Student travel makes the study abroad experience memorable and exciting. It entails getting to your new home and exploring while you’re there.

Students traveling abroad get to see the world in a whole new way. And with a little advanced planning, student travel can be stress-free and memorable.

Preparing for Student Travel Abroad

Planning for student travel abroad should start months before you leave. You’ll need certain documents, including:

• A U.S. passport
• A visa from the country or countries you plan to visit.

These are typically granted to students for a limited time to study or travel.

Student travel agencies like STA Travel can help get the appropriate documents for you.

Up, Up and Away

A student travel agency like StaTravel can help make the student travel planning process easier, especially when it comes to finding a flight.  These agencies specialize in student travel discounts and can provide you with up-to-date information and special travel deals on international student flights and more.

Sneakers, Mopeds, Buses and Trains

Once you arrive in your adopted new country you may find that local travel is different than what you’re accustomed to.

In many countries the car is a luxury reserved for the wealthy, so residents rely on public transportation like local subway systems, mopeds, or bikes.

• Many countries have excellent rail systems, both traditional and high speed, that make student travel abroad quick and easy. Some of the most popular include: The Britrail  for traveling through Great Britain and The Eurostar or Chunnel train that links England and France via the English Channel. A Eurail pass can make traveling throughout Europe simple and inexpensive  - especially with student travel abroad discounts.
• For destinations like the countryside and other rural areas you can often take a bus or join an established tour group. Not only can you learn about the country you’re visiting, you’ll also be exposed to its culture more fully.
• When students travel abroad, it’s usually cheaper to purchase rail line passes and bus tours in advance. You can find student travel discounts, special rates, and student travel advice through a low cost travel site like Travelocity or other student travel agencies like it.
• Additionally, websites like Railpass.com sell rail passes for many different international rail lines. Don’t forget to plan ahead for sightseeing and exploring before or after your program.

If cost is an issue, there are study abroad loan options that can help. You’re about to embark on a one-in-a-lifetime adventure, s be sure to actually see the country.

Resting Your Weary Head

Youth hostels provide inexpensive accommodations for students traveling abroad on a student budget plan. If you’re willing to overlook a few inconveniences like curfews, and shared rooms and bathrooms, a youth hostel might help you extend your travel budget.

• Student travel agencies and other organizations like Hostelling International can provide hostel listings and safety data, as well as information on obtaining an International Youth Hostel Pass.
• Pensions, which are usually a step up from a hostel, but not quite as nice as a hotel, provide another lodging option. In a pension you may get a private room, but you will probably have to share a bathroom with others and observe a curfew.

Student Flights and Student Flight Discounts

Student flight discounts are available for students traveling abroad. You can find cheap international airfare through student travel agencies or on your own. Be sure to have all of your legal documentation in order and plan to stay a little longer to explore your host country, and those around it.

For more information about international student flights, click here.

Britrail Passes and Traveling By Train

The Britrail, the Eurostar, and other rail lines can make student travel abroad easy, inexpensive, and quite enjoyable. Don’t forgo your opportunity to see the world while you study abroad. Getting the full˜study abroad experience” is as much about exploring as it is about in-class study.

Learn more about traveling by train in other countries.

Student Hostels Around the World

Student hostels and pensions in Europe, Australia, and other countries where you might study or travel abroad will provide an affordable place to rest. Students traveling abroad on a student budget will appreciate their no-nonsense, low-cost approach to lodging. Also when you stay in a hostel, you’ll be sure to meet interesting people that will add to the fun of your trip.

Discover the benefits of staying at a hostel.

Study Abroad Packing Tips

When you decide to pack you need to make sure you have the essentials that will make your study abroad experience an enjoyable one.

Find out what you need to pack for your study abroad trip