Prepare to Study Abroad
Pre-Departure Tips and Resources
Don't take our word for it. Listen to these valuable pre-departure tips from returning students. Everything from communication to travel to safety. Take a look!
Applying for a U.S. Passport
The U.S. Department of State provides a step by step guide for first time passport applicants here:
Once you have completed the form, you will need to apply IN PERSON (details below). Please bring your Certified Birth Certificate, valid Driver’s License, photocopies of Certified Birth Certificate and valid Driver’s License/State ID, 1 Passport Photo and appropriate payment. At this time the fee for an adult passport is a total of $165. Please note this fee is is paid in two installments: one for the application fee, and one for the execution fee. Check the website for acceptable forms of payment.
Applying in Charleston?
You can take your completed application to one of two places:
Applying at home?
No problem! The U.S. Postal Service provides passport application services, and sometimes, photos. Using the "Find a Post Office" feature on their website, type in your home zip code and select the office closest to you. Please note that not every office accepts passport applications. From the "Location Types" drop-down menu, select "passports" for a list of those offices accepting applications. Please be aware that application hours may differ from office hours.
Renewing Your Passport?
Check your expiration date! Bear in mind that if you travel within 6 months of the expiration date, you may be denied travel. We suggest that all students renew ahead of their travel avoid this issue. Example: If your expiration date is December 31, 2020, you will want to renew in early 2020. Passports are valid for 10 years. Please refer to this link for questions: http://travel.state.gov/passport/renew/renew_833.html
Read through our Passport FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
Books
The William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad has a selection of books in our office that students are more than welcome to borrow.
Cultural Adjustment
Don't take our word for it. Listen to these valuable pre-departure tips from returning students. Everything from communication to travel to safety. Take a look!
Applying for a U.S. Passport
The U.S. Department of State provides a step by step guide for first time passport applicants here:
- Scroll down the page to find the “Forms" on the right hand side of the page.
- Below you will find a link for “DS-11: Application for Passport” blank PDF.
- Follow the link and print out the form.
Once you have completed the form, you will need to apply IN PERSON (details below). Please bring your Certified Birth Certificate, valid Driver’s License, photocopies of Certified Birth Certificate and valid Driver’s License/State ID, 1 Passport Photo and appropriate payment. At this time the fee for an adult passport is a total of $165. Please note this fee is is paid in two installments: one for the application fee, and one for the execution fee. Check the website for acceptable forms of payment.
Applying in Charleston?
You can take your completed application to one of two places:
Coles County Clerk Office on the Square
651 Jackson Avenue #122 Charleston, IL 61920
Phone: 217-348-0501
Open Monday-Friday from 8:30-4:30
651 Jackson Avenue #122 Charleston, IL 61920
Phone: 217-348-0501
Open Monday-Friday from 8:30-4:30
Charleston Post Office
667 Windsor Road (Carrier Annex)
Charleston, IL 61920
Phone: 217-345-2900
Accepting applications Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
667 Windsor Road (Carrier Annex)
Charleston, IL 61920
Phone: 217-345-2900
Accepting applications Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Applying at home?
No problem! The U.S. Postal Service provides passport application services, and sometimes, photos. Using the "Find a Post Office" feature on their website, type in your home zip code and select the office closest to you. Please note that not every office accepts passport applications. From the "Location Types" drop-down menu, select "passports" for a list of those offices accepting applications. Please be aware that application hours may differ from office hours.
Renewing Your Passport?
Check your expiration date! Bear in mind that if you travel within 6 months of the expiration date, you may be denied travel. We suggest that all students renew ahead of their travel avoid this issue. Example: If your expiration date is December 31, 2020, you will want to renew in early 2020. Passports are valid for 10 years. Please refer to this link for questions: http://travel.state.gov/passport/renew/renew_833.html
Read through our Passport FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
Books
The William V. Weber Program in Study Abroad has a selection of books in our office that students are more than welcome to borrow.
Cultural Adjustment
- Matador Creators Community
- Matador Creators Community's purpose is to provide young writers, journalists, photographers and filmmakers with a professional platform for publishing high-profile work based on their travels abroad.
- Travel Safety Info for Students
- This Department of State website will you better prepare so you can feel secure while abroad.
- Travel Tips for Students
- This Department of State website will help you plan what to bring, what to do before you leave, and some precautions while abroad.
- Background Notes (DOS)
- This Department of State website will give you facts about the land and people of the country where you wish to study.
- International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT)
- This website gives you information on Medical Assistance for travelers leaving the U.S.
- MedHelp
- Register with the U.S. Embassy
- Registering your trip with the U.S. Embassy lets them know you are abroad in event of a situation in your host country.
- Travelers' Health (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- This site lists recommended steps to take medically before going abroad (vaccinations, etc.) It also gives you information about the diseases that are prominent in your host country.
- Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public Announcements
- This site gives you information on any news, announcements, or warnings that have been made in your host country.
- U.S. Embassies and Consulates
- This site provides a list of all the U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world.
- TDS (for visa information and requirements)
- This site gives you information on how to obtain your visa as well as the status of your visa.
- Currency Converter (XE)
- XE can convert US Dollars to any currency you wish (ex. Costa Rican Colones) and can also convert from your desired currency to US Dollars. It gives currency rates in real time so you know how much your money is worth in the US and abroad.
- Mastercard/Cirrus ATM Locator
- If you have a MasterCard or Cirrus Card, you can use this link to find ATMs that use your card around the world.
- Visa ATM locator
- If you have a Visa Card, you can use this link to find ATMs that use your card around the world.
- Budget Flying within Europe
- This site gives you cheap options to fly within Europe.
- Mobility International (for students with disabilities)
- Mobility International is a non-profit organization that offers internship programs for people with disabilities and assisting people with disabilities with international volunteer or study programs.
- One Bag (tips on how to pack light)
- This site gives you tips on how to pack light so that you do not overpack.
- Kayak (book a cheap flight/hotel/car)
- Kayak is a resource to find cheap flights, hotels, and rental cars.
- Eurail (information about traveling by train in Europe)
- Eurail is the railway system in Europe and this site lets you book a train to anywhere in Europe.
- Hosteling International (book a hostel)
- This is a website where you can book a hostel in any country.
- Lonely Planet (travel information)
- This is another site that can give you information on your host country.
- Rough Guides
- Rough Guides is a publisher of travel and reference information.
- Routes International
- Routes International is a website that offers transportation and travel related references and travel booking information.