International Travel PREPARATIONS

The following information was prepared for the "Know Before You Go" annual workshop, an information session for Graduate Students planning International Research Abroad. For more information, you can contact the information session presenters.

ACADEMIC PREPARATIONS

Absentia Registration Policy Refer to the Graduate School’s Policies for the full policy, eligibility rules, and tuition information. [note: change link to registration status and leaves of absence section in Bulletin HTML version.

Be sure you obtain letters of introduction from your faculty advisor and the Yale University Library Privileges Office: smlcirc@yale.edu, as well as a general University Letter of Introduction from the Office of the Secretary.

Financial Aid Be sure to meet with a Graduate School Financial Aid Officer before you leave to take care of all of your financial arrangements. Make an appointment by calling 432-2739.

STIPENDS: If you will receive stipend through Yale during your time abroad you should sign up for direct deposit with the GS Financial Aid office, HGS 129.

LOANS: US citizens are eligible for Federal loans if you can certify that you will be working at least half time on your dissertation. Funds will be credited to your bursar account. See the GS Financial Aid office for more information.

Library Access Visit the Yale Libraries Website for tips on identifying collections, obtaining access, foreign library etiquette, and a checklist.

Be sure you obtain letters of introduction from your faculty advisor and the Yale University Library Privileges Office: smlcirc@yale.edu

Applying for Fellowships While You're Abroad Information, application forms, and links to other opportunities can be found on the Graduate School’s web pages on Yale Fellowships and Fellowship Databases.

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TRAVEL PREPARATIONS

Yale Travel Policy The Graduate School strongly encourages students traveling abroad to consult the Yale University International Travel Policy and the list of Travel Warning Countries.

Students should sign and submit the Assumption of Risk form to the agency funding their research. If a Yale entity such as YCIAS or the Graduate School, submit it there. If it's an outside funding agency, submit it to your Associate Dean.

For specific information on Yale's policy on travel to countries with health crises consult the Yale Health & Travel Advisories.

In addition, the United States Department of State travel warnings and announcements should be consulted before departure.

All Non-US Citizens should check with the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) regarding visa issues.

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Immunization Information The Yale University Health Services Travel Clinic provides information and immunizations for individuals traveling abroad. Make an appointment 8-10 weeks prior to travel, as some immunizations take time to administer. Appointments are available Tuesday afternoons or other times as needed. 432-0093. The clinic is fee-for-service and not covered by the Health Plan.

The Graduate School provides a “Health Preparation for Travel” fellowship to eligible Ph.D. students working on the dissertation. The fellowship provides reimbursement for the cost of consultation and inoculations at the Yale University Travel Clinic as well as travel related prescriptions.

To apply for the fellowship, have your DGS sign the Travel Clinic Certification form. When you go to the Yale Travel Clinic make sure to tell them to bill your bursar account for the charges and then bring the form, along with your receipts for the clinic and prescriptions to the Financial Aid Office, HGS 129. They will apply a credit to your bursar account for all appropriate charges.

Important Note: please make sure the receipt that you provide for the prescriptions includes the name of the prescription.

Health Insurance Coverage Yale Health Plan coverage does NOT provide for routine out-of-area coverage. Emergency care IS provided. See the UHS student handbook for specific coverage information. Consult a YHP Member Services representative for specific information about Emergency Care or your personal coverage situation.

Be sure to take the appropriate numbers to call toll-free to Yale Health Plan (YHP) while traveling in other countries. See the Healthy Travel Information on the YUHS Student Health Education website.

Travel Insurance MEDEX Benefit Program All Yale Students are enrolled in the MEDEX program which provides Medical Assistance, Evacuation and Repatriation Services, Emergency Travel Arrangements, and Personal Emergency Assistance (lost/stolen passports, emergency transfer of funds, continuous updates to family, home physician, and/or employer as requested). Pick up a card and brochure at Yale Travel Services or the Travel Clinic.

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Budgeting and Banking Considerations
Budgeting Considerations:
Tuition, library fees, rent, meals, health insurance, transportation, communications, clothes, personal expenses, family expenses, recreation, travel. The Lonely Planet is a helpful guide to estimating costs.

Banking Considerations:
Questions to ask yourself about what's best for your situation: Should you open an account abroad? What are the fees for accessing your US account from foreign ATM's? How will you pay your recurring bills while you’re away? Do you remember your ATM PIN by letters instead of numbers (International ATM's may not have letters on the pin pad)?

Documents and Contact Info to Bring
Documents: Official transcripts, medical and dental records, prescriptions for medication and eyeglasses, marriage certificate (birth certificates for spouse and children), International driver’s license

Contact Information: Advisor, DGS office, Associate Dean, YHP toll-free numbers, US Embassy or Consulate for visa or other problems, Local contacts for housing issues, personal or adjustment problems, trouble with the language, community activities.

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