Tie up the Loose Ends at…

William and Mary

The time has come to say goodbye! I am leaving this week to finally begin my study abroad program over in the United Kingdom.  Right before you say Adios to the states, make sure you have checked the departments that require pre-approval and post-approval for transfer credit.   If a department requires post-approval for transfer credit then you don’t have to worry about paperwork until after you return to William and Mary.   If your department requires pre-approval, start filling out the paperwork a month before you depart. After dropping off your pre-approval forms, visit all your friends on campus before you leave.  Plan lunch in Colonial Williamsburg or plan a small get together at your sorority house as a nice farewell.  Tell your friends about your summer and make sure you have good conversation to remember while you are abroad.

Exchange School

Schedule your transportation from the airport to your exchange school.  Whether it is a shuttle provided by the school or taking the train to your destination, you need to find out and book it in plenty of time! You don’t want to be stranded in a big unusual airport without your mom.  Make sure you read all the emails sent by your exchange school and follow the directions on how to set up your school account.  Don’t forget to read literature about the attractions of your country and make a wish list of things you would like to do.

Packing

Purchase everything on your packing list and pack your checked bags at least four days before departure.  Most airlines will charge for bags over 50 pounds so weigh your bags on a household scale before going to the airport. Be sure that your bags are 45 pounds or less just in case your scale is minutely inaccurate.   Don’t pack unnecessary items and  be very stingy with what you are taking. Only pack three pairs of shoes—preferably some for the rain, boots, and  a pair of dress shoes. You should wear your tennis shoes on your flight so you have four pairs of shoes in total.  Only pack your favorite outfits along with your bedding in space saver bags . Finally, pack as many necessary toiletries without going over the weight limit as you can.

Financially

You should buy the equivalent of 200 US dollars in the local currency.  AAA offers services for exchanging currency and they have passport cards where you can exchange up to $4000.00 for Euros or Pounds.  This is useful because it is in the local currency and you will not be charged a conversion fee every time you swipe the card.  The AAA card is reloadable and it acts as a gift card so you don’t have to inconvenience your bank.  Even though you may not have many transactions through the bank with a prepaid visa, notify your bank that you are going abroad just in case you have to purchase something in an emergency with your debit or credit card.

Home

I made sure to visit all the family in the area to say goodbye. If you’re lucky, the people you visit will give you some spare change for the trip and that can be very handy.  Take pictures with them and then make a photo slideshow as your screensaver so homesickness won’t hit you like a Mac truck. Remember, there is always Skype and though you may miss some major holidays the experience will be worth it.