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Students participating in a study abroad program through a third-party provider (examples: CCSA, CEA CAPA, GLO, ISA, KIIS, USAC, etc.) will NOT attend a Murray State University orientation. Orientation will be hosted by your program provider. Be sure to check the details on the provider's website for the date and time of your orientation.

Friday, November 7th, 2025

4:30–7:30 p.m.

135 Blackburn Science Building

Friday, February 20th, 2026

4:30–7:30 p.m.

135 Blackburn Science Building

Friday, April 17th, 2026

4:30–7:30 p.m.

135 Blackburn Science Building

• Learn as much as you can about the program you are going on and the places you are going to visit. If you don't speak the language, try to learn at least a few key phrases. 

• Download apps to your smart device to help with language, navigation, and more.

• DO NOT OVER PACK! You will have to carry everything you pack with you throughout the program - sometimes up stairs, onto public transportation, or while walking reasonable distances through town.

• Check with the airline regarding size and weight limits for checked and carry-on baggage.

• Consider adding a ribbon, tape, or other identifying mark to your luggage so that it is easily recognizable.

  • We recommend covered luggage tags, as well as leaving something with your name and address on it inside your suitcase.

• In your carry-on, take an empty water bottle to refill once you're past security. Pack your prescription medication in the original container. Your camera, laptop, valuables, and a change of clothes should also be packed in a carry-on bag.

• DO NOT include: scissors, knives, razors - anything that could potentially be a weapon. There are restrictions on the amount of liquid you can take on your carry-on.

• Comfortable shoes are a must - make sure to break them in before you leave. Tennis shoes are not always the best option, especially in wet or rainy climates.

• Leave space for what you might want to buy while you're abroad or take an empty duffel bag with you. Remember to check with your airline about checking a second bag on your way home to make sure you aren't surprised at the airport with additional luggage charges.

• Electronics: you may need a voltage convertor and adapter. You can buy these at Walmart or Best Buy. Be sure to carry your electronics and chargers in your carry-on bag.

• Use only TSA-approved locks on your luggage.

• If you have not already received your passport, check the status of your application by calling 877.487.2778. For lost or stolen passports, call 202.955.0430.

• Pack your passport in your carry-on and an extra copy of your passport in your checked bag. Leave a copy of your passport with your emergency contact at home.

• before you leave so they can notify you in case of an emergency.

• If you are planning to use your credit or debit card to get money during your program, notify your credit card company or bank of the places and dates you'll be abroad.

• If you are not a U.S. Citizen, there may be additional documents required. Contact the Embassy to determine if a visa is required.

• Check your flight details 24 hours before departure to see if your itinerary has changed.

• Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight with your passport, your ticket/e-ticket/itinerary, and your luggage.

  • If you are on a group flight, you may all have to check in together.

• Check your luggage and go through security as quickly as possible. Sometimes there are very long lines. Your friends and family cannot go with you through security, so say goodbye at this point. Once you have cleared security, there will be shopping and food options.

• Have your passport and boarding pass ready. You will be asked to remove jackets, belts, shoes, and any metal objects from your pockets. You may be patted down or asked to step into a full-body scan. Comply and do not make jokes.

• After security, find your gate first before shopping and finding food.

• Be at the gate early - international flights can start boarding an hour before take-off.

• If you have a connecting flight, check the monitors immediately after getting to the connecting airport. Find the gate immediately.

• Drink water!

• Get up and walk around.

• Take snacks in your carry-on.

• If you have any dietary requirements or restrictions, make sure to alert a crew member as soon as you get on board. You are your own best advocate in these instances.

When you arrive overseas, you will go through passport control. This is not a time for jokes. Be courteous and answer all questions. Due to visa requirements, short-term study abroad students should answer that they are "participating in a travel/study program or school field trip with other American students for one/two week(s)."

After passport control, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. When you have cleared customs, wait for the rest of your group. You may find that your luggage has been searched. If it has, there will be a card from the TSA inside saying so. If anything is missing, you can file a claim with the airline.

• Be sure to investigate options for your cell phone coverage prior to departure for your program. Most providers have international plans.

• Consider free online chat and video chat services. FaceTime, GroupMe, and GoogleChat are easy and are free ways to stay in touch with friends and family at home.

• Free texting apps for smartphone users like WhatsApp will work with WiFi anywhere you travel.

