Resources
It's a big world out there and it can be hard to find out where to get answers to your questions about traveling abroad - especially while you're traveling. As we researched and talked to other students we compiled a list of resources that we found helpful. You won't find everything here, but it's a great start.
Click a section below to see resources in that area.
Before You Go
Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/travel
1-888-232-3228
U.S. government's advice on vaccinations, immunizations, and general health conditions abroad
Travel Vaccination Locations
http://www.tmvc.com
Traveler’s medical and vaccination centers
Travel Insurance
http://www.globaltravelinsurance.com
United States Customs Service
http://www.customs.gov
Customs regulations for the U.S. and international governments
Study Abroad
US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs: Tips for Students Abroad
http://travel.state.gov/
Travel warnings, obtaining passports and visas, background notes on countries, foreign entry requirements, medical insurance, US Embassy or consulate locations, crisis abroad information, general safety precautions, travel benefits for students, and links to other sources of information for students
International Education Resource
http://www.goabroad.com
Programs abroad and travel resources: travel warnings, travel guides, Embassies, currency converter, travel insurance, hostels/accommodations, international ID cards
Best Study Abroad Resources
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/study/resources/index.shtml
Links to key publications, web sites, and articles on study abroad
AIFS Study Abroad Programs
http://www.aifsabroad.com
Information on International and summer study abroad programs
Traveling Abroad
Embassies
http://www.embassiesabroad.com
A quick guide to embassies around the world
Association for International Practical Training
http://www.aipt.org
Global training and cultural exchange programs for professionals or students
Frommers
http://www.frommers.com
Expert advice on individual travel destinations around the world
Lonely Planet
http://www.lonelyplanet.com
Another excellent source for advice on travel
Meet Your Neighbors
Culturegrams
http://www.culturegrams.com
Reference tool to give an insider’s perspective on individual countries’ culture: history, religion, customs, views, traditions, peoples,
and languages
Language Help
http://www.single-serving.com
Provides both audio and printable phrase guides to a host of languages
CIA World Factbook
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/
Summary of every country’s statistics: geographical boundaries, international disputes, climate, geography, economic indicators, demographics, government, communications, and defense
The Virtual Tourist
http://www.wings.buffalo.edu/world
Click on the atlas to zoom into the region of your choice.
Money Matters
Foreign Currency Exchange Rates
http://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h10/update
Universal Currency Converter
http://www.xe.net/ucc/
The online converter allows you to check current conversion rates by selecting the two currencies you’re interested in and the amount. Rates are updated every minute.
Western Union
http://www.westernunion.com
Money transfers, quick collect, send money online, bill payments, send cash worldwide
Tipping Abroad
http://www.tramex.com/tips/tipping.htm
Chart by Country
http://www.frommers.com
Search "tipping guides" by country
Metric Conversions of Measurement
http://www.onlineconversion.com
length/distance, temperature, speed, volume, weight/mass, date/time, and more
Transportation & Accommodations
Train Information
http://www.raileurope.com
1-888-382-7245
Schedules and fares in Europe
http://www.railserve.com
Schedules and fares worldwide
Eurail Passes and Information
http://www.euraildirect.com
1-800-4-EURAIL
International Road Signs and Signals
http://www.asirt.org/roadwatch.htm
Hostel Listings Worldwide
http://www.hostels.com
Thousands of mostly private hostel listings in North America and international
http://www.accommodationsabroad.com
Lists accommodations in order of name, type and price
Info & News
Live Radio Net
http://www.live-radio.net/info.shtml
Links to thousands of online radio stations worldwide
World Language Real-Time Chat and Forums
http://www.languagetrade.com
World Newspapers and Online Magazines
http://www.newsdirectory.com
http://www.worldpress.org/gateway.htm
http://world-newspapers.com
http://www.allyoucanread.com
http://www.thepaperboy.com.au/welcome.html
