First Time Travelers
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Connect with GLO Ambassadors who were also first-time travelers to learn more about travel preparations, daily life abroad, and their experiences in-country. Filter by Specialty > First-Time Traveler.
Worried about not having much (or any) travel experience? Not having traveled does not always mean that you will have greater difficulty on study abroad than more experienced participants. A first-time traveler who is organized, open-minded, and adaptable often has a better time, learns more, and is more of an asset to the group than an unprepared or irresponsible or inflexible person, regardless of their prior experiences.
Whether you’ve never left your hometown before or have traveled abroad before but never long term, on a program, or without your family – we’re here to guide you.
From buying a plane ticket to navigating airports, read on for tips and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a passport and how do I apply?
A passport is a document issued by your national government proving your identity and nationality. Almost all international travel requires that you have and carry a passport. You can apply for a U.S. passport by following the directions on the Department of State website. Learn more about passport.
What's a visa?
A visa is a government-issued immigration document granted by a consulate general or embassy, which allows you to legally study in a specific country for a specific date range. Typically, a visa is an endorsed sticker or stamp placed on the inside pages of your passport. Learn more about visa.
How do I buy a plane ticket?
You typically have two options for booking flights: using a travel agency or booking online. Once you are ready to make flight reservations, you are encouraged to check flight availability and fares on a variety of airlines and through various search engines. Learn more about buying a plane ticket .
What do I pack?
Packing lists are totally personal, but we recommend that you pack clothes that can be worn in layers: clothes of various weights in solid colors that can be mixed and matched. Also, research cultural expectations and average temperatures in your host country to guide your packing choices. Learn more about packing.
How do I check in for my flight?
The check-in process at airports enables passengers to confirm they will be on the correct flight, obtain a boarding pass, and check in luggage, if desired. You'll also want to make sure to check your flight status and leave for the airport several hours prior to your departure time. Learn more about checking in for a flight.
What do I do once I get to the airport?
International airports are usually large and can be complicated to navigate. First you'll get your boarding pass and check in your luggage. Then you'll go through security and, once through, find your boarding gate. Once there, you can get some snacks and wait until you board your flight. Learn more about airport procedures.
What is immigration and customs?
When you enter a different country, you will have go through the immigration process. For the vast majority of passengers the immigration process only takes a few minutes. Once you land, just follow the signs (and other passengers) to the immigration area. Learn more about immigration and customs.
Identify Resources
The better prepared you are for a new experience, the more you can enjoy it and learn from it. We suggest the following if you are applying to a program, have been accepted, or even if you would just like to be more knowledgeable about international travel.