Flight Information
- For most programs, getting to your host institution is your responsibility.
- You need to investigate the best deals and purchase your round-trip plane ticket yourself.
- Before you purchase your plane ticket you should be officially accepted by your program.
- You will need to know the official starting and ending dates of your program, as well as any required orientation dates, so that you can make sure to arrive on the correct day.
- Buying a ticket that can have the dates changed for a small fee is often a good option if you are unsure about when you want to return to the U.S. This ticket is usually called an “open jaw return” ticket and may cost a bit more than the cheapest tickets, but if you get a flat tire on the way to the airport or if something unexpected comes up, you will be able to revise your plans without too much difficulty. You can normally purchase a “flexible ticket” from STA Travel or Student Universe.
- You might not be let out of the U.S. or into your host country without your proper visa and proof of your expected return date.
- If you are trying to make your travel plans ahead, you will not be able to purchase a round trip ticket too early, because of the airline regulation that restricts your ability to purchase a return flight that is more than 11 months (333 days) from your purchase date.
- For example, if it is currently early May and you are traveling the next Spring semester (Jan – May), you wouldn’t be able to purchase your round trip ticket until your purchase date is within the 333 day rule. In this example, the earliest you could purchase your flight would be the June before you depart.
Here are some travel agencies that specialize in student or budget travel:
STA Travel – www.statravel.com
Student Universe – www.studentuniverse.com
Travel Cuts – www.travelcuts.com
Travelocity – www.travelocity.com
Expedia – www.expedia.com
Orbitz – www.orbitz.com
Hotwire – www.hotwire.com
Sidestep – www.sidestep.com
- Do not feel obligated to purchase your plane tickets with only these suggested companies. There are many travel agencies to make arrangements with. Be creative and explore your options.
- Your parents may even have flight miles that you can use to purchase your ticket.
- We encourage you to make arrangements with other students on your program if possible. The overseas flight is a great opportunity to get to know your study abroad buddies!
- Once you know your arrival plans, be sure to inform the Center for Global Education and your contact person or coordinator at your host institution. They need to know when to expect you and will be able to give you directions to your orientation or might even be able to make arrangements for someone to meet you at the plane/train station.
- Finally, upon arrival in your host country, don’t forget to let your parents and staff in the Center for Global Education know that you arrived safely.