Resources for Preparing
Passport Information:
If you are applying for a passport for the first time, you must go in person to one of the 7,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the U.S. The closest two facilities to MIT are the Central Square Post Office (770 Massachusetts Avenue) and the Kenmore Post Office (11 Deerfield Street). The passport application form can be downloaded from http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html. You will need to bring two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship (typically a birth certificate) and a valid form of photo identification (such as a driver's license). The total fee for a first time passport is approximately $100.00.
You also need to apply in person if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession, if your current U.S. passport has been lost or stolen, if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago or if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under the age of 16. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State's website regarding passports.
If you already have a valid passport, make sure that it will be valid through the end of your time abroad, leaving time for travel. Some countries require that your passport be valid for several months after your planned stay, so check with appropriate embassies.
Visa Information:
Most countries require visitors who plan to study abroad to obtain visas before entering. Check with the embassy of the foreign country where you plan to study for up-to-date visa and other entry requirements. If you plan to visit additional countries during, before or after your study abroad program, also check with the embassies of these countries for the visa and other entry requirements.
Please visit the U.S. Department of State's VISA website for more information.
International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
Before you leave for your study abroad program, purchase the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). It is the most widely accepted proof of international student identification. It offers basic accident, sickness, and emergency evacuation insurance while traveling outside the United States as well as the repatriation of remains benefit, and lost document replacement benefit (for cards purchased in the United States only). In addition, it offers a 24-hour, toll-free, emergency help line, reduced airfares on major international airlines, and discounts in the United States and abroad, including transportation, museum admissions and more. The card currently costs $22. For more information, please visit https://www.myisic.com/MyISIC/. Before departure, make a copy of your ISIC and store it in a safe place separately from the card. The copy will be very helpful, in case you lose the original card.
Tips for Traveling Abroad:
The following websites offer valuable travel tips:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html
http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/studying/studying_1238.html
Emergency Information before you go: http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1190.html
