercultural Student Engagement (ISE).
I identify as a Person of Color (POC) and/or different race than the majority population in the country I plan to visit. What should I think about prior to travel?
It’s important to inform yourself and be prepared for the historical, cultural, and political context of your travel destination as it relates to your racial and ethnic identity. Learn more: Diversity Abroad.
For further support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Intercultural Student Engagement (ISE).
I identify as a student with a disability. What should I think about prior to travel?
Each country has its own standards of accessibility for persons with disabilities and, unlike the United States, many countries do not legally require accommodations for persons with disabilities. Your legal protections as a RISD student, however, do travel with you, but they require advanced planning.
If you have an existing accommodation on campus or if you anticipate needing a new accommodation due to the nature of a global learning program or for a recent short-term disability, start a conversation with Disability Student Services as soon as possible, and even prior to program acceptance/registration.
Learn more:
I identify as a heritage student. What should I think about prior to travel?
It’s important to inform yourself and be prepared for the historical, cultural, and political context of your travel destination as it relates to your racial and ethnic identity as a heritage student. Learn more: Diversity Abroad
For further support, don’t hesitate to reach out to Intercultural Student Engagement (ISE).
I am an international student. What should I think about prior to travel?
Be mindful that you may need a visa to visit the travel destination. Check the country’s embassy/consulate website for visa application guidance. RISD Global can assist, upon request.
If you have a US student visa, you must also ensure that your I-20 form has been signed for travel before departing the United States by a member of the International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA). If you are a Permanent Resident you should carry your green card together with your passport.
For further support, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office of International Student Services (OISS).
What campus services are available to help me prepare for travel and while away?
RISD Global partners closely with a wide variety of other RISD offices to ensure your off-campus global learning experience is a success, and we suggest you do the same! Offices you should be in touch with prior to travel: RISD Health and Wellness, Disability Support Services (DSS), International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA), Office of Intercultural Student Services (ISE), Student Financial Services, Registrar’s Office, in addition to your academic department. For semester programs, if you live on campus, you should also reach out to Residence Life and Dining, to cancel your housing and meal plan.
RISD Public Safety and RISD Equity and Compliance remain available to you throughout your time off-campus.