• When you are calling home, keep the time difference in mind.

• Please help your parent or guardian understand that it is unrealistic to expect daily communication. You might not be able to check in with them as soon as you arrive because the first day is usually packed with activities. Tell them not to worry.

Your money options will vary based on your destination. Always have multiple ways to access money. Don't keep your money all in one place. Keep a copy of the back of your card in case you need to report it missing and leave a copy of the front and back of your card with your parents or someone at home.

Do NOT use an internet cafe or hotel computer to check your bank statements.

Ways to access money abroad include:

• You can take cash in U.S. dollars and change it to the local currency or you may be able to get foreign currency from your local bank before you go.

• You can use the ATMs abroad to get money through your debit card. Make sure your bank knows you are going to be out of the country and that your card will be accepted. There might also be a charge for using a foreign ATM. 

• Notify your credit card company in advance that you will be abroad and ask about any finance charges.

• Traveler's checks are not recommended. Few places accept them and they are expensive.

• Participants are HIGHLY encouraged to fully disclose ALL medical conditions prior to departure, including any mental health issues. This will allow us to better help you while abroad.

• Speak with your doctor prior to leaving to discuss management of any medical conditions/health issues. It may be a good idea to have medical check-ups prior to departure as well (dentist, eye exam, gynecologist, etc).

• If you are taking any prescribed medications make sure to bring enough with you to last the duration of your program.

• Constipation, stomach aches, and diarrhea are common travel-related illnesses. For this reason, take any non-prescription items that you know work for you and your body. Medications abroad will have different brand names, have different strengths, and may be harder to conveniently find.

• If your medical information changes at any point prior to departure, please notify the Education Abroad Office and/or program provider.

• Start walking now! You will be walking more than usual while abroad so start preparing early.

• Before you leave for your program, make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy, and drink water. Keep your body healthy!

• Drink plenty of water on the days of travel and while abroad. Dehydration is a huge problem and something you do not want to deal with.

• While abroad, be prepared to pay up front for doctor visits. Keep receipts and documentation to get reimbursed by your insurance later.

• Be more careful than you are at home (not less). Make smart choices!

• When possible, travel with companions at all times. Familiarize yourself with your surroundings and travel with a friend. Refrain from going out at night by yourself.

• Do not behave in ways that call attention to yourself. Research the local garb and dress appropriately for that country.

• Do not walk around with headphones on. This can not only make you a target but it can also make things like crossing the street and public transportation less safe.

• Leave your most valued possessions at home. If you have favorite jewelry or electronics that you do not want to risk losing or breaking, leave them at home.

• Keep your valued possessions safe. When not on your person, keep valued possession in a hotel safe or another safe location in your hotel room.

• Keep your money, phone, and other valued items close to your body and in inner-pockets. Do not keep your wallet in your back pocket. Do not carry a purse over one shoulder. If a mugging were to occur, ALWAYS give up the purse/money and back away.

• If you are approached and harassed, always scream and resist. Never be afraid to make a big scene to get the help you need. If you are assaulted, get help right away from program Leadership on the ground or from the Education Abroad Office. If it's after hours and you can't reach anyone, call the MSU Campus Police at 270.809.2222.

• Research shows that students are more sexually active abroad. For your own personal and physical safety, refrain from sexual relationships with people you meet while abroad. Know the social cues and dating customs of the country you are in. Do not attract unwanted sexual attention due to dressing too casually.

• Use ATMs that are in public and well-lit places. Always make sure to end all transactions before walking away from an ATM.

• Trust your intuition. If you do not feel safe in a situation, you are probably right. Never leave a friend or allow yourself to be left alone in a pub, club, or bar with someone you just met. Look for safe havens (24-hour stores, hotel lobbies) and go to them if you do not feel safe. Find or call for help right away.

• Ask about the emergency plans for the program you are attending.

• All students studying abroad receive an emergency contact card. Give a copy of this card to someone back home.

• At least one parent/guardian should have a valid passport in case an emergency occurs and they need to get to you abroad.

• Leave a copy of the following at home:

  • Passport

  • All ATM, debit, and credit cards (front and back)

  • Insurance cards, both primary and travel-specific (front and back), with plan information including contact details for the provider

For further health information, consider the following: 

•  and recommendations for travel health by country