• 30
  Apr
  2010

• Three Essential Steps for Exchange Students Preparing to Visit the U.S.

  
  Filed Under: Health Insurance
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If you are an international student planning to spend time in the U.S. as part of an exchange program, there are three steps you'll need to complete. These include preparing travel documents, familiarizing yourself with U.S. security standards, and purchasing exchange student health insurance.

To begin preparing travel documents, a great first step is to work with the school you will be studying at. They can help you secure your passport and visa. This is an important consideration to start thinking about when you first consider attending school as an exchange student, because processing these documents does not happen overnight. The incoming student department at the school you are visiting has the knowledge to make sure you get set up perfectly, and they will be happy to help you.

Next, you will want to get up to speed on U.S. travel security standards. Safety concerns have cause the U.S. to tighten its travel restrictions over the last decade, so there are certain items you will not be able to bring on board a plane. And you may want to prepare yourself for additional scrutiny as an incoming student from an international location. You can visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Web site to learn more about forbidden items and screening processes.

Third, most U.S. universities now require that new students (whether domestic or international) be able to show proof of medical insurance. Although you may have insurance in your home country, there's a good chance it will not cover you during your stay. Exchange student insurance will meet most schools' requirements, and it will also provide you with first class access to top quality medical care at an affordable rate during your stay.